This Building Breathes

Named for its neighborhood native son, the Marvin Gaye Recreation Center is the city’s first center with integrated natural ventilation. Fresh air and daylighting are just some of the biophilic design features that make this a LEED Gold facility and a resilient hub in Northeast Washington DC.

You feel it as soon as you enter the front door—this building breathes. When conditions are right, the building enters natural ventilation mode. The system is designed to take advantage of the mild temperatures during the fall and spring in Washington DC. Daylighting strategies define the architecture and create a vibrant interior environment.  They provide dynamic + diffused light, a visual connection to nature, and promote a connection with the cycle of the day + the changing of the seasons.

Marvin Gaye Rec was showcased in the ISTUDIO exhibit at the 2021 Venice Biennale. Awards include Architizer A+ Architecture + Climate Change, Architects Newspaper Editor's Pick for Best Design Award Green Building, AIA DC, Rethinking the Future, and NAIOP Best Sustainable Project