4. Design Concept
6. Destination
8. Journey
10. Intersection
12. Site
16. Master Plan
18. Arrival/Entrance
22. Headquarters
24. Mess Hall & Amphiteater Site Plan
26. Mess Hall
30. Amphitheater
32. Barracks & Classroom Site Plan
34. Classroom
38. Barracks
44. Beaverdome Training Facility
For candidates, the University of Health & Performance campus represents a journey that is both physical and emotional. Designed as a literal and metaphorical transition from military to civilian life, the campus is a place of exploration, possibility, and ultimately evolution. A multidisciplinary team of architects and designers at Workshop/APD has designed each space and structure – and perhaps more importantly – the spaces between each destination on campus – to support and encourage four key pillars of the program; intellectual, physical, emotional, and spiritual growth.
EMOTIONAL
PHYSICAL
Each distinct space in the built environment represents a programmatic destination and is designed to support FitOps training while inspiring and uplifting candidates. These structures include the classroom, physical training facilities, mess hall and culinary education center, amphitheater, headquarters and welcome center, and barracks.
EMOTIONAL
PHYSICAL
COLLABORATE
RESPECT
The University of Health and Performance represents a transitional phase for participants, and this journey is reflected in interstitial spaces between activities and structures as well. The campus features pathways and intersections that encourage organic exploration and moving meditation, occasionally taking an unexpected, but always inspiring turn.
BRIDGE
BRIDGING NATURE
COLLABORATING WITH NATURE
SLICING NATURE
RESPECTING NATURE
At the heart of the University is an opportunity to find passion and excitement in a new chapter. Where the paths between spaces intersect, participants will discover a series of follies and installations intended to spark joy, invite reflection, and inspire curiosity, representing a shift from stagnation to reinvention.
Nestled in a rolling, wooded river valley spanning the Arkansas and Oklahoma border, the University of Health & Performance is strategically located within a stone’s throw of Bentonville, Arkansas. The city, emerging as a cultural and commercial hub in the region, presents candidates with a wealth of inspiration, opportunities, and easy access to campus through the Northwest Arkansas regional airport. The landscape is perfect for outdoor exploration, and in addition to hiking, climbing and water sports, it is considered a top mountain biking destination.
SITE BOUNDARY
1. Looking towards Beaverdome from Barracks Phase I
2. Looking towards Chimney Rock from the Obstacle Course
3. Looking towards the Low Obstacle Course from across the creek
4. View of the creek from the future Classroom Building
5. View out towards southwest from the future HQ Building
6. Looking towards the Valley Obstacle Course from the main road
Chimney- Rock Obstacle Course
Low Obstacle Course
Classroom
Parking
Parade Field
Creekside Training Facility
Mess Hall
Amphitheater
Staff Residence
Headquarters
Lakeside Training Facility
Valley Obstacle Course
Barracks
Forested
A striking, modern arrivals gate – crafted from authentic, living materials – greets participants and draws a line between past and future, the outside world and the University program. Designed in concrete and Cor-Ten steel, the gate is designed to age and transform with the landscape over time in a nod to the University’s unique site.
Situated down the road from the University of Health and Performance’s entrance on one of the site’s highest points, headquarters offers a view of the entire campus. In addition to housing administrative offices, the building will serve as a first stop for candidates, hosting orientation and other preliminary meetings. Designed to echo the clean, modern lines and rustic materials employed throughout campus, headquarters provides a glimpse of what is to come as candidates embark on their journey.
AMPHITHEATER
STAFF CABIN
A series of gabled masses housing a kitchen, dining area, and support building comprise the UH&P Mess hall, which is designed to frame sweeping views of the Spavinaw creek and surrounding hills from every angle. Its simple, peaked forms are multiplied and repeated, creating a sense of familiarity and comfort in a stylish, modern setting. The dining area will do double duty as an event space, and the kitchen will also serve as a culinary training facility for candidates. A series of lushly landscaped accessible ramps and a social stair detail lead to an outdoor patio as well as the adjoining amphitheater.
The amphitheater draws from the site’s natural topography and takes advantage of the same vistas highlighted by the nearby mess hall, including Spavinaw creek and Chimney Rock beyond. The design’s wood risers carve lush, grassy seating into the existing landscape, creating a compelling space for gatherings, lectures and conversation on a large or intimate scale.
AMPHITHEATER
The earth berm-style classroom’s landscaped roof serves as a functional and architectural feature for candidates to enjoy. The roof shelters a bright, airy building below in standing seam metal, glazed on two sides to further engage the idyllic site. Within, two instructional spaces will be used for a wide range of educational programs.
Gabled, standing seam metal barracks offer an elevated take on familiar accommodations. A modern cabin aesthetic brings warmth and civilian comfort to the traditional, utilitarian structures through natural textures, woodgrain detailing and pops of signature grey-blue in the barracks’ shared interior spaces.
The University of Health and Performance’s Beaverdome provides training space in a climate-controlled shipping container structure originally developed by BeaverFit for the British military. A series of perimeter containers are connected by a truss system and fabric roof, offering trainers and candidates a familiar backdrop for fitness education. The facility’s utilitarian aesthetic is offset by high-contrast black, white and signature blue graphics, offsetting the colors and materials used throughout the campus.
DESIGN CONCEPT BY