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I was walking by the the Frances Albrier Community Center the other day (actually twice) and I was remarking on the very cool forms and architectural heritage that building has. That type of building is clearly a hat tip to a famous architect and designer named Edward Larrabee Barnes who was an AIA gold medalist. The strict geometric forms are from the early 60's, and these buildings were a big departure from (ironically) traditional modern architecture of the time. "The" design most famous is the Haystack School of Arts. You will recognize the roof-line as similar to the Community Center though Barnes preferred 45 degree angles in his works.

Clearly, after years of good use, the structures need a good renovation. I "think" updating these buildings is relatively easy and it's already a sturdy work.

The design has good flow, rigid forms and language and has a pleasant courtyard and shade space. It's also modest, as opposed to much of the newer buildings being created in the City. Those buildings are messy, have no distinct style except for the hodge-podge of cheap materials slapped on the exteriors to add some visual distraction from their simple box forms. The Community Center was efficiently designed but manages to not be monolithic as it is broken into smaller masses, halls and courtyards. 

I know the City is hot to trot to demo this building because it's showing its advanced age but honestly it's not very environmentally friendly to demo and rebuild perfectly good structures. I think the building exterior facing walls could be broken up with perhaps some windowing which would make it more inviting from the west side. The building was created for another time, maybe after HUD stepped in to assist the renovation of the park, so it has a bit of "fortress" to it. That is something easily addressed with added windows and more trees and landscaping. 

In addition the north-facing clerestory windows would allow a lot of energy-saving passive sunlight into the rooms if it was not for the tattered curtains. Updated to modern standards, those would look, frankly, "way cooler" than the latest vernacular we see in Berkeley. Also consider these current roof angles are near dead on for solar paneling. 

As far as the pool is concerned, I wonder how realistic is that venture? There is also a big lawn area next to tennis courts which is currently being used as this ad-hoc-off-leash-dog-jamboree®; I WISH the city would address and fine dog owners at least during the high-traffic periods. I also have a dog but I respect the use of the lawn as a place where children play. That area could be a good expansion and have more outdoor seating as opposed to the current plan which is a bit restrictive for a useful pool. 

With the right attention to detail and sympathetic expansion this too can be a project to be proud of. It's a shame to erase buildings like these. 

Thanks,