Volunteer Building
The volunteer building is a modest structure in the middle of Independence Park that houses two essential community support functions. One for the staff and volunteers that manage the park’s botanical gardens and another for the storage and construction of stage sets for the community theatre to the north. It achieves this dual purpose by dividing the building into two discrete parts. A simple rectilinear metal shell is twisted and lifted at each end revealing two separate entrances. The rooflines converge in the center directing rainwater into a garden that fronts the building. It was strategically positioned as to not disrupt two mature oak trees on the property and provide and impressive natural focal point.
The botanical garden’s half faces the garden gate, the cantilevered roof covers a bench and porch that will be used by volunteer groups as a secondary meeting space. The interior consists of two offices, restroom, kitchenette and an open meeting area. The finishes throughout the building are simple and durable -metal/plywood siding and sealed concrete floors. The saddlebag on the back of the building is for tool and material storage.
The theatre’s half faces the back stage entrance. It is equipped with an industrial roll door to facilitate the movement of large theatrical components and equipment. Wing walls create a covered work area shielded from the garden. Sound transmission between the two areas is reduced by a double wall with a plumbing cavity.
