The new Student Life Center at the University of Utah is designed to be a transformative addition to the campus, serving as a dynamic hub for social and recreational activities. This student-supported project was developed with extensive student input, ensuring that the design reflects the needs and desires of the university community from the very beginning. The facility aims to enhance the quality of life on campus by creating a space where students can connect, relax, and engage in a variety of recreational activities.

Inspired by Utah's distinctive desert landscape, the building’s design incorporates a playful and uplifting aesthetic. The color palette draws from the vibrant orange and red hues of the surrounding landscape to the south, while the angular surfaces throughout the structure evoke the region's iconic red rock formations. The design not only connects to the natural surroundings but also reflects the energy and spirit of the students it serves, creating an environment that is both inspiring and functional.

The Student Life Center brings together previously scattered Campus Recreation Services into one unified facility. The recreation center boasts a variety of amenities, including a natatorium with a 50-meter lap pool, a leisure pool, and a whirlpool. The two-level, 17,000 SF fitness center is equipped with cardio equipment, weight machines, and free weights. Other features include a three-court gym with a suspended track, an auxiliary two-court gym, a 10-foot-tall bouldering wall, a 54-foot-tall climbing wall, racquetball courts, and four group fitness studios. The project is expected to achieve LEED Silver certification, further emphasizing the university's commitment to sustainability.