Re-Designing Boise State University's Rock Climbing Gym
Additional Funding Sources
The research described was supported by Boise State University.
Abstract
Rock climbing has been increasing in popularity over the years, especially with its upcoming debut in the next Olympic games. 2018 alone saw an 11.9% growth rate in the commercial climbing industry (Burgman, 2019). Boise, Idaho is also following this trend as more climbing gyms are scheduled to open this year. One of the gyms already running in the Treasure Valley is located in Boise State University's very own recreation center (REC). However, compared to other options, Boise State's climbing wall is much more limited being tucked in a corner of the gym. With less walls, routes, space, and operating hours, many climbers are left to look elsewhere to maximize their climbing sessions. To understand how to improve climbers' experience at the climbing wall in the REC, I observed the rock-climbing culture, community, individuals at Boise State University. Using one-on-one interviews and participant observation, this study explores how might we redesign the rock-climbing gym to enhance the experience of climbing. After observing and asking about climbers' needs and habits, an increase in physical space and belay assistance and variety in rock structure and creative routes were found to be some of the most prominent ways in which Boise State could improve their rock climbing gym to improve climbers' experiences on and around the wall.
Re-Designing Boise State University's Rock Climbing Gym
Rock climbing has been increasing in popularity over the years, especially with its upcoming debut in the next Olympic games. 2018 alone saw an 11.9% growth rate in the commercial climbing industry (Burgman, 2019). Boise, Idaho is also following this trend as more climbing gyms are scheduled to open this year. One of the gyms already running in the Treasure Valley is located in Boise State University's very own recreation center (REC). However, compared to other options, Boise State's climbing wall is much more limited being tucked in a corner of the gym. With less walls, routes, space, and operating hours, many climbers are left to look elsewhere to maximize their climbing sessions. To understand how to improve climbers' experience at the climbing wall in the REC, I observed the rock-climbing culture, community, individuals at Boise State University. Using one-on-one interviews and participant observation, this study explores how might we redesign the rock-climbing gym to enhance the experience of climbing. After observing and asking about climbers' needs and habits, an increase in physical space and belay assistance and variety in rock structure and creative routes were found to be some of the most prominent ways in which Boise State could improve their rock climbing gym to improve climbers' experiences on and around the wall.