SENIOR HOUSING AT YMCA NEWPORT BEACH
SITEd in the back bay of newport beach, in southern california, this mixed use development is comprised of 105 active senior living residences and a new ymca facility. program within the 50,000 square feet of new ymca include; lounge and common areas, cafe, aquatics center, gymnasium, kitchen, tech lab, children’s area, and a wellness floor. every square foot is meant to foster inter-generational growth, and connection to the community. the active senior residences include 140,000 sf of resident area, a two story subterranean parking garage, and abundant park-like landscaped amenities. the residences and ymca represent a new approach to active senior living, and a symbiosis between senior active living and a community driven health and wellness facility.
in the upper newport bay nature preserve, AND A SHORT WALK from THE PROJECT IS The Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve totals approximately 135 acres. The Nature Preserve is made up of the bluffs surrounding the Bay. Three sensitive species use the bluffs: The California Gnatcatcher, San Diego Cactus Wren, and Burrowing Owl. Two important plant communities are found on the bluffs - grasslands and coastal sage scrub. Upper Newport Ecological Reserve totals 752 acres. This coastal wetland, one of the largest in southern California, is renowned as one of the finest bird watching sites in North America. During winter migration up to 35,000 birds may be using the Bay at one time. It is home to six rare or endangered species: Light Footed Clapper Rail, Brown Pelican, Belding's Savannah Sparrow, Black Rail, Peregrine Falcon and California Least Tern. The Bay is home to one endangered plant species - Saltmarsh Bird's Beak. Considered a "critical estuary" habitat - Upper Newport Bay is one of the most pristine remaining estuaries in Southern California.
early on in the exploration of the site, the cliff swallows were observed in the concrete structure at the peter and mary muth interpretive center. these amazing birds were in action, diligently constructing their homes under the eaves of the building. Cliff swallows are extremely social songbirds that can be found in nesting colonies with thousands of nests. They are frequently seen flying overhead in large flocks during migration, gracefully foraging over fields for flying insects or perching tightly together on a wire preening under the sun.
in conceptualizing the architecture of the active senior residences, unique semi-circular balconies, reminiscent of the cliff swallow dwellings, were proposed. The building was expressed as three different parts for ease of way finding and the creation of individual identities within the community. additionally, the end of the building corridors were opened to natural light and small outdoor areas so that the residents could enjoy the beautiful natural surroundinGS.
