Facility Planning & Operations: Aquatics

Often, it's the little details that make a difference in the way a space is experienced. Take the renovation of the District of Mission (B.C.) Leisure Centre. To add some sparkle and depth to this former utilitarian box, architects Cannon Design of Victoria, B.C., specified colored tiles in a variety of patterns for the pool deck and walls, and created a built-in bench along a low, wavy wall. The bench, a simple alteration to the masonry and tile construction of the rest of the wall, is durable and hygienic, and adds a social component to a portion of the pool deck that would ordinarily be too narrow to accommodate the more typical rows of movable chaise lounges. The same treatment could be utilized along an entire interior wall — to seat members of a swim club casually, perhaps — but here it provides a more intimate gathering space, at no additional cost.

District of Mission Leisure Centre    pool deck    aquatic facility    natatorium    bench