UHealth

Fig: 1 -Sedentary lifestyles are a major cause of many urban health problem (Credits-MasterLife)

PREMISE

Perceptions towards healthcare and its spaces have changed completely in the last couple of years. Healthcare is generally perceived in categories of hospitals, and clinics are now transformed beyond the basic function of emergency care. 

The rise in urban mental and physical health problems had been one of the major reasons for this transition. From the mental health data bureau of the USA, since 2012 there has been an observed increase in mental health issues in urban areas. Majorly prevalent due to the stress, lack of natural connection and maintenance of a healthy lifestyle. The rise in this number is becoming a major concern in most metropolitan cities. Causing healthcare and the people to transition their functioning and lifestyle, while aiming to identify and prevent these diseases from growing and becoming a major issue. 

Considering our current methodology and way of living, how can this be integrated into our daily life? What architectural interventions can help create spaces that aid this cause?

Fig: 2 - Fitness is perceived in only one dimension in today’s world (Credits-Fitsum- Admasu)

FITNESS

Lack of connection with nature and little to no maintenance of health on a daily basis are the two most highlighted reasons for healthcare issues. In order to mitigate them, one needs a space that combines both needs. The general perception towards healthcare is for emergency reasons or for rehabilitation purposes, which is why often people don't turn towards healthcare spaces - as they don't find their issues or symptoms elevated. In an urban environment there is a need for spaces that offer relaxation and affinity to nature; that aid in chronic stress reduction. 

The current urban environment doesn’t have spaces and activities that promote relaxing, and basic fitness activities. Maintenance of fitness is a need across all age groups thus making fitness spaces a priority. The majority of spaces available in healthcare and fitness are either gyms or open grounds for walking and playing. A midway between gyms and open grounds is needed, where one can not only perform the exercise and other fitness activities but is also encouraged to relax and rejuvenate in a healing environment.

What architectural intervention can provide a possible solution to this? 

Fig: 3 - Can fitness and mental wellness go together? (Credits-Getty Images)

BRIEF OF THE COMPETITION

The competition aims to answer this question, with changed perceptions and needs of today's urban lifestyle; what kind of a wellness space can be devised that provides a platform for the healthy wellbeing of its people? 

Brief: The architecture competition brief calls for a design of an urban fitness centre, which will also act as a wellness space that is focused on creating a rejuvenating and relaxed atmosphere while being in affinity to nature. 

This design should create a healthy atmosphere, through semi outdoors that promotes both active and passive activities. Including the sheltered spaces for exercises and different semi-open activity spaces for physical and mental well-being. 

Innovating and creating a new concept that offers a midway between the gym and outdoor is needed, this challenge aims to create a new typology of space that is focused on rejuvenation and maintenance of health in an urban environment. 

OBJECTIVES

Connect with nature: To provide a space that gives affinity towards nature. 

Recreational spaces: Providing spaces that help perform group activities.

Open spaces: Open, semi-open spaces that provide access to the contextual environment. 

Colour palette/Colour psychology: Use of a colour palette that offers peace, relaxation and rejuvenation. 

SITE

Manchester, United Kingdom

The United Kingdom, is an island country located off the northwestern coast of mainland Europe. The United Kingdom comprises four geographic and historical parts—England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The geographical variety is observed in Uk with climatic conditions observed to be varied with the context. The rate of urbanisation is high in the UK.

The site is located in the central part of Manchester, it is majorly surrounded by the residential neighbourhood and other small commercial areas. There is direct access available to the site. The adjacent land to the site is a vast green patch providing a large open vista to the site. 

• Coordinates: 53°29'46.4"N 2°19'55.5"W 
• Area: 3,192 sqm
• Height limit: 9m
• FAR (Floor Area Ratio): 0.8
• Ground Coverage: 30% 

AREA PROGRAMME

The programmatic outline is intended for one module capacity of 20 people. This is recommended for this challenge.
  
The space ideas are as follows: 

• Individual relaxation spaces: 50 %
• Group interactive spaces:10 %
• Workout studios: 20 % 
• Semi-open sitting spaces:  5 %
• Open spaces/jogging tracks: 10 %
• Ancillary spaces: 5%

Other additional spaces can be added by the participants as per their design needs.