Marvin Gaye Recreation Center in Washington by ISTUDIO Architects

Article source: ISTUDIO Architects

The aim is resilience — a community center built to be a resource for all and a refuge in times of trouble — in service to the DC Department of Parks + Recreation mission to promote health, conservation, and universal access to parks. In order to meet this intention, resilience was considered from two main angles: site influence because the facility must respond to specific site challenges and community influence because the facility should be a center that builds resiliency within the community.

Image Courtesy © ISTUDIO Architects, Hoachlander Davis Photography

• Architects: ISTUDIO Architects
• Project: Marvin Gaye Recreation Center
• Location: Washington, USA
• Photography: ISTUDIO Architects, Hoachlander Davis Photography
  
• Client: DC Department of General Services 
  
• Agency: DC Department of Parks + Recreations 
  
• Certification: LEED Gold 
  
• Floor area: 7,200ft2 
  
• Completion: 2018 
  

Image Courtesy © ISTUDIO Architects, Hoachlander Davis Photography

Site Location 

Located in the northeast corner of the District, the site is bordered by residential streets on two sides and a major thorughfare on the other southeastern edge. Watts Branch Stream flows through the site and westward, flanked by the Marvin Gaye Trail.
Due to this trail, the center is connected to an extensive community network. Improvements to the trail at strategic “hubs” encourage use of the trail. This larger network now has easy access to the recreation center and site amenities.

Image Courtesy © ISTUDIO Architects, Hoachlander Davis Photography

Image Courtesy © ISTUDIO Architects, Hoachlander Davis Photography

A 100 year floodplain encompasses approximately half of the site, and a FEMA mandated floodway along Watts Branch Stream cutS the site in half. This, along with majestic willow oaks on the northern half of the site, and a large practice field to the south of the site, drives the center to be located as close as possible to Watts Branch Stream.

Providing opportunities for connection is key to the site layout. Pathways connecting the major site elements, and bleacher seating along the outside of the facility allow users to sit outside amongst their neighbors. The second floor balcony, pushed out among the trees also provides a surprising vantage point for connecting with nature and with the happenings of the site.

Image Courtesy © ISTUDIO Architects, Hoachlander Davis Photography

Image Courtesy © ISTUDIO Architects, Hoachlander Davis Photography

Screen 

The screen filters the daylight and controls the solar heat gain. This was factored into the energy model and is a key component of the building. It also provides an opportunity for signage and identity of the facility. The screen creates layers of transparency through the building for the users.

Image Courtesy © ISTUDIO Architects, Hoachlander Davis Photography

Image Courtesy © ISTUDIO Architects, Hoachlander Davis Photography

Passive Strategies 

The building is situated to maximize daylighting and fresh air. Natural ventilation is encouraged via operable windows in the program spaces and automated louvers in the open areas. These are tied to exhaust fans that exhaust hot air out of the building.

Daylighting and natural ventilation extend the use of this building in the event of an emergency, and also create a healthy environment for the users.

Image Courtesy © ISTUDIO Architects, Hoachlander Davis Photography

Image Courtesy © ISTUDIO Architects, Hoachlander Davis Photography

Image Courtesy © ISTUDIO Architects, Hoachlander Davis Photography

Image Courtesy © ISTUDIO Architects, Hoachlander Davis Photography

Tags: USA, Washington

Categories: Community Centre, Recreational facility

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