The Kohl Center
2026 Engineering Excellence Best of State
Entering Firm: raSmith
Client: Berners Schober Architects
Owner: University of Wisconsin-Madison
The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Kohl Center is a hub for athletics, academics, and student life. Growing demand and the need to keep this premier venue up to date required the university to look for ways to improve the facility. The final plan called for a three-story addition constructed directly above the existing loading dock that could house state-of-the-art facilities for athletes.
Structural engineers ensured that college athletes could train to be their best by negating vibrations and disruptions from the loading dock underneath.
raSmith took on the engineering challenges associated with these major changes. The high-performance athletic training facility directly above an active loading dock was tricky because of the intense and persistent vibrations from truck loads and athletic activity. Structural engineers addressed this by designing 120-foot-long plate girders, some eight to nine feet deep, that span the dock without intermediate supports, preserving critical loading operations. This innovative approach enabled a vibration-isolated training environment where athletes can jump, lift, and train without perceivable movement, representing a first-of-its-kind application in a collegiate arena.
Because the space both generated vibration and bordered areas sensitive to noise and movement, precise vibration control was essential. Advanced mitigation systems, including preloaded steel coil spring isolators with integrated horizontal and vertical restraints, were incorporated to absorb dynamic athletic loads while maintaining long-term stability. The project leveraged advanced technology, including 3D laser scanning and as-built modeling, to improve coordination and reduce construction risk.
“The project stood out for its thoughtful integration of complex engineering solutions within an active, iconic facility. The project team successfully balanced constructability, safety, and performance while modernizing the venue and preserving its role as a campus cornerstone.”
- Awards judge Wes Reynolds
Through innovative structural design, careful planning, and technology-driven coordination, the Kohl Center expansion delivers a high-performance, resilient facility that sets a new standard for complex athletic infrastructure.