[ BING THOM ARCHITECTS ] FEATURED PROJECT

FEATURED PROJECT BY BING THOM ARCHITECTS

 

Located in a vibrant multicultural neighbourhood in South Vancouver, the Sunset Community Centre houses a pre-school, gymnasium, exercise rooms and a host of other community activities. The building has been integrated into the Vancouver Park Board's nursery which will take on an additional role as an educational and recreational resource for the community. Based on sustainable design principals, the building follows the contours of the site and is clearly organized around the cross circulation which reflects the cross roads of the site. A fluid sculptural roof caps the building and further emphasizes the natural setting of the building.

 

"Flow" is a suitable metaphor for this design concept as the word describes movement and energy of water; the energy of the Fraser River and the creeks that once ran through this site; a powerful symbol for the Sunset Community. It is an architectural idea that reminds one of the histories of this community, and points to its future. This movement through time is evident in the expression of the building form as the various components appear as if they are pulling away from the central circulation ramp at the lobby. Everywhere the tension in the building skin and surfaces is evident as the building appears to be in a transitional state, where the very forces of nature seem to be playing a part in form-making. The elements of the structure are simple, concrete, glass and wood. These elements reflect a west-coast palate that has weathered the test of time.