Paris is one of the most progressive cities in terms of its devotion to cutting carbon emissions. Last year, for example, the French city hosted the world’s first 24-hour ‘car-free’ day, which turned out to be a huge success. That tradition turned into a monthly “no-car day”, which reportedly is responsible for helping decrease air pollution by 40%!
Now, Italian architects Carlo Ratti Associati have proposed a design for a floating gym which would be powered by human energy. According to Inhabitat, the 20-meter-long Paris Navigating Gym is a collaboration between Technogym, Terreform ONE and URBEM.
The apparatus would be outfitted with Technogym’s ARTIS exercise machines, which harvest power generated by peoples’ physical activity. If constructed, the revolutionary gym will float down the Seine River in Paris. The floating structure would be a fun escape for exercise enthusiasts, as well as a sight to behold by people on land.
The designers relay that gym was designed after the Bateaux Mouches ferry boats which have a transparent glass bubble design. The ferries have been transporting tourists on the Seine River since the early 20th century. Some of the machines that might be available to exercises include ARTIS bikes and cross trainers.
Carlo Ratti, founding partner of the firm, commented:
“The Paris Navigating Gym investigates the potential of harnessing human power. It’s fascinating to see how the energy generated by a workout at the gym can actually help to propel a boat. It provides one with a tangible experience of what lies behind the often abstract notion of ‘electric power’.”
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