- May 4, 2021
- 3,038
TYPE | Infrastructure |
CLIENT | Thailand |
PROJECT | Community Fitness Center |
PROJECT COST | 4,505,160,000.00 |
COMPLETION DATE | 09/07/2025 |
PROJECT INFORMATION | Community Fitness Center Project Title: Community Fitness Center Project Code: TH-CFNC-001 Date of Approval: November 22, 2005 Version: 1.0 Approval and Endorsement Authorities
Project Overview
The Socialist Republic of Thailand has long been renowned for its high-quality, advanced, and accessible healthcare system, available free of charge to all legal permanent residents. Consequently, an overwhelming majority of the Thai population enjoys a long lifespan of around 80 years and overall healthy daily life. While many Thais maintain healthy dietary regimes and exercise regularly at home or in public parks, the Ministry of Public Health has identified a notable lack of dedicated fitness centers in each village. This has resulted in many Thais lacking access to public facilities that provide high-quality, modern exercise equipment, even if they may own some equipment themselves. The Community Fitness Center project is a collective initiative designed through the democratic deliberations of the Thai people to realize a vision of a future communist society where access to healthcare is commonly owned and readily available. These facilities, one per village and governed by a Community Assembly, aim to balance fulfilling community needs, adhering to sustainable practices, and integrating modern technology to ensure operational efficiency. Each community fitness center will cover approximately 4,300 square feet, serving up to 40 people at peak capacity. The architectural style of the fitness center will adopt a modernist design, featuring simple, clean lines and a rectangular shape to accommodate various zones while optimizing the footprint for cost-efficiency. The exterior will incorporate natural materials such as wood, stone, and concrete textures to create an inviting appearance while ensuring durability and minimal maintenance. Glass panels will be strategically installed to allow natural light to flood the interior, creating an open and airy atmosphere and offering views of the surrounding landscape, thereby reducing the feeling of isolation and connecting users with nature. The main entrance will be easily recognizable, with wide, welcoming doorways. A covered entryway will provide protection from the weather and create a warm, inviting atmosphere. The building's form is designed to allow for natural cross-ventilation, with windows and vents positioned to ensure efficient airflow without relying on mechanical systems. This design choice aims to lower energy costs and improve indoor air quality. Additionally, a vegetative wall will be incorporated to reduce the heat island effect, provide insulation, and contribute to sustainable design practices. The workout zones will cover 2,500 square feet and feature an open layout design, allowing users to move freely between different workout stations without feeling confined. The ceiling, approximately 15 feet high, will provide an open, airy ambiance and support hanging equipment such as punching bags and resistance bands. The cardiovascular section will be a dedicated space for cardiovascular equipment, including five treadmills (each equipped with built-in screens for entertainment and workout tracking), three elliptical machines, three stationary bikes (both upright and recumbent options), and two rowing machines. The strength training zone will feature a range of free weights, selectorized machines, and functional strength training equipment. It will include a combination of dumbbells, kettlebells, and weight plates, ensuring a comprehensive range from light to heavy weights. This zone will also have two barbell racks, two squat racks, five resistance machines, and a multifunctional cable machine. The designated group exercise room, encompassing 800 square feet, will be thoughtfully designed to cater to a diverse array of fitness classes including yoga, Zumba, spinning, aerobics, and traditional Thai styles. The space will feature a versatile layout to support various class formats. The flooring will be synthetic sprung, providing reduced impact during high-intensity classes such as aerobics or dance. Mirrored walls will be installed to facilitate self-monitoring and improve form during sessions. Recessed lighting will create a serene and calming environment, while soundproof walls will minimize noise from adjacent areas. The room will also be equipped with state-of-the-art sound systems and a large screen for virtual classes or instructional videos. Additionally, the room will house 15 high-end spin bikes with adjustable resistance and digital performance tracking. Various fitness equipment such as aerobic steps, yoga mats, blocks, and straps will be available to support a wide range of exercise needs. The men's and women's locker rooms will be designated based on birth-assigned gender, with each room comfortably accommodating up to 25 users at a time. Spanning a total area of 400 square feet, the locker rooms will include locker space, showers, and restrooms. Each room will feature 25 built-in lockers with secure electronic locking mechanisms linked to personal identification cards, provided that users have reserved a locker. These lockers will be capable of storing personal items, bags, and clothing. There will be three private shower stalls in each room, equipped with water-saving fixtures and adjustable temperature controls. The restroom facilities will be fully equipped with modern toilets and handwashing stations. Additionally, there will be a separate room for storing cleaning supplies, towels, and other maintenance equipment. The reception and lounge area, spanning 400 square feet, will feature an open and spacious design with high ceilings and a central check-in counter. The area will be adorned with modern finishes, such as wood paneling, to add warmth and texture. Around the central counter, touchscreen kiosks will facilitate self-check-in. Clear signage will be strategically placed and installed to ensure easy navigation to other areas. The waiting lounge will provide comfortable seating, furnished with minimalist furniture such as chairs and small sofas, creating a relaxing ambiance. Storage for outdoor gear, including jackets, shoes, and bags, will be available near the entrance, with hooks or cubbies for convenience. With Thailand's RFID-enabled identification cards, users will be able to swipe in for check-in and access necessary functions seamlessly. Additionally, a small café in the reception area will offer healthy snacks, smoothies, water bottles, and fitness supplements, serving as both a refreshment spot and a distribution corner. A 300-square-foot utility and support space will be designated to house essential mechanical systems such as HVAC units, water heaters, electrical panels, and maintenance tools. This area will also serve as storage for seasonal items including outdoor fitness gear, additional mats, towels, and other equipment. All doors, entrances, and exits of the fitness center will require an identification card for access unless unlocked from within. To minimize the need for constant manual cleaning, innovative robots will be employed to clean floors and sanitize equipment. A smart HVAC system will be installed to automatically adjust temperature and air quality based on the time of day or the number of users in the facility. Solar panels will be installed on the roof to help offset energy consumption, and all lighting will utilize energy-efficient LED bulbs. Motion-sensor lights will be used in hallways, bathrooms, and locker rooms. Additionally, low-flow showerheads and faucets will be installed in the locker rooms to reduce water consumption, and tankless water heaters will be used to heat water on demand. *Construction and equipment-acquiring cost per one community fitness center is based on the IRL cost of constructing and maintaining a similar facility in Bangkok, 2024. |
ENCRYPTED | No |