The third place is a widely understood concept coined by urban sociologist Ray Oldenburg to denote those life-affirming civic places that are neither work nor home. In an effort lead by Clemson University, the UACDC partnered with the Little Rock Air Force Base to develop a Social Center – or a Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR)/Outdoor Recreation (ODR) Center per official military nomenclature – using mass timber technology. Two schemes reflecting mat building typology, a deep-plan, large, horizontal building developed from repeatable modules, were prepared by the UACDC studio at the level of Schematic Design. The first scheme, The Shed, proposes a distinct roof profile sheltering a public concourse with a constellation of informal café, bar, gallery, and recreation spaces serving formal meeting areas on one level. The second scheme, Laminations: A Social Canopy, proposes level changes along a sloping topography while the roof acts as a horizontal datum connecting interior social landscapes of varying heights. Both feature the integration of nature inside the building as distributed fixed features that give spaces a sense of place and affords enjoyment regardless of function.
Awards
2022 The Plan Awards: Mixed Use Future Finalist
Sponsors
Clemson University
United States Endowment for Forestry and Communities.
Client
Little Rock Air Force Base