Long Bridge Park Aquatics and Fitness Center
Imagine gently pulling the corners of an origami model until it forms a striking geometric shape. On a much larger scale, this idea inspired the Long Bridge Aquatics & Fitness Center—a sleek, angular building that seamlessly integrates into Long Bridge Park, appearing as if shaped directly from the land.
This 92,513-square-foot facility fulfills Arlington County’s decades-long vision for a recreational hub. As the community’s first free-standing aquatics center, it features a competition pool with spectator seating, a leisure pool with a water slide and lazy river, a state-of-the-art fitness center, locker rooms, community rooms, and an outdoor plaza.
Sustainability was central to the design, with a regenerative media filter reducing water and chemical use, efficient irrigation cutting potable water consumption by 66%, and bird-friendly fritted glazing. A warm, durable material palette enhances the space, creating a welcoming destination for all ages to swim, exercise, and gather.
Awards
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12024 Project of the Year, DBIA Mid-Atlantic Region
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22022 Build-to-Suit Institutional Award of Excellence, NAIOP Northern Virginia
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32022 Award in Architecture, AIA Washington, DC Chapter
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42022 Award of Excellence, Institutional Architecture, AIA Northern Virginia Chapter
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52022 DESIGN Arlington Excellence Award, Arlington County
Environmental responsibility
Thoughtful strategies reduce energy demand, conserve water, and enhance efficiency. The building’s orientation maximizes natural light, while efficient HVAC and a high-performance thermal envelope minimize heating and cooling loads. Low-flow plumbing and smart irrigation significantly cut water use, and durable, low-maintenance materials ensure long-term sustainability with minimal environmental impact.
Bridging natural and built environments
Long Bridge Park is a well-known bird-watching spot, so the design team worked closely with the community, the National Park Service, and the Audubon Society to ensure continued wildlife safety. Their research informed the frit pattern on all exterior glazing to prevent birds from colliding with otherwise transparent building surfaces.
Interior design
Reflecting natural beauty through elegance and simplicity
An interior color palette of soft cream, gray, and light blue-green enhances the warmth of the space, while wood paneling, mosaic tile, and exposed concrete materials are both durable and extremely easy to clean.
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“The center was designed to respond to community needs by increasing social cohesion and providing a refreshing physical outlet for all ages, creating a highly sought-after gathering spot for residents and visitors alike.”Robert E. CapperCapital Asset Manager, Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation
“All of the geometry is based on the building being a part of the park and rising up out of the park. The tessellated plains – the ‘origami pieces’ – are important in the form of the building. That guided everything.”Robert PerryPrincipalWashington, DC
The design of the Long Bridge Aquatics & Fitness Center was inspired by the transformation of a paper origami model into a striking geometric form. The result is a sleek, angular building that seamlessly integrates with Long Bridge Park.
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