PROJECT  Joy Evans Therapeutic Recreation Center

ARCHITECT  DLR Group

LOCATION  Washington, District of Columbia, US​

PROJECT COMPLETION DATE  12/23/2024

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN TEAM  Matt Davitt, AIA, Rachel Chung, AIA, Hannah Caster, Jute Yonkos, Michael Boco, Hillary Keene, Chris Sanders, Bob Widger
OWNER/CLIENT  DC Department of General Services
CONTRACTOR/CONSTRUCTION MANAGER  Smoot Construction Company
PHOTOGRAPHER  Allen Russ Photography
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT CGLA
CIVIL ENGINEER Wiles Mensch
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER  SK&A
MECHANICAL ENGINEER  DLR Group
ELECTRICAL ENGINEER  DLR Group
CONSULTANT  Counsilman-Hunsaker
CONSULTANT  Amy Wagenfeld Design
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SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT  
The Joy Evans Therapeutic Recreation Center replaces an aged 1970s building with a new state-of-the-art facility focused on providing therapeutic recreational programming and serving people of all ages and along the full spectrum of physical and cognitive abilities.

The project scope consists of a new 36,800 SF recreation building and extensive sitework. Major components include an indoor natatorium space with warm water therapy pool and spa, gymnasium, fitness room, wellness studio, large multipurpose room with kitchen, senior room with adjacent caregiver room, and activity rooms. Exterior programmatic elements include playgrounds, splash pad, multi-sport field and court, sensory and gardens, all connected with a network of trails throughout the site.

The design takes full advantage of its location adjacent to the wooded stream valley of the National Park Service to harness the therapeutic benefits of biophilic design for its users. All major public spaces include views to the vibrant, natural landscape beyond. Natural materials and textures are used throughout to connect the indoors to the outdoor environment. The building’s massing has been modulated with recesses in the façade to separate the major program components. These recesses create a rhythm along the façade and help to scale down the size and length of the building. Sloping roofs with deep overhangs provide solar protection and reduce the visual height of the building to better integrate it with its lower-scale residential neighborhood. Along with the wood-clad piers and full-height glazing, the overall impression is of a pavilion in the woods.

Because the user group includes people with various physical, intellectual, sensory, and developmental abilities, maximizing accessibility and safety within and around the facility are important design goals. To that end, all public spaces are located on a single floor level, which eliminates the need for stairs and elevators. Additional maneuvering space is provided throughout, including wide hallways to allow for bi-passing wheelchairs and integrated spaces to rest along the way. These “in-between” spaces offer moments of refuge to pause and enjoy the view of the natural landscape or the play of light and shadow on the vaulted ceiling. This also fits into the larger goal of offering a variety of sensory spaces within the building to help users regulate their physical and emotional states. These strategies of inclusion and biophilic design are the foundation for this intergenerational hub for learning, social gatherings, creative activities, recreation, and health promotion in southeast Washington, DC.

JURY COMMENTS (If applicable)

A highly articulated design that maximizes solar gain, shading, and rainwater collection. The architect has created a sustainable, biophilic space with a unique roofline that enhances the community experience, blending environmental responsibility with architectural beauty.

IMAGES (Captions and Photographer Credit)
1. View from Sensory Garden. Allen Russ Photography
2. View from Sensory Garden. Allen Russ Photography
3. Natatorium. Allen Russ Photography
4. Exterior view of Natatorium. Allen Russ Photography
5. Facade detail at wood cladding. Allen Russ Photography
6. View of Zen Garden. Allen Russ Photography
7. View of Lobby and Reception. Allen Russ Photography
8. Wood screens at Lobby. Allen Russ Photography