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Few facilities are situated in close proximity to a natural setting as dramatic as that facing Ryan Fieldhouse, located a literal stone’s throw from the shores of Lake Michigan. Few facility designs could hope to take better advantage, according to our panelists.

Facilities of Merit winners were selected in July by a panel of seven architects at the conclusion of two days of deliberations at AB Media headquarters in Madison, Wis. Next month, the architects, consultants and facility owners behind each winning project will be honored at a reception at the Athletic Business Conference & Expo in Orlando.

Thanks to all 54 entrants for helping ensure the program’s high level of competition, and congratulations to the 2019 Facilities of Merit. — The Editors

Ryan Fieldhouse and Walter Athletics Center Northwestern University

Perkins and Will | Chicago, Ill.

Location : Evanston, Ill.

“This is a transformational building, and has caused others to rethink what a training facility could be. There isn’t another indoor field house like it.” — Andrew Kelly

With a full-length football practice field located on the second level, and a wall of windows stretching end line to end line, the venue’s exterior views — rarely a field house consideration — are truly unique. That said, judges were also struck by how such grand design gestures are complemented by tasteful branding and detailing throughout the facility, which houses practice, performance, nutrition and sports medicine spaces for some 500 Northwestern University student-athletes.

“The unique site dictated a special response, and the designers certainly delivered. The unique structure of the practice volume highlights the building’s imaging.” — Jon Niemuth

“Restraint in the use of materials allows the simple forms of the building to stand out,” said one judge. “How the project engages the site and lake is well thought out and incorporated. Great project.”

“The project reflects a wonderful design solution that utilizes simple, pure forms integrated into the site context. The use of materials, sophisticated brand integration and highlighted structural systems all add to the beauty of the design.” — Mark Williams