YMCA Pavillion

The pavilion offers shade and a place for formal and informal gatherings adjacent to a raised playground in a large rear yard that previously offered no sense of place or respite from the sun. The design has two orientations, one primary and formal, the other secondary and informal. The primary orientation is northward. The roof slope and partition placement establish this orientation while it is reinforced by details such as the run of the decking and the extension of the rafter-tails. This primary orientation gives the pavilion a stage-like presence that opens to a small manicured yard captured by the pavilion’s ramp and walkway and the raised playground. The project’s informal orientation is to the adjacent, raised playground and its daily activities. Sited adjacent to the playground, the pavilion’s deck extends slightly over the playground’s edge, making the pavilion accessible to children and caregivers. This deck’s height is set at 29” above the playground so that it is ideal for sitting. At this edge, the decking turns perpendicular to the pavilion’s primary orientation in subtle recognition of this secondary orientation and to signify that the area is for sitting as well as standing.

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