Bostwick Community Centre

THE PLACE TO BE

The Bostwick Community Centre merged hockey, fitness, aquatics, a library and public spaces to create a social hub. The City of London, the Western Ontario YMCA and the London Public Library came together to create a unique facility for the London community to gather. The primary program includes a twin-pad arena, multipurpose rooms, studios, fitness space, a gymnasium, a track, a community kitchen and a two-basin natatorium. The design maximizes benefit for each partner by working with each organization’s hours of operation and site-specific requirements.

INVITING LAYOUT

The project invites the community inside by connecting outdoor space and the entryway to the central social hub. Large glazed walls and skylights predominately face north, providing indirect natural daylight for the indoor activities. The lighting also generates outside interest by improving outside visibility of the pool, gym, fitness area and library. A minimal charcoal and white palette was used to create a calm and unified communal identity. The design accentuates and celebrates the facility’s special features and integrated partnerships, utilizing rich colors and textures to differentiate each of the partner spaces.

SOCIAL HUB

Considerable focus was put toward how to program and animate the central public space. Each of the partner spaces face the main lobby, creating an active town square. All programs are visible and can be viewed from this central space. The upper track and fitness area is also open, while a community kitchen brings food to the heart of all gatherings. Bleachers and social spaces are focused toward the pool, courtyard and public presentations — extending library uses and community functions. Smaller “living rooms” encourage social interaction by providing opportunities for visitors to linger.