Davis Gym; De Stijl + function

Since visiting the UCD campus nearly 3 years ago, I have regarded the ARC, as an architectural gem on campus. Today, in 2009 we more notably consider the incredible state-of-the-art Mondavi center as the true modern marvel on campus, but a facility that is used frequently, by so many on a daily, routinely basis, deserves its credit as well.

Before I began this architecture critique, I referred to the “De Stijl,” Manifesto I as a means of headway, considering that the ARC building seems to exemplify “modernity” as it stands today in such contrast of UC Davis’ first two silo buildings; North and South Hall. De Stijl, known as a prolific movement that the Manifesto doctrine influenced, was written with the vision for the necessity and development of a new international design aesthetic. Later influencing the Bauhaus and Gestalt principles, this aesthetic has come to life in that it is a following of nature and naturalistic forms (also according to function, another entry in and of itself), all the while paying attention to a high art aesthetic, in which the bare minimum is needed to function successfully.

Now into speaking of the actual function of the building on the Davis campus called the “ARC”, standing as an acronym, it cannot be said that although the building has exposed internal structures, a concrete outer shell, highly exterior glazing on the window surfaces, that this building is very outrageous, or non linear. It follows from a natural progression of Art (with a capital ‘A’) and development of architecture in and of itself, from necessity.

An open double-heighted ceiling greets you upon entering the main entrance, the rich smell of a coffeehouse, as does a slightly-sweat-influenced humidity of the gym. To think that a building so large in scale, featuring unique cooling systems and sensitive windows that filter the rich, California sun was designed and created to be a shelter in which humans can build their strength & stamina- can be quite fascinating.

The true experience within this building is felt between the first and second floors, in which a main lobby can clearly be seen at the top of the second floor landing. This causes a sharp tension between the tight, narrow spaces, which are lined with weight/toning machines at the second floor, to being able to view the first floor, with it’s large open badminton hall, weight room (filled with mirrors reflecting the room, within the building), and main lobby. The sharp tension created is thoroughly met warmly, as young athletes physically thrust their muscles to be more powerful and strengthen their personal endurance. It is a pure sense of motivation that can be at times, difficult for a person to take in all at once.

This is a very “high impact” building, primly utilizing De Stijl principles, right here in our neighborhood.

(photo credit: personal photos)