Cornell University
Field House
Ithaca, NY

Mechanical and Electrical Engineers
Completion Date: 1987

Architects: Gwathmey Siegel & Associates


The new Cornell Field House represented a major new athletic facility on campus. The new program included a 5000-seat basketball area, complete with lighting suitable for live television broadcasting of games.



The field house section of the building was designed for a diversified program including lacrosse, baseball infield, and wall climbing.

Studios for nautilus, weights, and dance facilities are also included as part of the program.

As part of the main arena, concessions, a TV broadcast booth and administrative support spaces were designed.

Ancillary spaces such as team lockers and visiting lockers, and training facilities

The building is served from the campus central steam and chilled water plants. As part of the project, a branch of the campus high pressure steam distribution loop was relocated to avoid the new building footprint.

The arena ventilation systems were equipped with variable air volume ventilation and heat recovery systems to minimize energy cost.