Transforming Lives Through the Joy of Sports

Special Olympics Connecticut

Hamden, Connecticut

Tecton collaborated with Special Olympics Connecticut and partners to conceptualize a new headquarters that supports event operations and the organization’s daily mission. The design draws on simple materials, bold colors and cost effective construction assemblies to promote their brand in an economical way. To promote collaboration and accommodate year-round public health services and home skills activities, the business functions are organized along a linear core, with flexibility in training rooms, warehouse and circulation spaces to support events and logistics. Flexible meeting and collaboration spaces are carved into the “Honor Wall” that highlights the organization’s history, athletes and partners. Additionally, promoting responsible design and respect for the environment was a key consideration, and the team outlined initial options to maximize daylight and heat recovery, minimize thermal loss, and capture passive cooling and solar heating potential. Our initial conceptual design, graphics, and the project “story” were used to support SOC’s capital campaign, as they secure property and plan future project phases.