Scioto Grove Metro Parks Multi-Purpose Venue – Grove City, Ohio
The approach to designing the Scioto Grove Metro Parks Multi-Purpose Venue was a proactive and collaborative design process. The strategy was focused on creating a design that is the convergence of form, structure, and culture. We embraced form and structure as fundamental elements of architecture and culture as the behaviors, beliefs, values and symbols that bind us together. Our goal was to produce a contextual building that embraces the environment and builds a new context visa vis the integration of form, structure, and cultural imagery of the new Scioto Grove Metro Park.
The multi-purpose venue responds to this goal as a vertical landscape that reflects Scioto Grove ecosystem with walls of glass andsimple openings in the exterior form creating intimate courtyards for nature to flow in, around and through the building. The unique roof form appears to float above the tall prairie grasses to the west and support the tree canopy of the Scioto River escarpment to the east. As the seasons transition this iconic roof form will not only float above the prairie, but also nest in place when viewed up-close by guests and visitors. A key component of the building's west facade is a terra cotta biscuit screen wall designed to create a hierarchical sequence as one views, approaches and then enters the building. As visitors circulate through the building, this simple design motif creates a variety of opportunities to experience filtered space and sun light without the inconvenience of direct glare.
The interior program evolved organically to accommodate an appropriately sized 125 person multipurpose room with non- parallel walls for acoustical benefits and a staff room to be used as a pre-function space during special events. The inviting foyer space has room for multiple displays as well as engaging views to the river corridor. Support spaces include storage for tables and chairs, group restrooms, 2 single use restrooms with one dedicated to the outdoors, and a mechanical/utility room.
With the judicial use of floor to ceiling glass, terra-cotta rain screen, and metal panel materials we have worked diligently to optimize the building functionally while exploring the form and context. As a result the building will not just be a gathering place and nature center; it will also be a lens through which to view the park and the river in a whole new light. Over the course of the day, week, and year the visitor will experience the building as a reflective form casually embracing the ever evolving beauty of the Scioto Grove Metro Park.
Charles Paros – AIA, MArch, LEEDap, Principal
Chuck Paros is an architect and designer with 25 years of experience designing both small site specific installations to large international research facilities. In 2015, Chuck left his position as Vice President at a global architectural firm and opened Columbus based Paros Architecture + Design LLC focused on the design of live/learn/work projects. As a former high school teacher and college professor, Chuck understands how people learn from their built environments and develop culturally. Through this understanding he has developed a highly collaborative approach to teamwork and consensus building. Chuck received his Masters of Architecture from OSU and was the 2x recipient of the Faculty Award for Design. Chuck, along with his associate Ryan Palider, was awarded first finalist for the inaugural Chicago Architectural Biennial International Design Competition. Chuck and his wife, Laura, of 30 years are Ohio natives and have 2 adult daughters.