Motivated by the potential of this project to impact the community, region, and state, MMA and Fishbeck embarked on a design process that was as inclusionary and collaborative as the SOMI client itself. The MMA and Fishbeck team thoughtfully engaged with SOMI staff, board members, athletes, families, and supporting organizations to discover the optimal project for their current and future needs as they continue to grow and serve the west and greater Michigan community.

The existing site offered both advantages and drawbacks. As an aging school property, many existing spaces met SOMI’s needs for sporting events and training rooms, but were inaccessible and not universally designed, requiring creative thinking and flexibility from the design and construction team. Universal design promotes an inclusive approach to design, so that every space and pathway is accessible by all, regardless of age, mobility, visual acuity, auditory capability, or mental ability. The design team fully embraces this approach by considering all types of users and how the space would make them feel the most comfortable and welcome, such as incorporating zero thresholds, large changing tables, thoughtful and clear wayfinding, voice operated controls, and more.