CONCLUSION

CONCLUSION

The Helios Swimming Centre’s General Services Building

Helios Swimming Center is a composite of three buildings; one was built as a solution to reconcile circulation problem, it became a link between two buildings. Being a sport facility, it has a logical massing of three boxes. All spaces are well lit by natural light. Structure is made up of columns, exterior walls, and partitions (nothing fancy). Private spaces are minimal; they are mechanical rooms, and administrative offices. Spaces organized in a way that main activities (water sports) are easily accessible through the main entrance; team sport area a bit farther; outdoor sports are on the top floor (roof), with plenty of natural light; courtyard provides the space for relaxation. Circulation between spaces is simple to recognize.

Sports Center and Indoor Pool

Sport Center in Spain is a boxy concrete building (which is a predominant aspect of the look of the building), with inserts that provide natural light and additional spaces for activities. Insets are strategically positioned not only to provide natural light where it is most needed, but also to contribute to the overall composition of massive and elegant elements of the shape of the structure. Private spaces are mechanical rooms, and administrative offices. Main portion of the interior space is dedicated to pool and space for team sports. Inserts above enclose the area for gym and such. At the entrance there is a open to the outside food court. All circulation is shifted to one side of the building, minimizing confusion and clearly separating space for athletes from space for visitors.

Michael Baker Boathouse

Michael Baker Boathouse was designed for rowing school, and has a shape and resemblance to a boat. It isn’t symmetrical, but perceived as such from the street level. Natural light penetrates building envelope in many places including roof. Spaces are dedicated to changing rooms, storage, and gym. Circulation is linear and clear.

NIARA

NIARA is a sport club which incorporates not only sport activities but residential and educational spaces, as well as a chapel. It is like a church / housing complex / gym. It also has a courtyard and garage. Private spaces are storage, individual rooms, administrative offices, and mechanical rooms. Circulation is complex, but logical since all sport associated spaces are separated from residential/administrative/educational/parking spaces. Sport facilities are well lit by natural light. Residential spaces are facing predominately courtyard with circulation corridor on the other side of residential units.

Quinte West YMCA

YMCA in Canada is a structure of many shapes, as it looks like from the outside, but it is one envelope encasing many spaces which are separated from each other by simple partitions. Spaces that don’t require natural light are positioned inside. They are changing rooms, and a basketball space where controlled lighting is preferable (especially in Canada where day is relatively shorter). Storages and mechanical rooms are on the North side, while vestibule, child care area, administrative offices, and cafeteria are on the South side, where natural light will last longer. Circulation leads to the pool through changing rooms, and to all other spaces directly from the vestibule.