Katie Jensen, Abeera Qarni, Hope Stein

Project

KORU Wellness

2:45pm | Friday, April 24th

Three women smiling confidently at camera.

Project Background

KORU Wellness is designed to function as a community wellness center that supports physical, mental, and social well-being. The center will serve adults of all ages, including fitness users, rehabilitation clients, older adults, families, and wellness staff. To

support this broad user group, the design will establish clear zones for exercise, recovery, education, and social interaction. It will also incorporate durable materials and comfortable furnishings to create environments that promote relaxation and movement.

Beyond individual wellness, the project will address social and environmental concerns that influence community health. The facility will serve as a consistent gathering place for people who rely on accessible fitness and wellness services. Clear circulation and wayfinding will be essential so that every user feels supported and secure within the space. Since wellness is an important and growing community need, the design aims to create a center that encourages healthier lifestyles while giving users a sense of belonging.

This project involves many key considerations such as accessibility, sustainability, flexibility, and inclusivity. Addressing these components ensures that the space can adapt to the needs of different users, whether they are engaging in high-energy workouts or seeking recovery. Our goal is to create a functional and restorative environment that supports community wellness now and in the future.

KORU wellness logo

This project involves the redesign of the North Dakota State University Wallman Wellness Center, a 74,000 square foot recreation and health facility located on the university campus. This redesign will transform the current building into KORU Wellness, a holistic, community-focused wellness center. The reconfigured space will accommodate users and staff, including fitness professionals, administrative personnel, and community members engaged in fitness and wellness activities. Special-use spaces will include fitness studios, training rooms, cardio and strength zones, locker rooms, saunas, childcare, and community learning spaces. The existing interior will be fully gutted to provide a clean structural shell, enabling a new layout that emphasizes daylight, biophilic elements, clear circulation, and sensory comfort. By integrating sustainable materials, upgraded mechanical and lighting systems, and evidence-based design strategies, the project transforms the existing three-story structure into a modern, inclusive, and restorative environment that supports physical, mental, and social well-being (North Dakota State University, 2024; Lichtblau, 2025).