SOUNDWAVES at GAYLORD opryland

Nashville, TN

Ryman Hotels is an industry leader in creating one of a kind convention center and resort properties. Their flagship hotel, the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee, is a much loved destination for thousands of guests. Ryman wanted to expand the resort offering for guests, by adding an indoor and outdoor water park, while not detracting from the strength of their convention business. BLUR Workshop developed a water park unlike any other in the United States. The project includes 111,000 SF of indoor attractions, dining and amenities as well as 106,000 SF of outdoor water park facilities. This one of a kind waterpark opened in 2019.

The indoor park experience is uniquely arranged vertically on three separate levels, tied together by a major circulation path that also facilitates linkages between the indoor and outdoor parks. The vertical arrangement of the design allows for the creation of distinct programmatic spaces while still maintaining visual connections when desired. The design incorporates a dense package of interior and exterior rides and pools to ensure a memorable, fun water experience.   The rides are intertwined with swaths of both horizontal and vertical vegetation which add a layer of green to the environment to create both engaging spaces and a contextual link to the existing four large garden atriums at the property. The interior space is also highlighted by five “signature wall” structures that frame interior views and define the volume of central space while also hosting waterfalls and decorative green walls. The clean, modern design aesthetic, coupled with thoughtful finishes and furnishings, helps to create the nation’s first truly upscale water park.  

2022 American Architecture Awards - Interior Architecture for “Commercial, Hospitality, Recreation” Buildings
2022 Global Future Awards - Gold Winner - Public Building Interior - Built Category
2022 AIA Georgia People's Choice Award - Interior Architecture
Named as one of TIME Magazines Worlds Greatest Places of 2019.

http://www.architecturepressrelease.com/gold-winner-soundwaves-blur-workshop/
https://time.com/collection/worlds-greatest-places-2019/5654146/soundwaves-nashville-tennessee/