VUE

F urther, a constellation of pro- grams are housed under the continuous roof of the River Building. The five transpar- ent glass-enclosed volumes dictate how an individual ex- periences the space: sanctuary, library, commons, pavilion, and court. The sanctuary is a 700-person indoor am- phitheater with a center stage ideal for numerous types of events. The Grace Farms library is a quiet space with re- sources such as a glass-enclosed confer- ence room and an abundance of books available for purchase and rent. With a maximum capacity of 300, the commons is a community space with communal tables built from the trees that were har- vested during construction. This space includes a fireplace, sweeping views of the property, and a café. Adjacent to the entrance of the property, the River Building also includes a pavilion where the welcome center is located. The most notable component at Grace Farms is its court. This is a partially sunken gymna- sium/multi-purpose room with an adja- cent media lab and game room. The design breaks loose from the typical hierarchy of function, whereas every space is considered equal through its relationship with light. Although there is much going on, Grace Farms sits eloquently among native flora and carries a sense of prestige without encroaching on the beauty of its surrounding environment. VUE ON DESIGN V U E N J . C O M 32

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