Photos courtesy of Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture
Transparency between program areas is a common goal among designers of modern recreation facilities — be it through open-concept floorplans or abundant interior glazing. Architects at Barker Rinker Seacat sought a different solution when remodeling Moorhead Recreation Center in Aurora, Colo. Tapping the region’s affinity for outdoor adventure, BRS employed static climbing rope to form a wall along one corner of the center’s gymnasium, allowing clear views of gym activity from the front desk, fitness areas and circulation paths. Held in place at the top and bottom of each of four steel frames by eyelets and climbing carabiners, the rope is taut and stout enough to prevent wayward balls from penetrating or even small children from weaving through. Moreover, by strategically looping different colored rope, designers managed to create a mural effect that borrows inspiration from other art forms appearing on actual walls within the facility. “We really wanted to find a way to have that openness,” says BRS senior associate Carmen Arriaga-Bucher. “We wanted to make sure that the security of that openness was achieved, but we wanted to do it in a way that was fun, engaging and represented the community. We found this rope wall was a good way of representing the greater outdoors of Colorado while also using the color schemes from the original building, which actually had paintings that Aurora children had done.” Arriaga-Bucher adds that this form of transparency could become a trend. “We have started to see rope walls used more recently,” she says, “but I think this is the first one that we’ve actually seen installed in a rec center. It’s exciting.”
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Transparency between program areas is a common goal among designers of modern recreation facilities — be it through open-concept floorplans or abundant interior glazing. Architects at Barker Rinker Seacat sought a different solution when remodeling Moorhead Recreation Center in Aurora, Colo. Tapping the region’s affinity for outdoor adventure, BRS employed static climbing rope to form a wall along one corner of the center’s gymnasium, allowing clear views of gym activity from the front desk, fitness areas and circulation paths. Held in place at the top and bottom of each of four steel frames by eyelets and climbing carabiners, the rope is taut and stout enough to prevent wayward balls from penetrating or even small children from weaving through. Moreover, by strategically looping different colored rope, designers managed to create a mural effect that borrows inspiration from other art forms appearing on actual walls within the facility. “We really wanted to find a way to have that openness,” says BRS senior associate Carmen Arriaga-Bucher. “We wanted to make sure that the security of that openness was achieved, but we wanted to do it in a way that was fun, engaging and represented the community. We found this rope wall was a good way of representing the greater outdoors of Colorado while also using the color schemes from the original building, which actually had paintings that Aurora children had done.” Arriaga-Bucher adds that this form of transparency could become a trend. “We have started to see rope walls used more recently,” she says, “but I think this is the first one that we’ve actually seen installed in a rec center. It’s exciting.”
