Mizzou Sports Arena and Recreation Center

Mizzou Sports Arena and Recreation Center

Jenkins, Grant

Being new to Columbia and the University of Missouri in 2021, I was excited to expand my horizons and explore a world that was new to me. Having always lived in a small town, I was thrilled at the opportunity to explore my architectural creativity in a big, new world. I couldn't wait for the motivation I would get when moving into an environment that I thought would peak my craving for design. I was looking for design inspiration like that from Santiago Calatrava’s, The Oculus, or Rem Koolhaas’s, Seattle Public Library. I quickly realized however, that I was too naive, and Columbia lacked the inspiration and unique design I was hoping for. The campus's historical buildings, Memorial Union and Jesse Hall are exceptional, but provide no inspiration for a student like me. In my third year as an architectural studies major, after finally gaining adequate experience, I could show off my motivation. What better way to put my abilities to the test than to make a grand sports arena right here in Columbia. In my opinion a unique piece like a sports arena can define a city, a city like Columbia, which lacks such a piece. They are bold and extravagant and only one's imagination is the limiting factor. My design for the Mizzou Sports Arena and Recreation Center came from my motivation to provide Columbia with an awe-inspiring piece that sets it apart from the rest of the city.

2024

2024