A re-design of a space according to human factors and sustainable principles.

1. Green Body
Saint Paul, MN
Kelly Kokaisel | Fall ‘10

2. Green Body specializes in
Personal Training and Group
Classes. This is a
commercial space on the 1st
floor of a condo building, but
it is open to the public. It is
located in the historic
Schurmeier Wagon Company
building near Lowertown
Saint Paul MN. It is in a
commercial district, with
some light foot traffic. This
space has many good things
working for it and would
benefit further from some
small element changes.

3. The space is currently
laid out very well.
There are beautiful
exposed wood beams
and columns defining
the spaces; the weight
area, the stretching
mat area, the office
space, the kitchen,
and the changing
area. An instructor in
small groups of 5 or
less can work in these
space without
disturbing an
individual or group in
another portion of the
space.

4. The office area was previously
used by just one person, the
owner. Now that the gym is
growing with more trainers
there is a need for more
flexible office space. The desk
has been added on to, creating
a corner desk with additional
shelving attached to the wall.
There is now room for 2 people
to work, 1 on the desktop, and
1 on a laptop. The addition of
another desktop computer is
in the works. Being that the
office is in a corner, there is
potential to put chairs in the
open 2 sides of the square to
create a meeting space.

5. The office is currently located in the back
corner. There are no windows, and I
often see the trainers looking out the
front windows while working. The desk
area needs to be in natural light and
would have windows overlooking life
(192). It has been suggested that
windows be cut on the west wall. These
windows would allow natural light from
two sides, and a view of the Capital of
Saint Paul, the St. Paul Cathedral, and
overlook of the downtown area and
skyline. These windows may be best to
be placed high on the wall in order to get
these views, and to avoid seeing the
parking lot directly on the other side of
the wall. As a side note, this wall is
heated extensively by the sun, and the
windows would allow more of that energy
to come into the studio. There is some
gardening and compost area in the back
of the buildings property, but is not
currently inviting to the public. A
community garden for the condo units
has been proposed to bring more
attention and use to this resource.

6. There is a large bench at the
entrance for visitors to sit
down on to change shoes, or
to put their personal items on
while they are working out. A
cubby locker for shoes and
bags adds functionality. The
reception is welcoming with
many various green plants, a
soothing water fountain, and
bright natural light. A soft
chair and table has been
placed for reading materials
while the clients are waiting.

7. Green Body has a functional
kitchen area with seating for
5. People gather here often
and it is definitely the heart of
the space. Clean Eating
classes, coffee, tea, and
smoothie sales, and pre-
packaged items for sale in this
area would bring more people
in to the gym and make
efficient use of the communal
eating space.

9. Green Body participates in many initiatives to make the space
socially, environmentally, and economical efficient. This is a
small space for a fitness studio, relative to most popular gyms,
but Green Body clients prefer the small space and personal
attention they receive their. It is a quite calming and balanced
space, yet full of positive energy and comradery. Energy and
water efficient appliances were chosen during the recent rehab,
as well as reclaimed, recycled, and reused materials. The
flooring is composed of sustainably harvested bamboo and
cork flooring, with has a low environmental impact. Green
body supports local and organic producers, recycles and
composts, uses energy efficient lighting options, and is
maintained by the owner. Simple lifestyles are encouraged
here, through education and training in clean eating, green
living, and environmental stewardship, in addition to personal
physical efficiency and human powered activities. It is truly a
unique environment in the Twin Cities area.