RIAI | Irish Architecture Awards

Citation

Architect’s Comments

Situated on a constrained site on a main arterial route into Belfast, Falls Leisure Centre replaces a previous pool, disused since being damaged by fire.
 
Accommodation includes a 25-metre swimming pool, sauna, steam room, sports hall, fitness suite, dance studio and multi-purpose rooms. Construction of a full basement enabled the creation of extra space for the main hall. Site constraints combined with the specific dimensions of the main spaces (Pool Hall and Sports Hall) allowed consideration of every plan permutation - the final solution was developed through evaluation of the internal arrangement and the building’s contribution to streetscape. Views from the efoyer across the main sports hall and the pool provide a feeling of space despite the compact plan. Two elevations are landlocked and careful integration of fire escapes into the design enabled provision of a fully functional basement sports hall.

We were asked to consider the regenerative opportunities of the project on a major arterial route, close to the city centre and in an area in need of regeneration.

The glazed façade brings life to the street by day and night with the qualities of light and colour changing continually. Glass roof lanterns bring light into the building and provide a recognisable roofscape. These lanterns provide a building which is recognisable and memorable at many levels of engagement; as a pedestrian, motorist or air traveller, or when viewed from across the city.

Client’s Comments

The architects were appointed early in 2002 to develop the brief and designs for the new replacement facility for Falls Swim Centre. There was a lot of liaison with the Falls Swim Centre Steering Committee, a body made up of the users of the building and representing a range of age groups and interests. These consultations were important for the design process and fundamental in linking the building to its context.
 
Our basic principle was that we were not going to build another ‘bunker’ leisure centre and took the decision to commission a building which, in a very tough urban environment, might incur substantial damage. But in fact there hasn’t been any serious vandalism and this is probably due to the local community’s appreciation of a fine building.
 
With the area’s many social problems we wanted this to be a ‘flagship’ project that would assist in the wider regeneration of the area. The architects really visualised our aspirations and incorporated concepts we would not ordinarily have considered.
 
We are pleased with the product in terms of accommodation and in terms of functionality – it is programmatic, but also based on light, colour and transparency. We know this is a first for Belfast.