Skyline Aquatic Center

Mesa, Ariz.
Construction Cost: $7.9 million
Occupancy Date: March 2011

Skyline Aquatic Center was constructed on the existing Skyline High School campus to provide year-round swimming competition and recreational opportunities via two pools. One pool consists of a beach-entry recreational pool with a large water slide, play accessories and an associated warmup pool for competitions. The competition/diving pool offers both 50-meter racing lanes and 25-yard mixed course lanes.

The pools are supported by two adjacent one-story buildings that house a bathhouse, lifeguard facilities, and classroom and office space. The main entry is flanked by the lifeguard control point, which is the tallest design feature of the building. The control point is provided with 100 percent visibility of the pool, deck and surrounding support area care of a butt-joint insulated glazing system. The pools are flanked by tiered bleacher seating for 1,200 people protected from the intense sun by built-in shade canopies.

The facility feels like it belongs to the campus but it is not an exact replica of existing school buildings. The building forms were developed based on a modified "wave" or "roll" that mimics water not only in shape but horizontal stratification. The use of materials designed in a horizontal fashion reinforce this concept while respecting the campus architecture.