Indoor waterpark.(DREAM Facilities)

Counsilman/Hunsaker & Associates Staff Counsilman/Hunsaker & Associates, St. Louis

Our dream facility combines creative thinking in design and viability. In other words, even the world's largest indoor waterpark must have a built-in cash support system. And by surrounding the aquatics center atrium with a commercial building, a portion of which extends 20 stories above the 40-story glass dome over the waterpark, our dream design includes the mechanism for financially subsidizing the recreation enterprise.

The 40-story transparent cylinder of glass encloses a rain forest, stone formations, hanging gardens, horsetail water falls, endless rivers, wave pools, activity pools, water slides of many sizes, grottos, whirlpools, intermittent rainstorms, a submarine and a ferry boat. A multitude of water features and colored lights complement the attractions. This magical space includes cliff diving; energized water attractions; and a hideaway beach with dry side areas including snack bars, sit down cafeteria and an arcade with games of skill.

But it doesn't stop there. As cultures begin to understand the value of fitness over a lifetime, the demand continues for healthy exercise. To meet this demand, the multifloor fitness center emphasizes aquatic therapy and training along with dry side aerobic activities. Pools and whirlpools of different temperatures provide therapeutic treatments as desired.

This dream recreation center meets the test of feasibility as well through the dynamics of the multiuse community aquatics asset and the commercial real estate complex featuring a 900-room hotel, high-rise office building and vertical retail magnet of department stores. All have visual interaction with the excitement of people enjoying the centuries-old pleasures of moving water. This complex has the benefit of a proven concept--a landmark building with a unique view such as Rockefeller Center Plaza.

It's just as innovative when it comes to efficiency and cost savings. For instance, recycling energy reduces the operating costs of the aquatics center and provides cooling between the pools and building. All remaining costs are paid from the rent of the commercial spaces. This underwriting by the building owner, combined with revenues from user fees, will provide the cash support for the water-based atrium, the internationalclass training facility and a wet side and dry side fitness center.

The view of tenants, guests and customers in the 40-story contiguous spaces of the waterpark will provide an exciting panorama of 30-story, serpentine highspeed slides, lagoons with bright swim costumes in motion, colorful landscapes and the social interaction of offices and retail levels. This creates a visual stimulation that will be premium value for all of the space in the commercial building that overlooks the excitement.