We collaborated with Kuth Ranieri Architects as a joint venture on this renovation, which transformed an International-style pool building, beloved by its users but dilapidated from years of deferred maintenance, into a newly vital neighborhood landmark. This project is part of an broader effort by city leaders to improve wellness among underserved communities through equitable access to recreational facilities. .

In this video of the awards ceremony, the project’s leaders spoke about how the key design decisions —from the redesigned entry and swimming lanes to a new community room and public art — were guided by a focus on supporting the community.

In its recognition of our team’s work, the jury commented that “the renovation to the pool house has transformed a well-used but undermaintained community asset into a sustainable point of pride and identity in its community. The AIASF Committee on the Environment found that the renovation’s greatest sustainability assets focused on the design excellence topics of community, economy, water and energy conservation. The design team did significant neighborhood outreach and a mural by a local artist was incorporated to celebrate the neighborhood’s diversity.”

For more details on the renovation of Balboa Pool, see here.