Holly Street
Studio
Arizona State University
Media & Immersive eXperience Center
City of Phoenix
Maryvale Pool House
The City of Phoenix Aquatics Department operates multiple swimming pool sites across the Valley, open to the public during the summer months for activities that bring neighborhoods together, provide children with safe swimming instruction and water recreation. For the Maryvale Community, the group’s vision centered around connectivity to an existing youth center, and adjacent park. Many of the neighborhood children spend the better part of summer days in and around the center, making a flexible, safe, highly visible pool zone imperative. The Poolhouse would need to address visitors arriving from public transportation and insure that entrance to the facility could be easily monitored.
Design Strategy
The recipient of an AIA Design Award in 2009, the design exploited the minimal project scope with the creation of separate, smaller buildings that would open exterior gathering spaces in between. These gathering spaces were covered with trellis and overhangs, creating impromptu teaching zones, dry play areas, and seating alcoves for those arriving to swim as well as their spectators. The central building addresses both the main entrance and the pool deck with elevated zones for lifeguards, and pool management. Built in benches allow for a deck free of pool furniture and organize participants for crowded events. Accessible changing rooms take advantage of natural daylight and evaporative cooling, while solar panels at the entrance canopy provide more than 100% of the needed power to keep the facility open during the summer months. Colorful blocks and pictograms give each structure its identity and express playfulness in keeping with the park’s purpose.
Location
Phoenix, Arizona
Project Owner
City of Phoenix
Cost
$1.5m
Size
3,500 square feet
Completion
Spring 2009
Construction Manager at Risk
Brignall Construction Company
M.E.P. Engineering
Associated Mechanical Engineers
Electrical Engineering
Woodward Engineering
Photography
Bill Timmerman
AIA Arizona
Citation Award 2009
