Project Name: 115 "Urban Park/Community Center "

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Project Description

Credits

Program/Scope

The theme for this project was defined as an Urban Park/Community Center sited within downtown Pomona off of Mission Blvd. and Garey Ave., adjacent to Pomona City Hall. The Community Center was to serve Senior and Youth with the functions of having large and small gathering spaces, a gymnasium, fitness center, locker/shower rooms, classrooms, a skate park, and a dining center. The Urban Park element of the project was to create outdoor public/private spaces in what would be considered the Civic District of Pomona, where none currently exists.

Solution

The program was divided into three different architectural zones based on their relationships, and further broken up through public/private courtyards. Landscaping elements were used as a way to create open and "breathable" spaces where the public transitioned to the private, while allowing clear lines of visibility that promoted one’s self of belonging and security. The Youth Center is located on the street side, with the gymnasium opening out towards the street, making those inside visible to people passing by promoting visual interaction. The Senior Center is located towards the parking side, where it is quieter and at a closer walking distance. The dining center is located towards Mission and City Hall, closer to more of the businesses that are in the area, to promote usage.

The cell site tower that exists on the corner of the site was a design challenge through the instructor from the project preceding this project. Where the tower design must be implemented as a current condition. The idea was to rethink the potential that cell site towers might have, other than how they currently exist either as a massive antenna tower or a palm tree that create a blight within the landscape. The cell site tower for this location was designed to create a civic function, with a public courtyard and fountain.

The computer was used as a tool to explore a variety of options and to gain a better understanding of the spaces and character of the buildings.