urbánika designs handicap-specific adapted gym in mexico

the space is specially designed for users with disabilities, and integrates all users through various sports, social, and cultural activities.

Urbánika edited by nick brink June 27, 2015 2 min

urbánika designs handicap-specific adapted gym in mexico
all images courtesy of urbánika

the ‘adapted gym’ in chihuahua, mexico by urbánika is specially designed for users with disabilities, and integrates all users through various sports, social, and cultural activities. like most gyms, the scheme is organized around a central court. the multi-purpose surface incorporates infrastructure for basketball, volleyball, boccia, goalball, and quad rugby.

urbánika adapted gym chihuahua mexico designboom
secondary entrance

located adjacent to the space, is an open-air weight room. small partition walls give the area a sense of separation, but doesn’t remove patrons from the visual and auditory experiences of the larger gymnasium. a series of handicap accessible ramps are the primary means of moving from one area to another, considered by urbánika as a sort of a ‘ludic architectural promenade’.

urbánika adapted gym chihuahua mexico designboom
colored pathways for vision-impaired users

a secondary, smaller hall is designated for class based activities like dancing, zumba, and karate, as well as social gatherings. bleachers are formed as to allow accessibility at multiple levels and various vantage points, giving freedom for wheelchair bound gym-goers. raw materials and exposed installations/ductwork were chosen to reduce construction and maintenance costs. a vibrant palette helps visually impaired find their way around the gym, while large openings open to natural light help light the way.

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ramps and observation platforms

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class taking place on court surface

urbánika adapted gym chihuahua mexico designboom
multi-function court

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continuous loop with ramp

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zumba class in secondary hall

urbánika adapted gym chihuahua mexico designboom
the weight room is integrated to the main space

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from across the parking lot

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plans and isometric

urbánika adapted gym chihuahua mexico designboom section

project info:

architects: urbánika (federico campos, oscar chávez)
design team: erika hernández, humberto mendoza, maria isabel gonzález, mariana enríquez, ariana de la garza
location: chihuahua, méxico
program: sports facility
building area: 1,083m²
completed: 2014

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