Long Bridge Aquatics and Fitness Centre

Located north of the Crystal City neighborhood of Arlington, Va., this long-awaited project “completes” Long Bridge Park by extending the existing 30-acre sport park north to a 92,000-square-foot aquatic and fitness center. The building’s origami-like folded roof and wall structure continue the sophisticated geometry and levels of the existing park and are reinforced by long diagonals in the glazed openings. 

The built form is a pavilion fully integrated into the park’s dynamic landscape and neighboring houses. Separate natatoriums feature a 50-meter competition pool and an expansive leisure pool. Between these signature spaces are multipurpose rooms, change rooms and fitness spaces. A public route through the facility connects two large entrance porches that support and shelter public activity. 

Completing the park and ending the esplanade in a civic space has increased the usage and amenities within the park for walkers, joggers and cyclists and has provided a sheltered focus for park events. 

The brownfield site was extensively remediated to allow public activity on the site. Stormwater management is handled through the use of rain gardens that collect and filter the water prior to release into the Potomac watershed. A chloramine capture system is used within the natatoriums to optimize interior air quality. Carefully calibrated glazing ratios and window placement achieve a high level of daylighting without creating unsafe glare on the water.

ARCHITECT OF RECORD

PAGE

Washington, D.C.

DESIGN ARCHITECT

MJMA Architecture & Design

Toronto, Ont.

AQUATIC CONSULTANT/ENGINEER

Water Technology Inc.

Fort Worth, Texas

PROJECT VENDORS