Design Guide: Recreation Centers Case Studies January 1976
The central program area is developed as a
e. SUMMARY OF SPATIAL
bilevel space. When used for dances, the lower
REQUIREMENTS.
area would serve as the dance floor and the
Table 6-1. Spatial Requirements 12,700 SF
upper area would be a lounge with tables and
Center
chairs. The pantry is located so that refresh-
Administrative Spaces
ment service during large group activities could
Information Tour & Travel
50
use the upper level of the central space as a
150
Control
lounge. During movies and platform presenta-
400
Administrative Offices
tions, the two levels would afford better sight
250
Storage
lines to viewers sitting in the rear. The stepped
platform could be used for "in the round"
Large Group Spaces
seating for demonstrations and small presenta-
3,000
Central Program Space
tions or as a lounge when no large group
Platform
750
activities are in operation.
Dressing, Storage, Loading
600
Small Group Spaces
Two TV areas are developed to insure that a
Pantry
250
choice of channels would be available to the
Telephones
100
viewers.,
120
Carrels (4)
The exterior of the building expresses its
150
Open Multipurpose
location in the Southwestern United States by
600
Enclosed Multipurpose
reflecting the local, regional architecture and
TV/Meeting
750
the local climate conditions in the choice of
1,490
Active Games
materials, the use of architectural detail, and
Refreshment (AAFES Food Service & Games)
the control of fenestration. The overall design is
Vending Machines & Games
850
developed as a low, horizontal scheme that is
150
Lobby
emphasized by long blank walls, with a
Service Spaces
minimum of small punched openings, wide
Public Toilets
450
overhangs that cast strong shadows, and being
50
Janitor's Closet
clad with a single, unified material, stucco. A
band of high windows surrounding the Center
10,160
Net Total
under the overhang allows diffused, reflected
Transition Space + Net to Gross @ 25% 2,540
natural light to enter the building; in the central
TOTAL (Excluding Mechanical Space) 12,700
program space a raised roof section with a
similar band of windows naturally lights this
area; where needed, small square windows are
f. DESIGN SOLUTION. This solution is
located to provide vision to the exterior. As a
developed as an outwardly oriented, linear
contrast to the solidness of the rest of the
spatial organization pattern because of the site
facade, the entry is glazed to emphasize its
configuration and climatic patterns to permit
openness, to be inviting to people entering, and
constant ventilation during most of the year.
to enable internal activities to be seen.
Also, because of local climatic conditions, the
building incorporates a number of terraces,
To reinforce "the building's horizontality and to
provided for outdoor activities; these are
extend its apparent size, wing walls are added
located on the northern side of the building to
to the terraces.
reduce glare and heat.
Noisy areas (billiards and pingpong) are
g . TECHNICAL SOLUTION. The structural
scheme selected is a combination of long span
separated from the central program space by
and short span steel joists bearing on masonry
the enclosed multi-purpose space. The highly
walls. To reduce cost, these would be exposed
used billiards and eating areas are located at the
in all large areas whose technical requirements
opposite ends of the circulation spine to draw
people past other activities.
would permit it; to present an orderly and
6-3
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