At a well-loved, but only seasonally-used outdoor tennis complex in New York City’s Prospect Park, Modellus Novus completed a proposal for a monumental structure to breathe new life and use into this public urban venue. Covering eight tennis courts and an existing field house building, the dramatic corrugated metal roof allows year round use of the existing tennis courts for both sport and community gathering. The playing courts and field house have been vibrantly updated with new surfaces, drawing color inspiration from tennis and athletic apparel, to suggest a relation to contemporary sports culture. While the roof provides protection from inclement weather, the structure is only partially enclosed: walls are made from aluminum wire mesh and mirrored panels, allowing the sounds and sights of matches to permeate the surrounding park, while also focusing views within for the casual passersby.
The Prospect Park Tennis Center uses common industrial building materials and methods to create a generous urban space. A prefabricated metal truss system comprises the primary structure while corrugated metal and polycarbonate panels sheath the system to create the dramatic roof. Aluminum wire mesh, echoing the chain link fences of the neighborhood, is used to secure the perimeter enclosure, while large scale walk-pull vinyl curtains offer windbreaks and privacy for players. Suspended turbine fans encourage air movement within the building envelope while LED high bay lighting illuminates the courts which host not only tennis matches, but also planned community events.
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