MJMA has had the privilege of being in the vanguard of the design of hybrid community recreation projects and, with this, leading the advancement of a new social and civic architectural typology. The firm has helped to evolve the understanding of what a community building can be and to elevate its position in the fabric of our cities. Until the 1980s the typical community recreation facility was most often a utilitarian athletic centre consisting of arenas, single purpose pools, and gymnasiums connected via pragmatic circulation space. Recognizing the civic potential of these forms, we have sought, with our clients, to develop these upwards from single-use offerings to inclusive, town, suburban, and urban centres that bring together an array of contemporary social activities and configure them in innovative ways. More recently, we have extended these community-strengthening principles into the realm of Academic Campus design.
We believe – that architecture can build strong and healthy communities.
We believe – that inspired design further enhances social infrastructure.
We believe – that great design comes through clear, bold, unique solutions.
The firm’s design approach strives for simplicity and directness. The core of our conception of interior and exterior spaces is the establishment of strong public realms. Daylight and rational built form are the key elements that clarify and elevate our designs. Innovation in terms of overlapping programming drives the planning and produces the unexpected. Each project endeavors to work within its budget constraints and to celebrate a commonplace palette of materials – the result offers a sense of place, pride, and humility.