Highbridge Park Aquatic Center

Growing up as a competitive swimmer and swim coach, water safety has always been a big part of my life. When tasked to design an aquatic addition to Highbridge Park Pool in Washington Heights, Manhattan, I felt it was necessary to create a space that emphasized teaching individuals of all ages to swim. 

 

After conducting research on drowning statics, the demographics of the area, etc. I discovered that the majority of individuals in the community who would need to use this space would be younger than 10 years of age. Given my history in the swimming world, I was aware of the stresses and anxieties that many children face when learning how to swim. That being said, I aimed to create a space that alleviated some of those stresses. By implementing a pastel color palette, natural light, high ceilings, and open space, I was able to create a space that was fun to be in for children, rather than one that would cause more stress. 

 

The color palette further serves to distinguish programs within the aquatic center, as further shown in the drawings. As also seen in the drawings, the aquatic center is not only catered to beginner swimmers but to advanced swimmers as well. With a 25-yard lap pool and recovery spaces (cold pools, warm pools, steam room), the space allows individuals of all ages and skill levels to swim.

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Link to aquatic center walkthrough: https://youtu.be/0U_yCveU3BQ 

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Please click on individual images to view the entire drawing