Meltzer Center
Alan and Amy Meltzer Center for Athletic Performance at American University
American University’s Alan and Amy Meltzer Center for Athletic Performance opened in January 2026 as the institution’s first net-zero energy building – and the nation’s first net-zero athletics center. The 89,000-square-foot facility brings together competition and training venues, sports medicine and strength facilities, and shared student wellness spaces within a single, high-performance environment.
Takeform partnered with American University to design and implement a comprehensive signage, wayfinding, and experiential graphics program throughout the facility. The work spanned exterior identity, interior branding, donor recognition, and a full wayfinding system – requiring coordination across a large, complex building and an active construction schedule. The project builds on a long-standing relationship with the university and a deep understanding of its campus standards and stakeholder processes.
LOCATION:
Washington D.C.
OTHER CONTRIBUTORS:
Perkins Eastman
PRODUCTS:
Interior Signage | Vivid
Exterior Banners | Adorn
Window Film | Amplify
Wallcovering | Amplify
Graphic Panels | Moxie
Magnetic Wall Graphics | Attract
Acoustic Wall Panels & Shapes | Oomph
Built Over Time
American University’s established approach to campus signage provided a strong foundation for the Meltzer Center. With brand standards and decision-making pathways already in place, the team was able to extend existing guidelines while adapting them to the ambitions of a first-of-its-kind facility. The result is an experiential graphics program that reinforces campus continuity while responding to the character of the specialized building.
From Arrival to Arena
The signage and graphics system spans exterior identity and interior wayfinding and way is complemented by branded architectural moments including illuminated suspended logos (below) and a 36-foot back-painted glass feature wall (above) with integrated lighting. Together, these elements complement both high-performance athletics and shared student wellness spaces through a unified visual language.
The signage and graphics program was designed to support the demands of an intensely active, high-traffic environment — prioritizing clarity, durability, and intuitive usability. As a central hub for student life, athletics, and constant circulation, the Meltzer Center experiences continuous movement throughout the day. The system must perform effortlessly under sustained use, guiding large volumes of people while surrounding them with an engaging and enduring brand presence.
Performance-Driven Design
Delivering a program of this scale required close collaboration with architects, engineers, and trades to maintain precision throughout varied spaces and site conditions. Durable finishes and precise fabrication ensured each element aligned with the architectural requirements while meeting American University’s standards for long-term performance.
Championship-Level Craft
Among the most technically demanding features were the illuminated dimensional logos suspended from the ceilings of five different team locker rooms. These signature installations showcased the depth of our engineering expertise, requiring rigorous refinement and seamless coordination with the project's mechanical and structural systems. The result is precisely aligned, fully integrated solutions designed for inspiring impact, structural integrity, and long-term performance in these demanding athletic environments.
Built for the Grind
The Meltzer Center demonstrates how a comprehensive signage and experiential graphics program can strengthen a university's identity, simplify navigation, and energize a high-performance athletic facility. Designed to withstand constant traffic and the demands of its intense users, the system delivers long-term durability as part of a cohesive, campus-wide experience. Bold team branding and immersive graphics celebrate each team’s pride, reinforcing a culture of competition, performance, and school spirit throughout the space.
Our work in education
American University
From lobbies to study lounges, American University transformed its campus experience through a cohesive signage and graphics strategy. By pairing clear wayfinding with layered, branded visuals, AU created spaces that are not only easier to navigate but also richer in personality and identity – bringing a sense of place to every corner of the campus.
Towson University
Towson’s Facilities Department began working with Takeform in 2019, drawn to our design+build approach to creating signage. Unlike previous experiences with multiple companies, Towson appreciated having a single partner that offered all the necessary expertise and capabilities under one roof.
Texas Woman's University
From first impressions to everyday immersion, Texas Woman’s University’s evolving campus requires brand nuance across its range of environments.