In today’s fast-paced and complex world, where work hours are increasing and free time is diminishing, collective exercise spaces have become increasingly prominent. These spaces blur the lines between leisure and idleness, reflecting the evolving nature of our daily lives.
Embracing Crossfit Philosophy
With the rise of sedentary lifestyles, everyday movements like jumping, running, and squatting have become rare. Crossfit aims to revive these movements while optimizing the efficiency of workouts. It emphasizes a balance between intense physical activity and moments of rest and relaxation, promoting overall fitness.
The Intervention: Transforming a Factory
Murocrossfit Gym, situated in a vacant clothing factory in the historical center of Guimarães, underwent an intervention that balanced the functional requirements of a workout space with the desire to create moments of leisure. Limited resources guided the design, with existing locker rooms and fireproof areas dictating the built areas, while the remaining space became two workout arenas.
Materiality and Design
The design embraced the existing resources and new demands by incorporating a mix of materials. White tiles on the walls were complemented with dark ones, while colorful layers were added to the concrete structure, along with metal structures, plywood, and polycarbonate. These elements created barriers and defined spaces for various activities such as eating, drinking, cooking, and relaxing.
Revitalizing Urban Spaces
Transforming vacant factories into gyms and other services is crucial for densifying urban areas and introducing diversity into the fabric of the city. By repurposing these spaces, the project aimed to fill the void left by abandoned factories, contributing to the revitalization of the urban landscape.
Flexibility and Continuity
The project aimed to create a flexible and continuous space where old and new materials coexist harmoniously. This approach allows for a wide range of physical activities in an environment that is both energetic and comfortable, catering to the diverse needs of its users.
Murocrossfit Gym stands as a testament to the adaptive reuse of industrial spaces, offering a dynamic environment for fitness enthusiasts while preserving the historical fabric of the city.
