Joy Evans Therapeutic Recreation Center

3030 G St, SE
Washington, DC 20019

DLR Group’s design for the Joy Evans Therapeutic Recreation Center takes full advantage of its location adjacent to the wooded stream valley of the National Park Service. With a focus on maximizing the therapeutic benefits of biophilic design, the new building capitalizes on its vibrant, natural landscape with views to the outside from all major public spaces. Natural materials connect the indoors to the outdoors. 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.

The District of Columbia’s Department of Parks and Recreation project includes a new 36,800-SF recreation center and extensive sitework. The program focuses on therapeutic recreation and serves users of all ages and the full spectrum of physical and cognitive abilities. Major components include an indoor natatorium space with a ramped warm water therapy pool and a spa, a gymnasium, a fitness room, a wellness studio, a large multipurpose room with a kitchen, a senior room, a technology lounge, and activity rooms. Exterior programmatic elements include playgrounds, a splash pad, a multi-sport field and court, a sensory garden, and a community garden, all connected with a network of trails throughout the site. The project is designed to meet USGBC LEED Silver certification standards with a strong emphasis on biophilic and universal design principles. DLR Group is providing architecture, engineering, planning, and interior design services.