HCMA was rewarded with an Athletic Business 2005 Facility of Merit Award for the seamless execution of their renovation and expansion of the West Vancouver Aquatic Centre, placing the project among the top ten sports, fitness and recreation facilities of the year. One judge called the Aquatic Centre the only project by a Canadian firm to win a “unanimous selection. The committee was stunned.”
“Our focus was striking a balance between old and new, giving respect to the existing building but also incorporating updated forms, design techniques and sustainable practices,” says Darryl Condon, Principal at HCMA. “Above all else, this facility is meant to be a place for the community to engage with each other and be a catalyst in living a healthy life. It feels great to have our efforts recognized.”
Through the use of abundant natural light and sensitive reorganization to the existing centre, the revitalized facility provides, in the words of one panelist, “an incredible transformation of a rather ordinary building into an exciting and extraordinary one,” harnessing beautiful views through a wall of glass, and sustainable design features that include geothermal heating, natural ventilation and an ozone water treatment system. HCMA also engaged the community in the project, decorating the innovative electric sunscreens with public art.
The Athletic Business Facilities Merit Award are judged by a panel of leading sports, recreation and fitness facility architects. The West Vancouver Aquatic Centre was one of top ten projects chosen from a selection of 92 entries from across North America, and is featured with the rest of this year’s winners in the December 2005 issue of Athletic Business.