Prismen

Traditionally sports centres are rectangular courts with fixed dimensions, changing rooms and grandstands around the sides. They can basically be used for only one purpose. The history of the Prism is quite different. It goes without saying that its shape, colours and flooring catch attention. What is more important, though, is the fact that the centre is designed with a flexible interior layout to give neighbourhood youngsters the possibility to step in from the street and play ball without having to join an association.

The centre was actually conceived as an outdoor space, only covered. Like a kind of webbing, the transparent canopy is stretched between the new building and four adjacent gables on an existing residential development. Light shines through the facade and through windows passers-by can watch the activities going on inside. Inside, the green expanse at the bottom folds upwards like stairs on one side, ending in plateaux where for instance yoga can be practiced. Beneath the plateaux are changing rooms, administration offices and a café. Local residents, children, young and old people alike, are frequent users of the Prism.