Branding a Dynamic Student Body and Mind Wellness Experience 

The Student Recreation Center has become an essential recruiting tool for college campuses. The tour for prospective students often begins or ends here. It is a showcase of offerings, amenities and culture. Amazing workout spaces and wellness facilities can be the deciding factor for an incoming freshman. And this generation of student expects more than the dingy thrown-together weight rooms of the past. They expect an experience – whether it be a high-end, high-tech, high-impact gym, or a zen spa-like experience, they expect an experience.

The UW Recreation and Wellness team approached Thysse to help them create a dynamic student experience for the new Nicholas Recreation Center – which was still in the architectural planning phase.

Thysse began the design process by working with staff, administrators, student representatives and the architects to correctly convey the message and culture that was so important to the overall facility experience. Thysse instituted weekly meetings throughout the two-year project to make sure everyone was on the same page with design as well as architectural, engineering and electrical needs.

As the graphics were being installed and the teams’ vision became realized, Thysse was hired for the group’s next project. This is our idea of success – doing good work and building long-term relationships. Working well with others is what we do.