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Soo Health & Sports Center

Saly Elsols

The Soo Health & Sports Center in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, is a community-focused facility that fuses sustainability, cultural reverence, and contemporary design. Created as part of an architectural studio initiative, the building reflects a deep sensitivity to both place and purpose. Its structure is composed of mass timber, grounding the space in warmth and environmental responsibility, while the envelope features a mix of metal panels, stone, and wood—materials chosen to echo the region’s industrial legacy and natural beauty. Photovoltaic arrays on the roof supply renewable energy, aligning the building with LEED standards. Central to the design are five internal courtyards, arranged in a pattern inspired by the Ojibwa medicine wheel, symbolizing balance, healing, and the interconnectedness of all life. These outdoor rooms bring light, air, and meaning into the building, enriching both user experience and cultural dialogue. The center is a thoughtful synthesis of architecture, sustainability, and Indigenous respect.

Major

M.Arch

Department

Architecture

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