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current photo of two-story version

 interior light atrium with residents' flags from many nations

Bayview Community Center

Madison, WI

The original masonry community center which we designed in 1981 was earth-sheltered because the residents were loathe to lose the green coutryard. It integrates passive solar heating, natural day-lighting and other energy-saving features. Inside are offices, kitchen and flexible multi-purpose and child-care spaces. Extensive landscaping was designed over the roof and around the new structure to carefully integrate it into the existing housing complex.

The second story addition to the community center was designed in the early '90's, and maintains the earth-sheltered passive solar features, while adding offices, computer room, study room and large multi-purpose room for international dance rehearsals. A new elevator is provided and modifications made to the alarm system and so on to bring building into compliance with ADA guidelines.

Other improvements have included several play areas near the Center, including a water-sand playstructure that fosters play between able-bodied and disabled children.

(interior light atrium, left): Bayview is known as "The International Neighborhood". Residents living here originate from all of the nations represented by these flags, and more.

 

Award: Grant from Madison Gas & Electric for passive solar and energy conserving features.

original Center in early '80's

(above and from the rear,below): The original Bayview Community Center, soon after completion in the early '80's. The fence and thorny bushes were intended to deter children from clinbing out on the roof. Of course, walking the forbidden roof turned into a sort of local 'rite of passage', although we know of no child being injured in this way.
view of earth berming, from the rear, early '80's


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© Design Coalition Inc., Architects ~~~ Madison, Wisconsin ~~ contact@designcoalition.org