Core77

BOOM: Palm Springs Desert Community

By Core Jr - February 10, 2011

in Architecture

BOOM, a master-planned community situated in the deserts of Palm Springs, southern California, is the newest project of aging x architecture maven Matthias Hollwich. Originally conceived as a multi-generational project for the aging gay community, the 100+ acre site will encompass eight neighborhoods, each designed by a different architect, an entertainment complex (LOT-EK), boutique hotels (Sadar + Vuga and Joel Sanders Arhictect), and wellness center (HOLLWICH KUSHNER). The landscape design will be overseen by Surfacedesign of San Francisco. The design-challenge of this pedestrian-oriented community really focuses on a way to package social experiences to residents while also allowing for privacy within residential units.

There is the "club house" designed by Juergen Mayer H as a meeting place for community and cultural activities as well as his two-story gym + spa which will include a health focused cafe. Close by is a children's playground with a 'Healing Fun House', the brainchild of the avant-garde architects, Arakawa + Gins. This building is meant to challenge the minds and intellects of all ages. At the entrance of BOOM is Diller Scofidio + Renfro's commercial and entertainment complex. It houses a rooftop disco bar, restaurants, nightclubs and boutique shops. On the other side of the interconnected community is the sports center which contains tennis, basketball and bocce ball courts.

Check out some of the neighborhoods and facilities after the jump.

L2 Tsionov-Vitkon, Neighborhood

L2 Tsionov-Vitkon, Neighborhood

Rudin Donner, Neighborhood

Sadar + Vuga, Neighborhood

J. Mayer H Architects, Clubhouse and Gym/Spa

LOT-EK, Event Center

Diller Scofidio + Renfro, Disco and Market

Arakawa + Gins, Children's Playground

Hollwich Kushner, Wellness Center

Joel Sanders Architect, Hotel Pool

Sadar + Vuga, Boutique Hotel / Surface Design, Landscape Architecture

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Kavven Drake

11 years ago

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What an ostentatious and truly obnoxious complex! I cannot believe that someone thinks this is a good idea, on any level. Appealing to the 'aging gay'? Hardly. This kind of huge project should stay in the designers mind and away from beautiful Palm Springs - just as the in-city casino should.

Since when does being an aging gay man mean you want to hang out with only that 'tribe'? How limiting and ridiculous - truly. Engage in life people - live amongst the other species and get over yourselves.
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amruta

13 years ago

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i like this project and concept,but how are they going to build this?
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Jerf the Fish

13 years ago

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Leave this resource-sucking project in Second Life.
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13ens

13 years ago

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Beautiful concept. But as a life long resident, I hope this doesn't happen. Everything from Palm Springs down to Coachella has become so over developed in the last few decades. The desert used to have natural beauty and wonderfully clean air. Now it requires excessive watering because of imported greenery, the smog from Riverside and LA has seeped into the valley, and there are way too many, new and old, vacant buildings. (Both commercial and residential.) They have the right target market for the area. But where exactly and how (financially) are they going to build this?

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