Arthur W Christopher Community Center

Arthur W Christopher Community Center

Charleston, SC

2013 AIA Merit Award, SC Chapter

Certified LEED Gold

 

This community center is a multi-use recreational facility adjacent to an existing, public swimming pool complex and various outdoor playfields located on peninsular Charleston. In addition to housing indoor recreation spaces, the building acts as a central "hub" accommodating various neighborhood and community- wide activities such as summer camps, educational programs, and recreational tournaments. 

The design of the building responds to its contextual setting by developing a strong central axis with the existing pool structure, beginning with the raised entrance porch with its translucent fabric screens, continuing through a gallery lit from above through translucent panels and following a procession of recreational use spaces.

Solar hot water panels serving the pool are located on the roof of the building.