New Approach to Fitness is Open to the Public

FRISCO, TX—From its retractable glass façade that opens to an indoor/outdoor football field to the strength training room surrounded by glass walls, the new Baylor Scott & White Health Sports Therapy and Research complex puts human health and sports performance on public display. The 300,000-square-foot complex, which recently celebrated its grand opening on the Dallas Cowboys campus, The Star, is an educational opportunity for visitors as much as it is a healthcare destination for athletes.

“We’re seeing a fascinating trend emerge at the intersection of sports performance and healthcare design—one that we think could start a sea change in population health nationwide,” says Don Dethlefs, principal and chair of Perkins+Will’s sports, recreation and entertainment practice. “In each case, our clients have shared one vision: help entire communities achieve holistic health by improving individuals’ physical fitness.”

Upon entering through the front doors, patients and visitors observe the science of athleticism and sports medicine, along with the relationship between physical activity and well being. And, patients have the opportunity to use the same facilities for their own healthcare needs.

“The complex is designed to showcase the link between active lifestyles and physical health so that every visitor leaves feeling more informed and inspired,” says Ron Stelmarski, principal at architecture firm Perkins+Will and lead designer of the complex. “Wellness education and inspiration, coupled with a holistic approach to diagnosis, treatment and recovery, promote the health and well being of a community. The Sports Therapy and Research facility is a shining example of a new kind of architecture that supports the improvement of population health through physical fitness.”

At the foundation of this new kind of architecture, Stelmarski explains, is a convergence of healthcare, science and technology, sports and recreation, workplace, branded environment, urban planning and, to a certain extent, civic design. That is because parts of the complex can be transformed into public gathering places for community events and performances.

“It is open to all ages and all skill levels. The level of comprehensive one-stop-shop treatment is very unique. You don’t need to be a world-class athlete to receive world-class treatment at this facility,” Stelmarski tells GlobeSt.com.

This melding of design typologies allows Baylor Scott & White Health to offer patients an innovative one-stop-shop approach to sports medicine and rehabilitation services. This includes sports nutrition, sports psychology, orthopedics, physical therapy, occupational therapy, neuropsychology, urgent care, surgery, a brain injury program, cardiology, outpatient imaging and a pharmacy.

“Generally speaking, the complex gives all parties a competitive advantage. The collaboration offers comprehensive services that expand the range of health and wellness to a wider audience: Dallas Cowboys: global, Baylor Scott & White Health: national and Frisco ISD: local,” Stelmarski tells GlobeSt.com. “Health and wellness is where sport, healing and community converge and gain synergy. The synergy also creates a financial benefit. The complex would not be financially successful if it served only one demographic. And, the siting of the building as a gateway to The Star is very important. Jerry Jones Jr. has referred to it as ‘the lighthouse’ for the 91-acre campus.”

In alignment with the complex’s focus, the Gatorade Sports Science Institute is housed on the second floor. Outside, a network of publicly accessible walk, run and bike trails keeps the facility connected to the community and integrated with the surrounding Star campus.

“It is worth mentioning that other well-known national brands have leased space in the complex, including Gatorade and Nike. The momentum that has been created will continue to promote a better understanding of the body, its performance and its relation to technology,” Stelmarski tells GlobeSt.com. “Placing the living brand on display was critical.”

The complex is designed to invoke a sense of strength, durability and precision—attributes of the athletes who seek treatment there and the care teams providing it. It includes basketball courts, a fitness and strength training room, and an indoor/outdoor playing field. And with the exception of the locker rooms, pool and plunge room, these athletic facilities—surrounded by transparent glass walls and casual seating areas for onlookers—allow the process of rehabilitation to be observed.

This transparency helps tell the complex’s story, Stelmarski says. Showing the human body in motion creates a living brand experience that celebrates athleticism and physical fitness.

“Activities occur simultaneously and develop an energy and awareness that could not be achieved behind the closed doors of a conventional treatment facility,” Stelmarski tells GlobeSt.com. “And, education is an important part of the complex. This complex will give prominence and understanding to the dynamic nature of the body, sport, nutrition and wellness.”