The new 75,000 square foot Tennis Center is a state-of-the-art practice and competition facility at the heart of Ohio State’s Athletic District.
The Studio was hired for their expertise in the sports and recreation markets relating to design for spectator sightlines and functional locker room and player amenity areas. The 75,000-square-foot facility features six indoor courts with theater-style spectator seating. Plus, three loge boxes that serve as a VIP area, a unique feature to collegiate tennis courts. Fans now have a great view of all the on-court action, restrooms and concessions were carefully located to keep views for every indoor match. Full height windows along the mezzanine level allow for panoramic views of the exterior courts, as well.
Locker rooms and training facilities for both the men’s and women’s teams are perfectly positioned for access to the interior and adjacent exterior courts. One feature the building namesake and Director of Tennis at Ohio State, Ty Tucker, specifically requested is a rotunda-style locker room, designed so every player has a common space and view of the coaching wall. Frosted exterior windows in the locker rooms might seem like a small detail, but it’s one that makes a world of difference. “The windows give players natural light and a sense of what’s happening outside while maintaining privacy, which we thought was critical,” says architect Danial Hanes.
Strategically placed within the facility, the interior courts offer year-round usability and seamless visual connectivity to surrounding viewing areas and support spaces.
Mezzanine-style seating optimizes sightlines to the courts from every vantage point.
Anchoring the locker room is the University's logo.
A minimalist aesthetic and clean architectural lines create a restrained backdrop that allows the university’s branding and color palette to take visual precedence.
This conference room provides clear sightlines to both the outdoor courts and the adjacent interior courts, allowing coaches and staff to observe practice with ease.
Aerial view of the courts.
Like a championship team, our bench is deep in project expertise and what we can offer. Our contribution to the new 20,000-seat Columbus Soccer Club Stadium, opening July 2021, is a prime example.
When The Ohio State University challenged the Studio team with the question, “How can you make a utility building, like a pump station, look less utilitarian?” we were game to find the perfect answer. Working in partnership with the civil engineers at EMH&T, our team created a structure with a classic, brick firehouse feel. Furthering improvement around Cannon Drive, The Studio built up the entrance with brick pillars, and enhanced parking with the Dodd garage.
About The Author
Dan Hanes - Architect
Danial Hanes established The Columbus Architectural Studio based on the principle of “doing work that is worth doing”. This concept has guided him through his 30 years of experience and has been a cornerstone of the firm since its inception in 2016. Having worked on a variety of projects, ranging from multi-family residences to professional sports stadiums and even a chicken coop, his focus has remained the same: the client, transparency, and good design. With the aim of inspiring and improving his community, he emphasizes building relationships rather than egos. Danial’s commitment to Columbus and his profession has led him to advocate for inclusion, community, and engagement among professionals, students, and those interested in the field. He has served as the past Chair of The Center for Architecture and Design, and is currently a board member of the Columbus chapter of The American Institute of Architects. His firm is also a proud sponsor of NOMA's Columbus Chapter. Despite the demands of his packed calendar, he consistently finds opportunities to guide and inspire the next wave of architects.