Sadeel ID
The Camden Retreat
When researching the different aspects of Camden, I began to pay particular attention to its inhabitants and visitors. Camden is known to be a vibrant and exciting area with many visitors bustling through the streets and markets. It is, however, the responsibility of the inhabitants to build a community behind this exciting and busy area. Through research, I found that the majority of the inhabitants were between the ages 18-65. Therefore, I thought it would be very beneficial to create a site that would support this community and group of people, giving them a space to recharge from the exhausting atmosphere. The space I am creating is a leisure centre that
focuses on the health and wellbeing of the users. It holds spaces for clients to relax, socialise and exercise. As one enters the site they should immediately feel relaxed. The space is designed with soft, neutral tones through materials such as travertine, timber, porcelain tiles and curved beige walls in order to influence a peaceful and calm feeling in the user. There are plants throughout the site to elevate the healthy aspect of the space, counteracting the pollution of the outside world. The overall structure of the site allows natural light to be passed through the entire building, this is known to boost vitamin D and improve mental health. The use of natural light also decreases the chance of headache and eye strain alongside the improvement of sleep in the users. This reflects the extent to which the design of the building aims to improve the wellbeing of the user. The building includes many facilities. The users are welcomed onto the site by a friendly reception and both male and female changing rooms. In the basement, there is a pool for users to unwind and exercise simultaneously. On the first floor, there is a gym and on the second floor there is a studio, providing areas for different exercises to improve health and energise clients in their life outside of the site. The consultation room provides privacy for clients and trainers, giving them special and personalised attention at the site. On the top floor is the café, this gives clients an opportunity to eat healthily and interact with others in the community in a relaxed environment.