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Portfolio
RECLAIMING RECREATION
Sports and Leisure Complex in Little Rock, AR
4th Year Semester 1 Project
Broader Context and Urban Scale
Key infrastructures—such as interstate highways, public transit routes, and riverfront promenades—connect the area to the broader metropolitan region and beyond. This expanded vantage also showcases how the city’s grid interlocks with the river corridor, underscoring potential synergies between ecological restoration, flood mitigation, and urban revitalization. Recognizing these macro-scale linkages is crucial, as it positions the Sports and Leisure Complex to serve not only as a local amenity but also as a node that strengthens ties across the entire community.
Immediate Site and Surroundings
The site is flanked by a mix of residential blocks, small-scale commercial establishments, and pockets of green space. A nearby public park hints at the potential for outdoor activities and community gatherings, while local streets and pedestrian walkways reveal existing circulation patterns. The proximity of the Arkansas River, just a short distance away, underscores the importance of integrating flood management and ecological connectivity into the project. These help identify natural entry points and highlight opportunities to weave in the Complex.
Water Collection and Treatment
A key component of the project’s ecological strategy is the effective collection and treatment of water on-site. Rainwater harvesting systems capture stormwater from rooftops and elevated walkways, channeling it into designated reservoirs where it can be filtered and reused for irrigation or non-potable building needs. Bioswales and constructed wetlands serve as natural treatment cells, harnessing plant-based filtration to purify runoff before it enters the municipal sewer system or nearby waterways. Together, these elements not only reduce the demand on public infrastructure but also encourage a closed-loop water cycle, reinforcing the project’s commitment to environmental stewardship and resilience.
Site Interventions for Runoff Control
Beyond collection and treatment, the design strategically manipulates the site’s topography and ground surfaces to slow, store, and manage water flows. Terraced landscapes, permeable paving, and strategically placed retention basins help regulate stormwater volume, mitigating the risk of flooding and erosion. The building’s integration into the terrain further enhances runoff control by funneling water into green roofs and courtyard gardens, where it can be naturally absorbed or repurposed. These interventions transform the ground plane into an active, protective layer, ensuring that both natural systems and human activities can coexist harmoniously even under challenging hydrological conditions.
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