University of Tennessee

Knoxville, Tennessee
The Recreational Sports division at the University of Tennessee serves students, faculty, and the community by providing sport and fitness facilities. The T-RECS building, an addition to the RecSports facilities, is at the forefront of fitness and recreation, boasting four full-sized interior basketball courts, an indoor circular track, and a workout area that includes cardiovascular and strength training equipment.

The building’s interior colors and signage did not reflect the high-energy atmosphere associated with all the recreational activities housed within. The university was looking for a way to bring more vitality to the interior spaces.

Swath designed environmental graphics to create visual interest in open space areas, invigorate the interiors, and aid in wayfinding. Through the use of photographs, graphic patterning, and colors, the graphics are intended to inspire those who use the building and work as a wayfinding device. Signage was designed using a standard sign system with graphic inserts that repeat the patterning used on banners and wall graphics.