Why not merge nice and beneficial? Renowned design and innovation office Carlo Ratti Associati reveals an exclusive human-powered boat, set to sail along the Seine river in Paris. The Paris Navigating Gym project is developed as a collaborative initiative, the proposal responds to the locals’ demand concerning the urban and public infrastructure. This unique project, was initiated by Carlo Ratti Associati alongside leading fitness equipment manufacturer Technogym, the non-profit architecture group Terreform ONE, and the urban regeneration institute URBEM.
Paris Navigating Gym Project
The workout area on the 20-meter-long fitness vessel, which can accommodate up to 45 people, boasts a selection of Technogym’s ARTIS machines, a combination of sophisticated bikes and cross-trainers. When a user starts to turn or push down on the pedals, an inverter converts this exertion into utility-grade electricity, which is then used to power the user’s device. The exercise-generated energy is also sent to the gym boat’s electric propellers in order to move it through the water and across the city, picking up and dropping off people as it goes.
Paris Navigating Gym Project
Any additional energy requirements would be met with renewables, most likely photovoltaic cells on the roof, and excess energy would be fed into the city’s grid.
This floating, human-powered gym is usable year-round. Its transparent glass covering, which can be opened during the summer months, offers panoramic views of the banks of the Seine and the city beyond.
Paris Navigating Gym Project
