Virgin Active GYM visit ..

I've been yesterday to virgin gym in London Rd, Nottingham as a part of the field visits to some local leisure centers in Nottingham.

I met Joe Lumi (right) , who graciously volunteered to take me on a tour to see the club's facilities and answer my questions.

I will list the place description,  the notes of the workers and the my notes as well as a bullet points..

The space:

* The modern refurbished center is located within an old building.

* Runs through a rectangular layout.

* In the middle, a long corridor where the activities are distributed on the right and left.

* Facilities : 

1. Before the main control point:

reception desk

Shop

2. After the control point

1 public exercise studio beside a private one for ladies

changing rooms, lockers, w.c ...etc ( available for men only, women only and for families as well )

internet zone

cafe

3. Extra safety point

2 pools

The workers think:

• The place is very convenient for the number of visitors and deservedly done the required role.
• They never noticed any disagreements because people have common goal in a place which is their fitness.
• Despite the lack of the swimming area of privacy, but they do not pose any problem in their opinion due to the fact that the center has not received any notes asking for time dedicated to women only.
• Believed that the center has satisfied all users in shower area. A separate  women and men facilities, plus space for those who wanted families, as well as satisfy wheelchair users by providing elevators.

However,

• W.c and changing facilities are not in the perfect location.
• Cafe is a bit small, especially in rush hour.

I'll add my observations later..

Source: text by Ghaydaa Hemaidah, Photos: from internet

Harmony against Conflicts

Pools movable floors

Movable pool floor






Hydrofloors vertically movable floors enable the userr to exploit the surface area of a swimming pool by converting the associated terrace or indoor pool room for other uses e.g. recreation, social events, for dining and dancing.

The system is near invisible, flexible, rapidly adaptable and safe, being in compliance with relevant national safety standards. The concept is that the floor height of the pool may be elevated to set at any pre-selected water depth such as wading depth for children or a depth suited to those with special needs. This makes the pool itself diverse and multifunctional.





The highest elevated position of the floor is that of the pool surround, at which point the water is out of sight beneath the floor. When fully elevated, the entire area becomes totally safe and secure for children to use. Additionally, since the pool is fully closed, energy costs for heating are greatly reduced.

I found a video  shows that ..

Source: http://www.archiexpo.com/prod/hydrofloors-sprl/movable-pool-floors-63185-167425.html

Lifting platform for public pools

Variopool understands the needs of pool staff, therapists and the end users when it comes to moving the elderly and disabled comfortably and with dignity into a swimming pool. The Variopool adjustable access platform is the easiest and most comfortable way in which to enter a pool as you can use it standing up or in a chair.

The platform uses an electrically driven servo motor to adjust itself to the desired pool depth. This independent unit can be installed alongside a new pool or can be situated in a corner of an existing pool with a minimum depth of 1.50m.

The platform can also be supplied with removable handrails filled with synthetic safety plates (optional).

The finish of the platform consists of a white anti-slip polypropylene top deck which is perforated to allow for proper water passage during its operation. The type of the front panel will depend on the final design of the platform and associated

Material:All metal parts used underneath are stainless steel 316L and steel parts located in the technical are made from coated steel.

Operating the platform is easily done from a control panel securely mounted nearby against the wall. An optional remote control can also be supplied.

Source: http://www.archiexpo.com/prod/variopool-bv/movable-floors-for-public-pool-50088-166462.html

Musholm Bay Holiday Resort -Winning Proposal-

Location: Denmark,

The resort is acknowledged as the world’s most innovative holiday resort for people with disabilities. The expansion of resort is divided into two sections in the form of a multi-purpose sports hall and a number of new holiday flats.



The sports hall is located at the heart of the resort, while the flats are located in the periphery. In this way, the activities spread in ever-widening circles from the sports hall to the flats by which the expansion provides a dynamic layout for the future resort. In addition, the layout offers panoramic views of the bay and the scenic surroundings from the sports hall and the flats.




They strove to raise the bar for socially sustainable architecture by providing all visitors, whether they are disabled or not, the opportunity for active and attractive holiday experiences. Thus, we have infused the architecture with a distinctive sensuousness in our desire to create a fully accessible and engaging environment.



The holiday resort breaks with the ordinary. The multi-purpose sports hall includes an activity ramp which provides visitors, whether they are disabled or not, the opportunity to challenge themselves physically. The activity ramp offers a wide range of platforms and activity spots, including a climbing wall for wheelchair users. Based on the sports hall’s many activities, the expansion fortifies Musholm Bay Holiday Resort as a place that breaks with the ordinary and invites people with disabilities to play, participate and create new friendships.



In this way, the expansion not only carries on the resort’s architectural quality and atmosphere. The expansion also raises the bar for socially sustainable architecture by providing all visitors, whether they are disabled or not, the opportunity to enjoy an active and physically challenging holiday. Thus, the expansion sets new standards for how accessible solutions can be implemented into architecture and how architecture can be infused with a distinctive sensuousness in order to create a safe, comfortable and engaging environment.






Source: http://www.archdaily.com/370561/musholm-bay-holiday-resort-winning-proposal-aart-architects/

Changing the projects programmatic !!

?!

After today's session with Joe and meeting Stefan later, we decided that I might need to go a step back , which I don't mind at all..
I went back through the objectives of the concept which is "Harmony against Conflicts" and the first hints I gave in my previous presentations which were recreation, community, leisure, pool..etc.  I realized that I might really lost the path to some extent. Stefan has suggested changing  the programmatic of the project to match both the main concept -Conflicts and Harmony- and the time. To do a community leisure centre which is more likely to have conflicts as the users are coming to entertain on their own way.
I have e-mailed Joe and I'll see her opinion ..

Harmony against Conflicts

Holme Pierrepont site visit ..

 

 

Shots ..

 

 

 

Harmony against Conflicts

 

 

The Thermal Baths in Bad Ems, Germany

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
order to provide space for the new Bad Ems Thermal Baths the existing thermal baths first had to be deconstructed. This measure allowed the new building to be adapted to match perfectly the local conditions. The plan for the new thermal baths picks up on the particularly defining elements of the natural environment. For example, one central and recurrent theme in the design of the baths are the river pebbles that can also be found along the banks of the Lahn. It appears in the shaping of the individual building structures, the swimming pools and in the facade openings in a wide variety of different ways – the element of pebbles is also of central importance in the mural designs of the interior. Moreover, the materials used in the baths also capture the characteristics of pebbles, blending gently into the natural surroundings.

 

 

 

 

 

The individual building structures are shaped with their volume like a variety of stones that are layered and overlap like pebbles on a river bank. Located at the centre of the stone formation is the bathing hall – spacious and generously constructed, this forms the largest element. The sauna wing leads off from the bathing hall towards the west. With their distinctive pebble-like shape, the two building structures which accommodate the dining area and the shop slip into the overall volume of the bathing hall. The facade design of the baths likewise reflects the leading theme: one particular eye-catcher are the pebble-shaped sections in the north facade, which is clad in white aluminium panels and runs along the frontage. The asymmetrical apertures give the side of the structure facing toward the town centre a lively and cheerful appearance. The floor plan of the baths is also characterised by soft curves – the glass facade of the bathing hall similarly continues the characteristics of pebbles with its curved panes. On the outside, the appearance of the thermal baths is shaped by the interplay between large, transparent glass surfaces and closed facade elements. For example, the solitary structures such as the sauna wing, outdoor sauna and river sauna as well as the shop and dining area, are panelled in Siberian larch wood. This affords the different volumes a variety of appearances while bringing out the character of the baths that is informed by the surrounding natural space.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The lobby and spacious foyer, which offer a clear view of the adjoining bathing hall, are a prelude to the pleasure of bathing and wellness at the Bad Ems Thermal Baths. The pebbles used for the shop and dining area are a clear and widely visible indication of the entrance situation. The lobby leads on to all the areas of activity to be found at the baths. The location of the dining-area pebble at the point of intersection between the foyer and the bathing hall enables both these areas and an outdoor terrace to be used. A staircase leads to the wellness and fitness area on the upper floor which can also be accessed separately from the baths and sauna. From a “Kaiserbad” bath to a hammam to a conventional massage, guests can look forward to a range of attractive offers in a welcoming atmosphere where they can relax and feel comfortable. The generous glazing throughout the fitness area provides both interesting views into the bathing hall inside and attractive views out into the countryside. A roof terrace invites guests to exercise outdoors. A gallery connects along the wellness and fitness area with the relaxation area, allowing bathers to enter the bathing hall via the upper storey. Also located here is the entrance to the “Pastille” with its inhalation room, reminiscent in its shape and choice of materials of the “Emser Pastille”. Seemingly floating freely in the room, it is an attractive eye-catching feature in the spacious bathing hall.

 

The changing-room and shower area is located on the ground floor together with the sauna. The changing rooms form a kind of lock gate between the publicly viewable connecting passage running along the north facade, and the showers that lead directly into the bathing hall. The largely transparent composition of the facade gives the hall a friendly atmosphere that is suffused with light. The free arrangement of the structures such as the steam bath and the pastille, the different pools and the distinctive design of the exposed concrete wall with its pebble-shaped sections provide a varied and lively appearance. The special ambience of well-being is created through the choice of friendly and cheerful colours, atmospheric lighting and perfectly matched materials: Anthracite-coloured porcelain stoneware, white-tiled pools with marble pool borders, ceiling panelling made from Aleppo pine, wall panelling made from Siberian larchwood slats, and brushed alder wood combine to give an impression of space. Visitors enter the sauna area through either the changing area or the bathing hall. A circular route runs through the spacious single-level sauna landscape along the various sauna rooms, the open and enclosed relaxation areas and the sauna bar, finally leading to the spacious sauna garden where the Finnish sauna is located. Another highlight of the Bad Ems Thermal Baths is the river sauna which lies like a pebble in the River Lahn. This is due for completion in the summer of 2013. Guests can use a walkway to reach a platform with its own sauna facilities – two sauna rooms with a relaxation room and sauna bar. The secluded river sauna completes the diverse range of options available in the outdoor area and offers a space for rest and relaxation. During the summer months an outdoor exercise pool further enhances the range of bathing opportunities. The administration and staff rooms in the basement are similarly reached via a staircase in the lobby. The basement also accommodates the technical facilities for the entire building. Deliveries to the building arrive from the road via a ramp at the level of the sauna wing.

 

 

 

 

 

The new Bad Ems Thermal Baths is a successful example of how bathing culture and contemporary architecture can be combined by means of atmospheric design and high standards of comfort. After all, experience shows that bathers can only feel at ease, relax and find peace of mind in an atmosphere of the highest quality.


Site Plan

 

 

 

Ground Floor

 

 

 

First Floor


 





Source: http://www.archdaily.com/330002/the-thermal-baths-in-bad-ems-4a-architekten/

Site selection .. Holme Pierrepont

 


Site selection has been approved by Joe today, so I've started looking for some information until I can visit it ..

Holme Pierrepont

Holme Pierrepont is a hamlet located in south of the city of Nottingham in Nottinghamshire, England. It is in the Gamston ward of the Rushcliffe local authority in the East Midlands region.
The word "Holme" comes from the Old English and Old Norse words for a small island or low lying land by a river. "Pierrepont" is French for "Stone Bridge"; the family came over with William the Conqueror in 1066 and settled in Nottinghamshire in 1280.

Harmony against Conflicts

Rehablitation Centre

 

What is rehabilitation?

Rehabilitation is a specialized healthcare dedicated to improving, maintaining or restoring physical strength, cognition and mobility with maximized results. Typically, rehabilitation helps people gain greater independence after illness, injury or surgery.

Source: http://www.healthsouth.com/experience-healthsouth/what-is-rehabilitation/



What is a rehabilitation centre?
A rehabilitation centre is a facility that seeks to help individuals recover from a variety of ailments, some physical and others caused by substance abuse or mental illness. Some centres offer residential areas, where those being treated will stay overnight. Others are strictly outpatient facilities. Many will specialize in either physical rehabilitation, or substance abuse rehabilitation.

Source: http://www.healthsouth.com/experience-healthsouth/what-is-rehabilitation/



What is the function of a rehabilitation? 

The function of a rehabilitation centre is to provide the means and space to help in the recovery process. This process varies depending on the rehabilitation that is needed. Rehabilitation centres use a combination of therapy, small groups, individual sessions and highly structured living. The function of a rehabilitation centre is to both increase the quality of life and to help the patient integrate back into the community. Rehabilitation centres typically fall into one of four categories: occupational, physical, addiction and psych-social.

Source:http://www.ehow.com/about_5103840_definition-rehabilitation-center.html



Facilities

•Clinics:
Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy
Speech Therapy Intravenous therapy
Wound Care Vital Stem
Express Recovery Unit Tracheostomy
•Hydrotherapeutic pool
•Fitness centre
•Gymnasium
•Sanitary facilities
W.Cs Shower room
Changing rooms Lockers
•Social Services :
waiting rooms gathering areas
•Wards (in-patient rooms)
•Dietary Services:
Cafe restaurant
•Religious Services:
prayer rooms
•Laundry
•Beauty/Barber Shop
Reception
•Administration

Harmony against Conflicts