Gatlinburg Community Center

In a community driven by tourism and defined by hospitality, this community space is a respite for residents. The renovation of the bowling lanes at the Gatlinburg Community Center turns traditional commercial hospitality design on its head: enhancing customer experience and defining brand, but for local residents who, themselves, are the face of Sevier County hospitality. 

The design incorporates custom graphics — of local wildlife, iconic scenery, and municipal branding — and bold colors that convey life and light to the windowless space. Contemporary furniture and fixtures lend a progressive air. A high-tech projection system brings additional interactivity to bowling, giving frequent bowlers more variety in their games and encouraging repeat visits. 

The interior architecture introduces additional lounge and community rooms to the space, allowing for more formal and informal gatherings and community rentals. They are visually and spatially connected through glass partitions that lend visual coherence and transparency while decreasing sound pollution between the bowling lanes and party spaces. 

Mindful of the client’s budget, portions of the traditional drop ceiling are painted matte black to create bold contrast, and affordable LED light fixtures are installed in dynamic arrangements. The price-conscious laminate flooring’s custom angular pattern is reflected in the light fixtures and supergraphics, lending vibrant energy to the space.