Introduction: Bear Fitness

Phrases to reflect the goals of James Develin’s gym:

Philadelphia, Modular, Immersive, Rehabilitation, Training, Creative, Educational, Useful for a variety of people (professionals, gym members, etc.), Mindful, Multi-purpose

Elements to include in the gym:

Non-stagnant water- lap pool, Something to do with bears, Trainer’s offices, hot tub, Kid’s playroom, Changing rooms, Reception area

Step 1: Find a Location

Our goal was to find at least 1 acre of land for the gym.

The address of the gym is Hobbs Road, Wayne, PA. This plot of land is 3.28 acres. This location is near a train station for a relatively easy commute to and from Philadelphia. It is also near Villanova University, which can open up a possible partnership for college and professional level athletes.

Step 2: Ideate

We brainstormed a few different layouts and floor plans for a gym that would accommodate the elements listed above. We chose to place the pool on the bottom floor, as well as a second level dedicated for fitness equipment. The third floor is the court.

Step 3: Prototype & Revision

We used TinkerCad to create a 3D model for our fitness center. As you can see, the first level is made up of our salt water lap pool and a hot tub, three locker rooms (men’s, women’s, and gender neutral), kid’s playroom/daycare center, a reception area, a spiral staircase, and an elevator. The second level consists of exercise equipment, weightlifting area, exercise classroom, an office space, and an elevator. The third level has a basketball court and bleachers (which could be used as an event space), as well as an elevator. We decided to add branding on the front of the center, which you will see in the final prototype.

Step 4: Explanation

We chose to name our rehabilitation and fitness center “Bear Fitness” in honor of James Develin’s alma maters, Brown University and Boyertown Area High School, both mascots being bears. Bear Fitness would be staffed by athletic trainers, certified physicians, and registered nurses to provide access to rehabilitation resources for those on the professional level and others. We would also provide nutritional counseling and personal training. We chose to include a salt water pool because they have lower chlorine levels, so it is much gentler on the eyes and skin. Research indicates that salt water systems may be safer than chlorine pools, which forces owners to store and handle unsafe chemicals. All members of Bear Fitness would have access to an app that has a reward system for referrals, as well as a function for COVID tracing. On the topic of COVID, we will have HVAC and HEPA filters put in place, pexi glass in between equipment and at reception, temperature checks and a sign-in waiver for contact tracing. Bear Fitness will be community focused, hopefully partnering with Philadelphia Boys and Girls Club. The basketball court can double as an event space for special events or fundraisers. Also, because of our location’s close proximity to Villanova University, we hope to build a partnership with them for our athletes.

Please join us at Bear Fitness!!

Make it Real Student Design Challenge

Runner Up in the
Make it Real Student Design Challenge