Through a series of engagement meetings with local residents, the design team prioritized both a sense of energy and excitement that needed to be expressed by the Eastway Regional Recreation Center, as well as a clear connection to the history and cultural relevance of the Charlotte region.
The exterior of the building is angular and dynamic, reaching upward to reflect a sense of movement and kinetic energy. The brick is treated with layers and textures to reinforce a sense of energy at the pedestrian scale, and windows are treated with brightly colored frames to add contrast and interest. The entry is scaled to amplify a sense of invitation, which
is reinforced inside where the central connector acts as a high-volume view shed to the many social, community and activity spaces that define the program.
Muted colors and wood tones reflect the history of a region deeply rooted in agriculture and textile manufacturing. The undulating lobby ceiling picks up on the rolling landscapes that evoke the natural terrain of local farms, while a wood veil beyond the reception desk is accented with colors that reflect regional textile creations. This entry volume stretches from one side of the building to the other, organizing the main program elements with communal and social spaces such as a teaching kitchen, a nature center, a senior center and a sound mixing room on one side, with active spaces including the fitness, gym and pool spaces on the other.
ARCHITECT OF RECORD
Neighboring Concepts
Charlotte, N.C.
DESIGN ARCHITECT
Sasaki
Boston, Mass.
AQUATIC CONSULTANT
Counsilman-Hunsaker
St. Louis, Mo.
PROJECT VENDORS
Fitness Center - Cardiovascular Equipment | Precor |
Fitness Center - Flooring, Aerobics | Mondo Sports Flooring |
Fitness Center - Flooring, Fitness Center | Ecore |
Fitness Center - Free-Weight Equipment | Precor |
Fitness Center - Strength Equipment | Precor |
Gymnasium/Field House/Arena - Basketball Backboards/Supports | Performance Sports Systems |
Gymnasium/Field House/Arena - Bleachers/Grandstands | Learning Environments |
Gymnasium/Field House/Arena - Divider Curtains | Performance Sports Systems |
Gymnasium/Field House/Arena - Lighting | H.E. Williams |
Gymnasium/Field House/Arena - Scoreboards/Timing Systems | Nevco |
Gymnasium/Field House/Arena - Volleyball Nets and Standards | Performance Sports Systems |
Gymnasium/Field House/Arena - Wall Padding | Performance Sports Systems |
Indoor Soccer/Inline Rinks - Dashers | Athletica Sports Systems |
Indoor Sports Surfaces - Basketball | Aacer Sports Flooring |
Indoor Sports Surfaces - Multipurpose | Mondo Sports Flooring |
Indoor Sports Surfaces - Track | Mondo Sports Flooring |
Locker/Shower - Flooring | Stonhard |
Locker/Shower - Lockers | RFS Sports |
Outdoor Facilities/Stadiums - Lighting | Musco |
Outdoor Facilities/Stadiums - Sports Surfaces | Geo Surfaces |
Pools - Access Ramps/Stairs | Spectrum Aquatics |
Pools - Bleachers | Learning Environments |
Pools - Chemical Control Systems | BECS Technology |
Pools - Cleaners/Vacuums | Spectrum Aquatics |
Pools - Deck/Basin Surface | Stonhard |
Pools - Filtration Systems | Neptune Benson |
Pools - Ladders/Grab Bars | Spectrum Aquatics |
Pools - Lane Markers | Spectrum Aquatics |
Pools - Lighting | Insight |
Pools - Sanitization Systems | Aquionics |
Pools - Starting Blocks | Spectrum Aquatics |
Pools - Water Play Features | Vortex |