Precedent Study: Singing Hills Recreation Center

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Introduction
The Singing Hills Recreation Center in Dallas, Texas, designed by Perkins & Will
Architects, is a community facility that plays an important role in serving the local
community and promoting social interaction. The Singing Hills Recreation Center is
conceived as an extension of the land, emphasizing versatility, aesthetics, and
environmental adaptability.

Figure 1. The Singing Hills Recreation Center in southern Dallas

Multi-functional center for all generations

The Singing Hills Recreation Center provides venues and facilities for various sports
with residents of all ages, contributing to healthy exercise for the entire
community(Comley, 2023). The center also provides workstations and studios for
collaborative work, fostering a sense of community. The basketball court of the center
sets into the slope with a floor one level lower than the rest of the facility and offers
breathtaking views of a lush tree canopy through floor-to-ceiling windows on the
downhill side, echoing with the surrounding nature and topography(McKnight, 2022).
 Figure 2. The basketball court with a view of nature

Modern space with visual appeal

"It's a beacon that draws people to south Dallas," says Ron Stelmarski, the lead
architect. Perched on a limestone bluff, the Singing Hills Recreation Centre offers
captivating panoramic views of a grassy hillside framed by a concrete retaining wall.
The design's attention to detail is evident in the deliberate staggering of the metal
panel frames and glass panels, which creates an exciting visual contrast and play of
shadows. The atrium features a pristine white terrazzo floor and an illuminated
southern pine louvered ceiling with large windows overlooking the Dallas skyline.
The recreation center shows the harmonious landscape in the community, ]and
enhances the beauty of the area by creating the links with the natural landscape in an
abstracted way.
Figure 3. Different shades of glazing are featured at Singing Hills' recreation facilities

Of the hill, belonging to it

Every corner of the Singing Hills Recreation Center expresses seamless integration
with its surroundings. By distilling the innate attributes of the site, the structure
harmonizes with its surroundings, creating a stronger human connection with the
natural world. The distinctive roof line of the structure gracefully hovers above the
hill's crest, with the land sloping gently to the north. As one approaches the building,
the enclosed roof appears to be embedded in the mountain, blending in with nature.
With the methods of becoming part of nature, the northern hillside, designed as a
gently landscaped meadow, charmingly provides a backdrop for observing activities
inside the facility. The adaptation to nature benefits the conservation of the original
community and advances the progress of southern Dallas.
 Figure 4. The closed roof echoes with the mountain

Architecture that benefits the community

The Singing Hills Recreation Center serves as a powerful example of the potential of
integrated community design. It units vehicular, train, bicycle, and environmental
networks to create a multi-tiered space for social interaction and overall well-
being(Silva, 2022). The design of the community center should based on the
surroundings, the original site, and nature, the rewarding use of versatility, aesthetics,
and harmony with the environment benefits strengthening and accelerating the
development of a community.

Words counts: 496 words

References for Text

Comley, M. (2023, August 28). Singing Hills Recreation Center.
Perkins&Will. https://perkinswill.com/project/singing-hills-recreation-center/
McKnight, J. (2022, April 6). Perkins&Will completes Singing Hills recreation
facility in Dallas. Dezeen. https://www.dezeen.com/2022/04/05/perkins-will-
singing-hills-recreation-facility-dallas/
Silva, V. (2022, December 22). Singing Hills Recreation Center / Perkins&Will.
ArchDaily. https://www.archdaily.com/981777/singing-hills-recreation-center-
perkins-and-will

References for Images

Figure 1. Steinkamp, J.(2020).Expanding opportunities.[Photograph].Perkins&Will.
https://perkinswill.com/project/singing-hills-recreation-center/
Figure 2. Steinkamp, J.(2020).The building's gymnasium is partly sunken into the
ground.[Photograph].Dezeen.
https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2022/04/perkins-and-will-singing-hills-
recreation-centre-dallas_dezeen_2364_col_28.jpg
Figure 3. Steinkamp, J.(2020).Different shades of glazing are featured at Singing
Hills' recreation facilities.[Photograph].Dezeen.
https://www.dezeen.com/2022/04/05/perkins-will-singing-hills-recreation-facility-
dallas/
Figure 4. Steinkamp, J.(2020).Singing Hills Recreation
Center.[Photograph].Archdaily.
https://www.archdaily.com/981777/singing-hills-recreation-center-perkins-and-
will/627c205f3e4b31ee17000026-singing-hills-recreation-center-perkins-and-will-
photo?next_project=no