Bridging the Past and Future
The YMCA Flint has deep community roots and many hold strong emotional connections to the space. Our design for the proposed facility will foster inclusivity, inspire and engage not only young athletes but all community members.
Community. The current YMCA Flint, is much more than what meets the eye—it has historic roots. Many NBA players spent time at the Y as young athletes and, in turn, created an emotional connection to the space. By peeling away the historic exterior, we are unveiling a new beginning for the building and deepening its existing social connection with the community.
Historic Identity
By metaphorically pealing away the historic identity of the existing YMCA—we are inviting people to experience it in a new way. The exterior will invite the community into the building, fostering an environment of inclusivity. The verticality of the original architecture (represented in white) will be brought to life in a modern way, to support the building’s updated identity.
The Future of Flint
With many new ventures opening up in the coming years, there is an opportunity to bring people together as a community, by uplifting existing and future businesses.
Rooted in Historic and Cultural Influence
Design Inspiration. Inspired by the people's account of the city. The materials used are inspired by local culture, bringing the passion of the city to the forefront of the aesthetic. The exterior and interior building design is rooted and inspired by Flint’s history and, more importantly, its people.
Resilience, Strength & Authenticity
The building itself is intended to manifest what the YMCA does for the community. Its materials directly correlate to the history of the city and its people. A combination of natural and man-made textures will work together to represent the strength and authenticity of Flint. The idea of resilience is represented by water, and its correlation to the city in recent years.
