Page 22 - Fall_2021

Building Community
Building Community

Arlington County Expands

Library at the Aspire! Learning Center.
Its Civic Amenities by Celia Carnes Note the playhouse-shaped entry portal at left.
All photos © Todd Mason/Halkin Mason Photography
Chapter Design Award in Interior Architecture Aspire!, whose mission is to expand learning opportunities
Aspire! Learning Center that help young people fulfill their potential, was based in a
nearby church basement before Arlington County greenlighted
at Arlington Mill the move to a permanent home. At Arlington Mill, Aspire! joins
Arlington, VA a host of other community services, from basketball courts to
technology labs, that together form a hub for south Arlington.
Perkins&Will “It felt like really good synergy to incorporate Aspire! within
MEP Engineer: GHT Limited that hub,” said Perkins&Will project manager Thomas Gregory,
General Contractor: HITT Contracting Assoc. AIA, who also co-chairs Perkins&Will DC’s Social
Purpose committee. “It’s the partnership between programs that
The new Aspire! Learning Center at Arlington Mill Community adds strength to everything.”
Center is a paean to childhood curiosity, exuberance, and The project was undertaken as a part of Perkins&Will’s 1%
potential. Playful colors and shapes are used to great effect pledge, a commitment to put 1% of the firm’s annual national
throughout the space, generating vibrance and movement that budget towards pro bono design services for primarily not-for-
make it feel as if one is walking through a board game or an profit clients. Extensive visioning sessions drew Perkins&Will’s
overturned box of crayons. design team, engineers, Aspire! board members, volunteers,

20 BUILDING COMMUNITY