Weddle Gilmore Architects

McDowell Mountain Ranch Park & Aquatic Center

McDowell Mountain Ranch Park & Aquatic Center
© Bill Timmerman

MCDOWELL MOUNTAIN RANCH PARK & AQUATIC CENTER

Weddle Gilmore Black Rock Studio

PHOTOGRAPHS
Bill Timmerman, Chris Brown

AREA
24000 ft²

PROJECT YEAR
2007

LOCATION
Scottsdale, AZ 85260, USA

CATEGORY
Swimming Pool

Text description provided by the architects.

The McDowell Mountain Ranch Park & Aquatic Center was designed with respect and sensitivity to its location.

McDowell Mountain Ranch Park & Aquatic Center
© Chris Brown
McDowell Mountain Ranch Park & Aquatic Center
© Bill Timmerman

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
© Bill Timmerman
McDowell Mountain Ranch Park & Aquatic Center
© Chris Brown

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.

The 24,000 sqf facility consists of a community room, fitness center, dance & aerobics, three outdoor pools and a skate park.

McDowell Mountain Ranch Park & Aquatic Center
© Bill Timmerman
McDowell Mountain Ranch Park & Aquatic Center
© Bill Timmerman
McDowell Mountain Ranch Park & Aquatic Center
© Chris Brown

The programs and drop-in activities provide a wide range of options for all user age groups creating a truly multi-generational community center.

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
© Bill Timmerman
McDowell Mountain Ranch Park & Aquatic Center
© Chris Brown
McDowell Mountain Ranch Park & Aquatic Center
© Bill Timmerman
McDowell Mountain Ranch Park & Aquatic Center
© Bill Timmerman


McDowell Mountain Ranch Park & Aquatic Center
© Bill Timmerman
McDowell Mountain Ranch Park & Aquatic Center
McDowell Mountain Ranch Park & Aquatic Center
© Bill Timmerman


McDowell Mountain Ranch Park & Aquatic Center
Site Plan
McDowell Mountain Ranch Park & Aquatic Center
Plan
McDowell Mountain Ranch Park & Aquatic Center
Section

Weddle Gilmore Architects
T +1 480 5175055 F +1 480 5175057
Weddle Gilmore Architects
6916 E 5th Ave, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, United States