The Newton Recreation Centre expansion is envisioned as a single phase expansion and partial renovation of the existing facility. The design strengthens links to the surrounding community by opening up the expansion to the south and east both in terms of visual connection and pedestrian access, and tying in the new massing and architecture to the old.
By strengthening links to the surrounding community, providing transparent visual connections along the south and east facades, and architecturally integrating the proposed building components with the existing, this expansion and renovation ensures that the Newton Recreation Centre facilitates a welcoming, healthy civic activity at the “heart of the community”.
Ceramic ink-fused (frit) glass patterns in the shape of fern fronds wrap around both the south and east windows of the Newton Recreation Centre, forming a tree “grove” that envelops the building and weaves it into the existing landscape of trees framing the facility. This piece is titled “Fern Façade”—a public art installation made in collaboration with artist Sean Alward.
While beautiful as a mural, the floor-to-ceiling patterns serve a functional purpose in providing coverage to block out just the right level of sunlight for moderating temperatures. Working with the artist, we used an algorithm to calculate the optimal level of pattern coverage, relative to the amount of sunlight, while still allowing views of the exterior plaza spaces.
Learn more about Fern Façade here.