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Today, everyone is vying for our attention. As a result, we are inundated with content. As our attention spans keep getting shorter, complex information is condensed, so we can keep up without missing out. But, a 30-second soundbite is problematic, mainly because the context of any subject is still important. Without adequate context, misconceptions can take […]

Imagine you are in charge of a recreation department. For some readers, that may not require much imagination. What would your goals be? Most people would include the following: When you acknowledge these common goals, it becomes clear why pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the US. Pickleball naturally fits all the objectives of recreation facilities. It’s

Would you wear a pair of roller skates instead of ice skates to a hockey game? Before you dismiss the idea as ridiculous, think about some similarities between roller skates and ice skates. Obviously, they are both footwear. They even have a similar appearance, and might even be made of the same material. However, the

The Earth, as we know it, is at risk. It might sound alarmist to say it, but it’s true. If we wait for others to take action on our behalf, it might be too late for our environment. We all have individual roles to play. As an architect and construction professional, you have the opportunity

There is a boxing adage that goes: “everyone has a plan, until they get punched.” This saying illustrates what athletes and their coaches know well: a game plan isn’t proven until it works in a real game. Of course, that doesn’t mean planning is useless. Having a plan is essential, but until that plan meets

When building or renovating a gymnasium, it’s fun to dream about what it will look like when finished, how comfortable it will be, and what sort of activities and sports it will host. But after you settle on the colors, logo graphics, and materials, you arrive at the more difficult question: what will it all

As a designer of athletic spaces, you set the stage for a key part of American culture: sports. Did you know that your specifications can influence the development of student athletes, encourage the physical fitness of a community, and insure the fairness of professional competition. If you are starting to feel the monumental pressure of

As the 2023-24 school year kicks off around the country, think about your idea of the ideal education. Should students become specialists who excel in one discipline at the expense of others? Or, should they be generalists, with broad knowledge and capabilities? The answer depends on the circumstances and the student. So what does this debate

A church fellowship hall or recreational space is one of the most challenging spaces to design. Why is it difficult? It’s the extensive checklist. The expectations for just a church recreation floor go something like this: A church recreational floor should… Now, if you are thinking about flooring options that match this list and already

After 30 years of installing sports floors, some of the expert installers at Abacus Sports might boast that they have “seen it all.” That may not be entirely true, but it’s safe to say that we have picked up a thing or two about successful gym floors. By the same token, we also know what might lead