The REI Testing Facility is a theoretical group project designed for the popular outdoor apparel and equipment company, REI Co-op. Located on the site of the downtown Colorado Springs YMCA, it was designed to be a place for product development and for the public to test products out. Because of this, we aimed to capture the spirit of the outdoors and lifelong adventure shared by REI’s employees and customers alike.

The concept evolved from the idea of a “campfire space,” or a space where people gather to share stories (usually around the glow of a fire).

We wanted employees and customers to relate to each other in a new way in this building: instead of grouping spaces strictly by “public” and “private” areas, we intermingled them whenever possible.

Energy efficiency was also top of mind. We used strategies such as geothermal energy, solar panels, daylighting, passive ventilation, sustainable FF&E, and massing considerations to redesign the building shell. Together, this is projected to save the clients $150,000 annually. 

Connection tunnel between the 2nd floor parking garage and employee workspace.

Three-story climbing wall, for customers to test out REI rock climbing products.

Yoga studio, also for REI product testing.

Main entrance offers transparency between employee and customer areas.