The Gym for everyone - A public space for physical and mental wellbeing

Abstract: I have always been curious about the effects architecture and the built environment have on us. The special atmosphere and the ability to arouse a sense of safety and calmness, but also the negative feelings certain spaces can evoke. Which architectural elements contribute to the way we perceive a space and more importantly, does the built environment not only affect our emotions but also our mental health and wellbeing? In the last couple of years there has been a strong incline of people dealing with mental health problems, stress and burnout. As much as every fifth person has claimed to have struggled with their mental health only during the last year. Additionally, it is proven that mental health promotion as well as mental disorder prevention have a great effect on the overall decrease of mental health related struggles and needs to be implemented in our everyday life. It is obvious that mental health plays a great role in our quality of life and happiness, but the topic still encounters stigma and discrimination. The aim of this thesis is to investigate the connection between mental health and the built environment. With which tools can we design buildings that have a positive effect on our mental health? What is the overall responsibility of the architect, holding the power to create the spaces that inevitably surround and influence us everyday? By introducing a new typology gym, this project offers a space that encourages the users and the passing people to become more active, while being surrounded by an architecture that has a positive effect on their mental health. Additionally spaces for education, reflection and relaxation contribute to prevent the risk of mental disease. To achieve this, the project considers several different layers, in order to create a multisensory experience as well as to provide a variance of different situations, spatially and emotionally. Accessibility and inclusivity are the key components of the proposal, which are achieved by considering individual needs rather than a one-fits-all approach. By designing a public space for physical and mental wellbeing, a new typology is created that can also be implemented in other future urban developments.