Equine Therapy Center Case Study

The Equine Therapy Center of the Phoenix Center exists in order to heal and present new types of therapy treatment. Being one of the three main components of the Phoenix Center, the Equine Center underwent many design iterations in order to learn the benefits and weaknesses of each, and achieve the best possible design. These different schemes were created based upon the key ideas established for the whole project, among other ideas specific to this building complex. Among these ideas are: the courtyard concept, ease of connection, and privacy. How each of these concepts are present in the final design were mostly determined by the development process seen in the three distinct designs of the Equine Center.

Design one—or the reach design—took the courtyard idea as its main inspiration in conjunction with the use of space. By
Going back to design one, a central courtyard remained as the key element of the scheme (Figure 3.A). With a relatively heavy and organized layout surrounding this space, the courtyard and its pathways aid in breaking up the collected mass and facilitate the transition between spaces. In addition, the reintroduction of curved roofing from design one was used in some places (Figure 3.B). The combination of a scissor truss and curved coverage created a hybrid roofing system for the barn and arena to allow air circulation, while alternatively, a low flat slab roofing system was used for the office and a covered group seating area. These two separate systems were used as such to create a private feeling where it was needed and establish an overall visual distinction between functioning spaces. Lastly, the reuse of walls like in design two continued the creation of private zones and a separation of functions without disturbing the open flow of the design. As expected, there are some weaknesses to report, such