Built in 1974, the Esquimalt Recreation Centre has a proud history of serving its community of approximately 17,000 residents. By all criteria — public acceptance, capital cost, operational efficiency and, most important, guest response — the revitalized facility is ready to meet the needs of its residents well into the 21st century.
At the entry, a dramatic wooden structure is emblematic of the town’s roots as a Canadian naval base and maritime center. It mimics a ship’s ribs, wrapping the building on two sides — housing a two-story wellness/fitness center to the west and a new aquatics center to the east. These strong design elements are encased in durable, costeffective Galvalume®.
Inside, guests are welcomed into a new galleria — formerly an underutilized, enclosed outdoor courtyard — that is linked directly to and showcases the major activity areas. The galleria directs borrowed light into the facility’s many multipurpose rooms and public spaces. Another example of where natural light is maximized without compromising safety and operational considerations is in the natatorium, which features a glazed wall on the east and a clerestory on the south.
Long views, both internal and external, connect the facility to its surroundings — specifically, a park located adjacent to the center and the local neighborhood. This layout provides maximum visibility while ensuring the safety of staff and guests.
Fairmont State University