McDowell Mountain Ranch Park & Aquatic Center / Weddle Gilmore Black Rock Studio

McDowell Mountain Ranch Park & Aquatic Center / Weddle Gilmore Black Rock Studio - Facade, WindowsMcDowell Mountain Ranch Park & Aquatic Center / Weddle Gilmore Black Rock Studio - FacadeMcDowell Mountain Ranch Park & Aquatic Center / Weddle Gilmore Black Rock Studio - Image 4 of 17McDowell Mountain Ranch Park & Aquatic Center / Weddle Gilmore Black Rock Studio - Facade, ColumnMcDowell Mountain Ranch Park & Aquatic Center / Weddle Gilmore Black Rock Studio - More Images+ 12

Text description provided by the architects. The McDowell Mountain Ranch Park & Aquatic Center was designed with respect and sensitivity to its location. The design process included a Municipal Use Master Plan and encouraged broad community involvement in the planning and design phase. A series of community meetings were held to gather community input during the programming phase and then presented conceptual designs for input prior to finalizing the Master Plan.

McDowell Mountain Ranch Park & Aquatic Center / Weddle Gilmore Black Rock Studio - Facade
© Bill Timmerman

The design of this municipal facility was organized around a significant existing desert arroyo and views to the McDowell Mountains. The exterior forms of the Center are derived from the angular forms of the mountains blending the structures into the desert site. Natural daylighting and ventilation is utilized throughout the facility providing strong indoor / outdoor connectivity.

McDowell Mountain Ranch Park & Aquatic Center / Weddle Gilmore Black Rock Studio - Fence
© Bill Timmerman

The 24,000 sqf facility consists of a community room, fitness center, dance & aerobics, three outdoor pools and a skate park. The programs and drop-in activities provide a wide range of options for all user age groups creating a truly multi-generational community center.

McDowell Mountain Ranch Park & Aquatic Center / Weddle Gilmore Black Rock Studio - Facade, Windows
© Bill Timmerman

The translucent art wall that was developed in association with Seattle artist Norie Sato acts as a focal point for the axis of the main entry for the center. It creates a play of light and color that is active throughout the day and into the evening.

McDowell Mountain Ranch Park & Aquatic Center / Weddle Gilmore Black Rock Studio - Fence, Beam
© Chris Brown

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Project location

Address:15525 North Thompson Peak Parkway, Scottsdale, AZ 85260, USA

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Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "McDowell Mountain Ranch Park & Aquatic Center / Weddle Gilmore Black Rock Studio" 04 May 2011. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/132583/mcdowell-mountain-ranch-park-aquatic-center-weddle-gilmore-black-rock-studio> ISSN 0719-8884

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