Project Images
Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences Gymnasium
Scope of Work
The project is a 45, 000 square foot gymnasium facility for physical education programs at Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences - an independent school for middle and upper school children located in Seattle.
Project Description
Building is sited on an urban lot bounded on the west by the school's Art Center and a commercial/pedestrian zone and to the east by multi and single-family residences. The building program is on three levels including: a lower level parking garage for 50 cars, a gym space with a regulation basketball court and two practice courts, a weight room, dance space, locker rooms, a lobby and concession space and coach's offices.
Design Solution
The organization of the site was designed to play a role in mediating the school's impact on the neighborhood. A ground-level circulation space with a second floor mezzanine is located along the east facade facing the houses to the east. This glazed element buffers the large gymnasium mass and provides activity along the pedestrian oriented street. This device also allows natural light to spill into the gym space without direct glare on the floor. The mezzanine looks over the gym and functions as an upper lobby for the dance and weight rooms. The main floor lobby flanks the south side of the gym and connects to the adjacent SAAS Arts Center upper level. The building is characterized by exposed construction systems in keeping with the neighborhood's industrial past. Steel columns and beams act as the primary support structure; the foundations and parking garage are reinforced concrete. The gymnasium walls are of concrete masonry for durability and easy maintenance. The mechanical systems, including ductwork, have been left exposed. The building is meant to invest an image of structural architecture, conveying a sense of economy, efficiency and order.
The project is a 45, 000 square foot gymnasium facility for physical education programs at Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences - an independent school for middle and upper school children located in Seattle.
Project Description
Building is sited on an urban lot bounded on the west by the school's Art Center and a commercial/pedestrian zone and to the east by multi and single-family residences. The building program is on three levels including: a lower level parking garage for 50 cars, a gym space with a regulation basketball court and two practice courts, a weight room, dance space, locker rooms, a lobby and concession space and coach's offices.
Design Solution
The organization of the site was designed to play a role in mediating the school's impact on the neighborhood. A ground-level circulation space with a second floor mezzanine is located along the east facade facing the houses to the east. This glazed element buffers the large gymnasium mass and provides activity along the pedestrian oriented street. This device also allows natural light to spill into the gym space without direct glare on the floor. The mezzanine looks over the gym and functions as an upper lobby for the dance and weight rooms. The main floor lobby flanks the south side of the gym and connects to the adjacent SAAS Arts Center upper level. The building is characterized by exposed construction systems in keeping with the neighborhood's industrial past. Steel columns and beams act as the primary support structure; the foundations and parking garage are reinforced concrete. The gymnasium walls are of concrete masonry for durability and easy maintenance. The mechanical systems, including ductwork, have been left exposed. The building is meant to invest an image of structural architecture, conveying a sense of economy, efficiency and order.
Location
Awards
2002 AIA Seattle Commendation Award