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Long Bridge Aquatics & Fitness Centre City of Arlington, VA

Architect : PAGE

Design Architect : MJMA Architecture & Design

Aquatic Consultant/Engineer : Water Technology Inc.

Total Construction Cost : $54.7 M

Square Feet : 92,000

Project Description:

Located north of the Crystal City neighborhood of Arlington, Va., this long-awaited project “completes” Long Bridge Park by extending the existing 30-acre sport park north to a 92,000-square-foot aquatic and fitness center. The building’s origami-like folded roof and wall structure continue the sophisticated geometry and levels of the existing park and are reinforced by long diagonals in the glazed openings.

The built form is a pavilion fully integrated into the park’s dynamic landscape and neighboring houses. Separate natatoriums feature a 50-meter competition pool and an expansive leisure pool. Between these signature spaces are multipurpose rooms, change rooms and fitness spaces. A public route through the facility connects two large entrance porches that support and shelter public activity.

Completing the park and ending the esplanade in a civic space has increased the usage and amenities within the park for walkers, joggers and cyclists and has provided a sheltered focus for park events.

The brownfield site was extensively remediated to allow public activity on the site. Stormwater management is handled through the use of rain gardens that collect and filter the water prior to release into the Potomac watershed. A chloramine capture system is used within the natatoriums to optimize interior air quality. Carefully calibrated glazing ratios and window placement achieve a high level of daylighting without creating unsafe glare on the water.