Architect : Neighboring Concepts
Design Architect : Sasaki
Aquatic Consultant :Counsilman-Hunsaker
Total Construction Cost : $35M
Square Feet : 95,000
Project Description:
Through a series of engagement meetings with local residents, the design team prioritized both a sense of energy and excitement that needed to be expressive by the Eastway Regional Recreation Center, as well as a clear connection to the history and cultural relevance of the Charlotte region.
The exterior of the building is angular and dynamic, reaching upward to reflect a sense of movement and kinetic energy. The brick is treated with layers and textures to reinforce a sense of energy at the pedestrian scale, and windows are treated with brightly colored frames to add contrast and interest. The entry is scaled to amplify a sense of invitation, which is reinforced inside where the central connector acts as a high-volume view shed to the many social, community and activity spaces that define the program.
Muted colors and wood tones reflect the history of a region deeply rooted in agriculture and textile manufacturing. The undulating lobby ceiling picks up on the rolling landscapes that evoke the natural terrain of local farms, while a wood veil beyond the reception desk is accented with colors that reflect regional textile creations. This entry volume stretches from one side of the building to the other, organizing the main program elements with communal and social spaces such as a teaching kitchen, a nature center, a senior center and a sound mixing room on one side, with active spaces including the fitness, gym and pool spaces on the other.
