John Reed grew up in rural Carlisle, PA the son of an architect. Interestingly, John Reed’s father also grew up in rural Carlisle, PA the son of an architect.

Technology Infusion, Personal Fitness and Flexible Space The revamped Student Recreation Center at University of California Riverside (UCR) has become a hub of positive energy – strengthening campus culture, promoting health and wellness across campus, securing design awards and also serving as a new campus icon for UCR. The new facility allows for key synergies across recreation, intramurals, student health services, counseling, housing, dining and other student resources while also boasting a striking swimming pool, bouldering wall and other amenities. One of the drivers for this successful effort is Lindy Fenex, Recreation Director at UCR. Proud of the building’s success on campus, Fenex has joined our own Jenny Delgado at conferences…

Integrated Stadiums Sports stadiums across North America may differ in seating capacity, video board size or the retractability of their roofs, but they are typically large complexes surrounded by a sea of parking and detached from their surrounding communities and cities. While this model has created legendary facilities, it is a dated view on the impact and value these venues can offer. Fortunately, we’re beginning to see visionary planning that positions leading international stadiums as engines for economic growth, cultural renaissance and urban development. A view of the Hamilton Stadium from inside the public concourse area. At the center of this positive trend in stadium development is Canada, a nation…

This summer’s Women’s World Cup (WWC) has showcased the premier female soccer players in the world and the best of Canadian sport and competition venues. Every match and round of the WWC has been held in premier stadiums and leading Canadian cities – it has proven a remarkable success for the entire nation. Building on that momentum, the WWC semifinals and championship match are hosted by three of Canada’s most historic and accomplished stadiums: Olympic Stadium in Montreal, Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton and BC Place in Vancouver. Each of these venues has built a reputation for sports excellence by consistently hosting professional and international competitions. Still, the challenge of hosting…

For sports lovers, spending a day surrounded by energized fans watching the games and athletes we love is never a bad experience. I had the good fortune of such an experience last week when I traveled to Lansdowne Park in Ottawa to enjoy a Women’s World Cup match on a beautiful 75 degree day. Having been part of the CannonDesign team that worked both to create Lansdowne Park and help Canada prepare for the Women’s World Cup across the country, the day proved truly rewarding. Hosting a major international sporting event is always an exciting challenge for a nation. Looking back, there were key challenges and steps we took along…

Planning for the Future Colleges and universities built around the turn of the 20th century continue to deal with the challenge of trying to expand and reinvigorate recreation centers never designed for expansion. These key facilities were designed to meet the needs of the campus population at the time they were built, with little thought for the future. However, as campus trends evolve and universities plan for the future, several of these iconic facilities simply lack the space to successfully support modern campus recreation demands. This reality places universities in an interesting position – how do you strategically expand a building never intended for expansion? Or, how do you create…

2015 Women’s World Cup As soccer lovers across the globe tune in to the 2015 Women’s World Cup (WWC), they’ll also be turning their attention to Canada – a country proving itself as a mainstay in the epicenter of global sports. Just five years removed from the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games, Canada is set to host the largest Women’s World Cup in history with 24 teams playing 52 matches across six different cities from Moncton to Vancouver. Next month, the 2015 Toronto Pan American and Parapan American Games will be the largest multi-sport event the country has ever hosted – drawing more athletes and sports than even the 2010 Olympics….