Let the sun shine in: Washington State University officials challenged their architectural team to take full advantage of natural light for their new natatorium. The designers responded with an award-winning facility.(Washington State University's aquatic facility)

In the past decade, natatorium designs have heavily emphasized the use of natural light. With the rising costs of electricity, the use of natural light can greatly reduce a facility's expenses. Plus, large amounts of natural light provide users of indoor pools with the feel of an outdoor pool, which can consequently increase attendance.

Officials at Washington State University expressed their desire to incorporate natural light as the primary daytime lighting source for most areas of the new Student Recreation Center, and the design team listened.

When the rec center opened in January 2001, the design team's efforts were immediately apparent. During all but the cloudiest days, the natatorium operates without using any overhead lights.

It's not just the staff and students who appreciate the design, either. The Illuminating Engineering Society of North America recognized the architectural firm, Yost Grube Hall of Portland, Ore., with a design award for "outstanding achievement in lighting design."

The keys to success were the use of both computer technology to model the natural light's full potential and sophisticated materials to make it work.

Model behavior

WSU's natatorium is part of a 160,000-square-foot recreation facility that includes free-weight and cardio-fitness training areas; indoor soccer and roller hockey areas; six courts for volleyball, basketball and badminton; four racquetball/squash courts; and an elevated 1/8-mile track.