The Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming is a non-profit organization that serves underprivileged children between the ages of 6-18, with an environment for effective youth development. In Casper , Wyoming , the Boys and Girls Clubs' 3 different locations had a difficult time housing new members, with membership increasing to nearly 2000 kids. A new facility was needed to meet the demands of the community.

Design Problem:

The new facility needed to accomodate all different types of needs for children of all ages. On any given day the facility should be able to house from 300-400 kids at a time, and serve meals from a kitchen able to serve 70 lunches, 70-100 snacks, and dinners, throughout the day. The facility also a need for 2 gymnasiums for older and younger kids' games, as well as a mezzine to overlook them; a computer lab, a study and learning room, an arts and crafts area, a teen lounge, and a room that would serve as multi-purpose. In addition to what was needed for the kids, the site also included administration offices for a total of 33,000sq/ft. The state-of-the-art facility was created to be safe and appealing to kids, as well as their parents. Extensive fundraising commenced to raise the $4 Million for the non-profit Boys & Girls Clubs.

Design Solution:

The theme that drove this project to success can be identified as “Colorful, Industrial.” The use of very industrial, heavy- duty materials provided the child proof environment. With corrugated metal and stained concrete walls, a boiler-plate-metal and concrete topped control desk, acid stained concrete, and rubber flooring, we were able to create a very industrial feel. Bright combinations of color were then applied to walls, concrete, flooring, and applications such as acoustical panels, and plastic laminates. The high profile room was considered to be the “Games Room”, and the other rooms in the end were a spin off of the materials and colors used. In the administration areas, the feel of professionalism needed to be maintained, so very toned-down colors were utilized in the space.

During the process of the furniture specification, the administration was given an individualized program to enable the furniture planning to meet their needs effectively, while enhancing its child friendliness. A mixture of soft furniture (generally in contrasting fabrics, and denim material) was used in areas such as the learning center and lounging area for the teens, and contract furniture was used for areas such as the arts room, and computer lab. Multi-purpose furniture was also a high priority, so we furnished the club with pieces that could turn from general cafeteria tables to benches, to training tables.

The project was a success; they are now open and catering to the needs of the community on a daily basis.