Originally built in 2005, the Farwell Recreation Center lacked a gymnasium due to initial budget constraints. Despite a high youth population in Northeast Detroit, the facility primarily served seniors and lacked space for diverse sports and youth programming. This addition finally completes the building’s original intent, providing a versatile gymnasium to serve residents of all ages.

The primary design challenge was to create a harmonious transition between the existing building and a new monolithic structure .To ease community fears that the proposed addition would juxtapose its context too much, a gradated brick facade was utilized to great effect. A carefully curated ironspot brick blend was selected to complement the original building colour palette, while adding a dynamic, nuanced texture without significantly increasing costs.

Further design elements include an uninterrupted brick overhang along the east facade, which creates a horizontal shadow line that aligns with the existing facility’s datum. While a large punched window was initially planned for the north facade, due to the city’s request, the design evolved into a clerestory window strategy to better manage light and privacy.

Tasks included massing studies, solar studies, renderings, developing window strategies, exterior design + brick selection, site visits and assisting in Design Development drawings in Revit.