Yawkey Student Recreation Center

Emmanuel College, Boston, MA
A new building revitalizes the college community and animates the quad
By creatively adding to an existing building, our design not only created the college’s fitness and student center/dining facility; it also shaped an important new green space at the heart of the campus. Our design places activity within the building on display to the campus and animates the quad.
This new facility was the first capital project to emerge from the campus master plan developed by Goody Clancy. It defines a major new green space at the heart of the campus and projects a warm, welcoming image.
- As a significant addition on the front of Marian Hall, Yawkey is strategically positioned opposite the historic Administration Building, which was subsequently renovated and expanded by Goody Clancy.
- The north façade facing the quad is nearly all glass. This provides daylight and views out to the campus, and places the glow of the building’s interior on view after dark. Inside, the public areas are extensively daylit and are linked by an inviting open stair that defines casual seating near the recreation facilities.
- The two-story atrium is bounded on the south side by the former exterior wall of Marian Hall, and contains the dining area for the food servery located in the existing building.


