Northside Community Centre is positioned as a linkage between a local elementary school and a popular skateboard park. The building is situated on the north of the site to allow for high visibility from two major city arterial roads that intersect on the northwest corner of the property. A lawn area on the south side of the building creates a gathering space between the facility and the school, promoting shared space for car free uses and activities.
Functional planning is influenced by the exterior pathway that is used by children when moving between the skate park and school. A circulation spine that connects main and secondary entries provides access to all activity spaces and vertical circulation.
The interior of the building uses wood to accentuate a clean and crisp neutral color palette. Emphasis is also given to ensuring each space is provided with ample natural light.
The building’s exterior expression is intended to be provocative and catch the eyes of drivers commuting along fast-moving 77th Street. Generous use of colored glazing in each lobby creates double-height lantern effects that clearly define the building as a public facility worth exploring. The use of customized pre-cast concrete panels accentuates the glazing and provides durability in a city that sometimes experiences harsh winter conditions. A curtain wall featuring wood caps adds a final degree of detail and warmth that contrasts with the glass and concrete exterior.
University of Connecticut Student Recreation Center
