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Photo © Anice Hoachlander/Hoachlander Davis Photography Multipurpose Room. Photo © Robert Benson Photography
For starters, the design team moved the parking Project: Southern Regional Technology &
away from the front of the building and off to the side. Recreation Complex, Ft. Washington, MD
Then they pushed the two-story elements of the building
like the gymnasium and the climbing wall to the back of Architects: Sorg Architects
the structure so that the street façade could be kept low Structural Engineers: Smislova, Kehnemui & Associates
and respectful of the neighbors. A boldly curving sweep MEP Engineers: Allen & Shariff Corporation
of multi-colored glass reflects the surrounding houses Civil Engineers: A. Morton Thomas & Associates
while its transparency beckons the community in. To the General Contractor: Tuckman-Barbee Construction Co.
rear of the glass curtain wall section, which is treated to
reduce glare, solar gain, and heat loss, the taller building A gently curving steel stair leads to the mezzanine and
forms are individually articulated and clad in architectural the perforated metal panel that clads the stairs meanders
metal panels. through the concourse as a screen and defines, along
with clear and opaque glass panels, areas for learning
The primary organizing element of the 37,000- and socializing.
square-foot interior is the concourse—a curving circula-
tion spine lined with workout areas, dance studios, a The center includes a gymnasium with room for four
recording studio, a climbing wall, café, kitchen, and basketball courts, an elevated track, and a multipurpose
classrooms. The idea was to make the various learning room that can host weddings, business meetings,
and recreation activities visible and accessible to everyone. and community events. A science lab is designed for
Instead of closed-off, compartmentalized rooms, the conducting simple experiments and demonstrations
design offers activated spaces that encourage everyone of hands-on engineering principles, and in the digital
to join in. Sorg thinks of the concourse as a porch where recording studio a professional sound engineer teaches
people visually and physically connect with learning and students of all ages recording, mixing, editing, and
recreational activities and with one another. mastering. In fact, there isn’t much that’s not happening
REC MEETS HIGH-TECH 59
