Robson & Lindley Aquatic Center and Barr-McMillion Natatorium
Dallas
Photo: Steve Hinds Photography
Architect: Brinkley Sargent Wiginton Architects
Aquatic Consultant/Designer: Counsilman-Hunsaker
Builder: Beck Group
Landscape Architect: Christopher Miller
Structural Engineering: L.A. Fuess Partners
MEP Engineering: M-E Engineers
Civil Engineering: Raymond L. Goodson Jr. Inc.
NEWLY HALLOWED HALLS
Serving Dallas’ Southern Methodist University, this new aquatics center provides a competition venue that not only incorporates the newest technology and conveniences but also helps anchor the campus.
The building serves as the entry portal from the east, so it carries architectural significance for the university. To ensure the building lives up to its lofty role, designers conformed with SMU’s traditional aesthetic, derived of brick, cast stone accents and copper. This leaves the impression that the structure has been there the whole 103 years. The primary focal point, the rotunda, gives a nod to traditional Georgian architecture and serves as the center’s entryway.
The historical exterior conceals a modern, technologically advanced interior for swimming and diving. The eight-lane, 50-meter pool features one bulkhead. Divers have 3- and 5-meter springboard diving platforms and a 10-meter platform dive tower. Locker rooms, coaching offices, classrooms and spectator seating for 800 rounds out the amenities.
On the technology side, the facility features multiple high-resolution cameras above and below water to help coaches and swimmers review technique. Several scoreboards and three video boards enhance the spectator experience.
The facility received LEED Gold status.
SUPPLIERS
ADA lifts/ ladders/grab bars/ starting blocks: Spectrum Aquatics
Aquatic camera system: SwimPro
Bulkheads: Stark Bulkhead Co.
Controller/control system: BECS Technology
Dehumidifiers: Seresco Technologies
Filtration systems/gutters: Neptune Benson
Floor covering: SGM and Dal-Tile
Lighting: Musco Sports Lighting
Lockers: Longhorn Locker Company
Pool cleaner: Harmsco Filtration Products; Aqua Products
Pumps: Pentair Commercial Aquatics
Racing lines: Competitor Swim
Sanitization systems: Pulsar; Stenner; Environmental Test Systems
Scoreboard/timing systems: Colorado Time Systems
Seating/bleachers: Southern Bleacher Co.
Sparger system: Pulsar
Springboards: Durafirm
Swimsuit extractors: Extractor Corp.