Located in downtown Richmond, the new Basketball Development Center provides a state-of-the-art recruitment and development facility for both men’s and women’s programs. The design both celebrates the VCU Rams basketball programs and connects fans and passersby. Clerestory lighting and expanses of translucent glass foster a sense of openness and fellowship with the surrounding campus community.

The basketball practice courts are the heart of the new facility and are available day and night for players and coaches to hone their craft. The courts are conceived not only as ‘practice’ spaces, but also as ‘training’ and ‘education’ spaces. Dedicated zones outside the playing boundaries accommodate aerobic and resistance training equipment. Film rooms adjacent to the court offer the ability for teams to flow effortlessly from film room to practice floor without significant down-time.

Interior spaces resonate with the passion and energy of the VCU men’s and women’s basketball programs. In the public spaces, a rich palette of terrazzo flooring, wood paneling, perforated metal, and glass provides a powerful backdrop for the VCU story conveyed throughout the facility. The second floor team areas transition to a more youthful architectural character, reflecting the contemporary materiality and aesthetics appealing to recruits and players.

Referencing the neighborhood context, vertically articulated red brick and zinc tiles evoke textures from adjacent buildings. Perforated metal panels provide solar-shading and glare control, and create a dynamic focal point as visitors arrive. Brick, glass, and slate wrap the ground floor entrance spaces, further connecting VCU athletics to its urban context.