“ A building that is wonderfully public in its character, centered on a lobby and lounge that are generous and comfortable. The architecture provides lots of natural light, and it makes careful use of some high-quality materials to create a strong sense of place”
-Jury, Hamilton Urban Design Awards
Project by: MJMA Architecture and Design. Sean Solowski working as Project Architect.
Owner & Operator: City of Hamilton
Photo Credit: Shai Gill
Award of Excellence for Public Buildings, City of Hamilton Urban Design & Architecture Awards 2019
Award of Merit for Open Spaces, Public Spaces and Green Infrastructure, City of Hamilton Urban Design & Architecture Awards 2019
Area: 5,110 SM (55,000 SF)
The Bernie Morelli Recreation Centre (BMRC) is a new public facility for the community of east Hamilton. Situated among single family homes and adjacent to an urban park, high school and sports field, the site exists within a larger urban precinct and community hub. BMRC houses swimming and fitness facilities designed for young families, seniors, and people of all abilities to support a lifestyle of health and wellness. Program areas include a leisure pool, gymnasium, running track, teaching studios and community rooms.
With the use natural materials, daylighting and views, the Bernie Morelli Centre celebrates an everyday experience to lift ones spirit, making a lifestyle of health and well-being inclusive and accessible.
Within the deciduous forest region of southern Ontario, the oak wood ceilings mirror the sites natural history and local geography. The ceilings abstract geometry recalls the texture of a forest canopy while its colour and natural grain elevates interior spaces to create a welcoming and inviting environment that is uniquely Hamilton.
The iconic Niagara Escarpment is a dominant natural feature that weaves through the city. Its exposed limestone face is a defining aspect of local history and identify. This natural phenomenon is reflected within interior spaces with large limestone clad walls. Natural daylight from skylights above highlight this feature exposing the unique natural graining and beauty of this material - bringing together the new while evoking the familiar.
The 200sm leisure pool is an optimized design for group classes or a casual swim. Its shallow depth and ramp entry allow universal access to all age groups and abilities while an integrated hydrotherapy area is ideal for recovery and rejuvenation. A state-of-the-art mechanical system provides concentrated air circulation at the water level that practically eliminates odors while maintaining excellent air quality. A heat recovery system ensures high-performance energy efficiency.
Over 60m of skylights flood interior spaces with natural light. Electrical light demands are significantly reduced while direct light and views are optimized. Despite the buildings large footprint, a view to sky is visible throughout the building. Shadows from passing clouds transmit on materials and surfaces, shifting throughout the day. The active and lively space of the gymnasium is provided with optimal daylighting for performance, while the leisure spaces are more diffuse to create spaces for quietude, reflection, teaching and socializing.