Pattern Based Design
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Green Body is a fitness studio in Saint Paul, Minnesota that specializes in personal training and group classes. The space is laid out well with areas designated for weight training, stretching, and group instruction. It has a kitchen and communal eating space that could be better utilized by offering food and drink for sale. The office currently lacks natural light and windows but adding windows high on the west wall would provide light and views of the city skyline. Green Body promotes environmentally friendly practices like using sustainable materials, recycling, and encouraging healthy lifestyles.
Pattern Based Design
- 1. Green Body Saint Paul, MN Kelly Kokaisel | Fall ‘10
- 2. Green Body specializes in Personal Training and Group Classes. This is a commercial space on the 1st floor of a condo building, but it is open to the public. It is located in the historic Schurmeier Wagon Company building near Lowertown Saint Paul MN. It is in a commercial district, with some light foot traffic. This space has many good things working for it and would benefit further from some small element changes.
- 3. The space is currently laid out very well. There are beautiful exposed wood beams and columns defining the spaces; the weight area, the stretching mat area, the office space, the kitchen, and the changing area. An instructor in small groups of 5 or less can work in these space without disturbing an individual or group in another portion of the space.
- 4. The office area was previously used by just one person, the owner. Now that the gym is growing with more trainers there is a need for more flexible office space. The desk has been added on to, creating a corner desk with additional shelving attached to the wall. There is now room for 2 people to work, 1 on the desktop, and 1 on a laptop. The addition of another desktop computer is in the works. Being that the office is in a corner, there is potential to put chairs in the open 2 sides of the square to create a meeting space.
- 5. The office is currently located in the back corner. There are no windows, and I often see the trainers looking out the front windows while working. The desk area needs to be in natural light and would have windows overlooking life (192). It has been suggested that windows be cut on the west wall. These windows would allow natural light from two sides, and a view of the Capital of Saint Paul, the St. Paul Cathedral, and overlook of the downtown area and skyline. These windows may be best to be placed high on the wall in order to get these views, and to avoid seeing the parking lot directly on the other side of the wall. As a side note, this wall is heated extensively by the sun, and the windows would allow more of that energy to come into the studio. There is some gardening and compost area in the back of the buildings property, but is not currently inviting to the public. A community garden for the condo units has been proposed to bring more attention and use to this resource.
- 6. There is a large bench at the entrance for visitors to sit down on to change shoes, or to put their personal items on while they are working out. A cubby locker for shoes and bags adds functionality. The reception is welcoming with many various green plants, a soothing water fountain, and bright natural light. A soft chair and table has been placed for reading materials while the clients are waiting.
- 7. Green Body has a functional kitchen area with seating for 5. People gather here often and it is definitely the heart of the space. Clean Eating classes, coffee, tea, and smoothie sales, and pre- packaged items for sale in this area would bring more people in to the gym and make efficient use of the communal eating space.
- 9. Green Body participates in many initiatives to make the space socially, environmentally, and economical efficient. This is a small space for a fitness studio, relative to most popular gyms, but Green Body clients prefer the small space and personal attention they receive their. It is a quite calming and balanced space, yet full of positive energy and comradery. Energy and water efficient appliances were chosen during the recent rehab, as well as reclaimed, recycled, and reused materials. The flooring is composed of sustainably harvested bamboo and cork flooring, with has a low environmental impact. Green body supports local and organic producers, recycles and composts, uses energy efficient lighting options, and is maintained by the owner. Simple lifestyles are encouraged here, through education and training in clean eating, green living, and environmental stewardship, in addition to personal physical efficiency and human powered activities. It is truly a unique environment in the Twin Cities area.