Los Angeles, CA – After two years in the planning and design phases, Rio Hondo Prep’s long- awaited multiuse athletics building has started construction and is scheduled for completion in December 2011. The new 22,000SF facility replaces a "temporary" tent structure that served as the school’s indoor sports venue for over 30 years. To find the right architects for their unique project, Rio Hondo’s parent organization Kare Youth League initiated a broad search for a design firm in 2007. This search began with the consideration of over 15 architectural firms and culminated in the selection of Parallax Associates.
The design challenge presented by the project was how to fit the client’s substantial program requirements into a highly constrained context. Bound by an existing playing field and the Rio Hondo Wash on the north and south, and by existing buildings on the east and west, the site area was tightly limited—demanding a plan of exceptional efficiency. Adding to the area limitation was the fact that the site overlapped LA County, City of Arcadia and City of El Monte jurisdictions – making the design and approvals process an even more complex puzzle.
“Where others may see challenges or limitations, we see possibilities,” says Craig Jameson, co-founder of Parallax Associates. “We are honored that Kare Youth League selected us to bring a much-anticipated vision to life and are privileged to be able to design a building that children can enjoy for years to come.”
Since it was more important for the new building to engage adjacent conditions than to stand apart as a solitary object, Parallax conceived of the building as an inside-out courtyard. A long wall that wraps around the perimeter of the gymnasium space engages neighboring structures and defines a variety of campus passageways and outdoor gathering places. A tall pavilion marks the entry to the building. Designed as a kind of tree house, it suggests the club of young explorer-builders that is at the heart of Kare Youth League.
“Our mission is to show each child that they are unique and born for a special purpose,” says John H. Martin, Kare Youth League’s Executive Director. “We needed a structure that articulates that philosophy while providing a versatile platform to support a wide diversity of programs. Parallax understood how to translate creativity into a building and exceeded our expectations.”
When complete, the new building will provide a generous multiuse gymnasium and assembly space. The gym space will convert easily from two side-by-side basketball practice courts into a single championship court with seating for 500 spectators. A full stage at the west end of the gym allows for all-school assemblies and a variety of theater and musical performances. To support the school’s extensive sports program the building will also provide high school and middle school locker rooms for boys and girls, as well as a training room and several classrooms.
Important sustainable design features include:
• A comprehensive storm water filtration system to clean and contain rainwater run off.
• Low flow, hands free plumbing fixtures, to minimize water consumption
• Fluorescent light fixtures and HVAC economizers to minimize long-term energy consumption.
Parallax Associates
Founded in 1994 by John Masotta and Craig Jameson, Parallax Associates’ body of work demonstrates excellence and innovation in institutional, civic and commercial architecture. The Parallax team provides a full spectrum of services including: master planning, feasibility studies, programming, design, construction documents, permitting and contract administration. Specializing in the planning and design of educational facilities, Parallax Associates has worked with many of Southern California’s top schools. For additional information and images, please visit the Parallax website at www.parallaxassociates.com.
# # #
Media Contact:
Angela Moore
Starfish P.R.
T: 310-429-8868
angela@starfish-pr.com
The design challenge presented by the project was how to fit the client’s substantial program requirements into a highly constrained context. Bound by an existing playing field and the Rio Hondo Wash on the north and south, and by existing buildings on the east and west, the site area was tightly limited—demanding a plan of exceptional efficiency. Adding to the area limitation was the fact that the site overlapped LA County, City of Arcadia and City of El Monte jurisdictions – making the design and approvals process an even more complex puzzle.
“Where others may see challenges or limitations, we see possibilities,” says Craig Jameson, co-founder of Parallax Associates. “We are honored that Kare Youth League selected us to bring a much-anticipated vision to life and are privileged to be able to design a building that children can enjoy for years to come.”
Since it was more important for the new building to engage adjacent conditions than to stand apart as a solitary object, Parallax conceived of the building as an inside-out courtyard. A long wall that wraps around the perimeter of the gymnasium space engages neighboring structures and defines a variety of campus passageways and outdoor gathering places. A tall pavilion marks the entry to the building. Designed as a kind of tree house, it suggests the club of young explorer-builders that is at the heart of Kare Youth League.
“Our mission is to show each child that they are unique and born for a special purpose,” says John H. Martin, Kare Youth League’s Executive Director. “We needed a structure that articulates that philosophy while providing a versatile platform to support a wide diversity of programs. Parallax understood how to translate creativity into a building and exceeded our expectations.”
When complete, the new building will provide a generous multiuse gymnasium and assembly space. The gym space will convert easily from two side-by-side basketball practice courts into a single championship court with seating for 500 spectators. A full stage at the west end of the gym allows for all-school assemblies and a variety of theater and musical performances. To support the school’s extensive sports program the building will also provide high school and middle school locker rooms for boys and girls, as well as a training room and several classrooms.
Important sustainable design features include:
• A comprehensive storm water filtration system to clean and contain rainwater run off.
• Low flow, hands free plumbing fixtures, to minimize water consumption
• Fluorescent light fixtures and HVAC economizers to minimize long-term energy consumption.
Parallax Associates
Founded in 1994 by John Masotta and Craig Jameson, Parallax Associates’ body of work demonstrates excellence and innovation in institutional, civic and commercial architecture. The Parallax team provides a full spectrum of services including: master planning, feasibility studies, programming, design, construction documents, permitting and contract administration. Specializing in the planning and design of educational facilities, Parallax Associates has worked with many of Southern California’s top schools. For additional information and images, please visit the Parallax website at www.parallaxassociates.com.
# # #
Media Contact:
Angela Moore
Starfish P.R.
T: 310-429-8868
angela@starfish-pr.com