28.01.2026

What is a movement room?

Building design

Knowledge

How skateparks and urban spaces promote movement, community and city living. Photo by Jonas from Berlin on Unsplash.

Movement spaces: that sounds like a yoga studio, kindergarten or sports hall. In fact, however, exercise spaces are much more than that in terms of architecture and urban planning – they are the social and spatial infrastructure for a society that has long since ceased to stand still. Anyone who still believes that exercise areas are a minor matter has not understood the signs of the times. In Germany, Austria and Switzerland in particular, there is currently a heated debate about how much movement our built environment should actually allow – and how digital tools, sustainability requirements and architectural innovations are redefining the concept of movement space.

Physical activity spaces are much more than sports facilities – they shape healthy, social and sustainable living in urban and rural areas.
A new generation of exercise spaces is emerging in the DACH region: multifunctional, inclusive and digitally supported.
Digitalization and AI are fundamentally changing the planning, operation and use of exercise spaces.
Sustainability remains a challenge and an opportunity – from CO₂-neutral sports halls to flexible open spaces.
Architects need technical know-how, interdisciplinary expertise and a feel for social dynamics.
The space for movement is a focal point for current architectural trends – and a field for social utopias and conflicts.
Central debates: Who is allowed to move? Who plans and pays for movement spaces? How open are these spaces really?
Globally, the realization is gaining ground: Spaces for movement are a key to resilient, liveable cities.

What is a physical activity space? From fitness cellar to urban space of opportunity

The classic answer to the question of what an exercise space is sounds banal at first: a place where people exercise. But this reduction falls short. In reality, movement spaces are architectural spaces of opportunity – they range from gyms and skate parks to open urban landscapes that invite people to stroll, play, exercise or simply take a deep breath. In Germany, Austria and Switzerland, the concept has changed dramatically in recent years. For a long time, exercise was seen as a compulsory exercise – school sports, club training, perhaps the walk to the streetcar. Today, there is a growing awareness that exercise is an integral part of health, social participation and urban quality of life.

This change is also reflected in architecture. Exercise spaces are no longer just enclosed boxes with sprung floors, but permeable, often multifunctional zones. They merge with their surroundings, invite informal use and encourage encounters across all age and social boundaries. In Basel, open spaces are being created that function as playgrounds during the day, yoga areas in the evening and meeting places for young people at night. In Munich, former industrial wastelands are being transformed into exercise landscapes that offer more than just soccer goals and basketball hoops.

In rural areas, the space for exercise is a counter-design to the lack of leisure activities: here it is all about accessibility and the question of how to create exercise opportunities away from urban centers that remain instead of disappearing. The architectural challenge is clear: spaces for exercise must be flexible, robust and at the same time create a sense of identity. They should not only enable sport, but also recreation, encounters and the famous “more of the city”.

But the exercise space is more than just a built facility. It is a mirror of social development. Who is allowed to use it? Who decides on its design? Which groups are excluded because their forms of movement do not fit the image of the “good citizen”? These questions are anything but trivial – they concern the basic functions of public space, participation in the city and society, and ultimately also the self-image of architects, planners and local authorities.

All of this makes the movement space a political space. Those who plan it enter a field full of expectations, demands and conflicting goals. This is where issues of inclusion, gender equality, sustainability and digitalization collide head-on. The movement space is therefore a burning glass for current architectural debates – and a test laboratory for the city of the future.

Trends, innovations and the role of digitalization

Anyone who takes a look at current movement spaces in the DACH region quickly realizes that the density of innovation is enormous. New materials, hybrid usage concepts, participatory planning and digital tools are shaping the scene. The classic exercise space is getting an update. In Zurich, sports halls are being designed as “moving schools” in which lessons and leisure time become blurred. In Vienna, people are experimenting with temporary islands of movement in the street that respond to the needs of users via sensors and app control – from senior yoga groups in the morning to night-time streetball tournaments.

Digitalization is no longer a foreign concept. Modern exercise rooms are equipped with sensors that record usage figures, climate conditions and even movement profiles in real time. AI-based analyses help to optimize space utilization, predict maintenance requirements and develop new offerings. In Hamburg, the digital twin of a sports facility is used to simulate various operating scenarios. The aim: more efficiency, more sustainability, more user orientation.

Digitalization is also finding its way into architecture itself. Planning processes are becoming more efficient and transparent thanks to BIM, parameterized designs and AR-supported participation formats. This allows movement spaces to be experienced, tested and adapted virtually as early as the concept phase. Users are directly involved and their wishes are incorporated into the planning. The result: exercise spaces that not only work on paper, but also endure in everyday life.

But these new possibilities also raise questions. Who owns the data that is collected in the movement space? Is there a threat of user surveillance if every movement is recorded? How much digitalization makes sense – and where is analogue, spontaneous freedom needed? The debate is open. One thing is clear: anyone planning spaces for movement today can no longer avoid digital tools and their effects.

The power of innovation can be seen not least in hybrid concepts: movement spaces that function as places of learning, event spaces and social meeting points. Or in multifunctional open spaces that combine sport, play, culture and recreation – and thus dissolve traditional usage boundaries. Today, space for movement means: space for possibilities. Architecture must keep pace – or it will simply become obsolete.

Sustainability and social responsibility in exercise spaces

Spaces for movement are not just a playground for architects, but also a test bed for sustainable construction. The carbon footprint of sports halls, swimming pools and skate parks is enormous. In Germany, Austria and Switzerland, there is growing political pressure to finally change course here. Timber construction methods, energy-efficient building technology, solar and rainwater harvesting are now part of the standard repertoire of modern movement architecture. But sustainability is more than just technology – it also concerns the social dimension.

Inclusivity is becoming the leitmotif: spaces for movement should be there for everyone, regardless of age, gender or origin. In Switzerland, cross-generational exercise parks are being created that deliberately focus on accessibility. In Berlin, exercise areas are being integrated into densely populated neighborhoods in order to prevent social division. The question of equitable distribution of exercise opportunities is central to this. Those who live on the periphery are often at a disadvantage – a problem that can at least be mitigated by smart mobility concepts and digital networking.

Another challenge is the competition for space in cities. Spaces for movement have to assert themselves against housing construction, traffic and commercial interests. Clever strategies are needed to integrate exercise options into everyday urban life without turning them into a luxury good. In Vienna, the focus is on temporary exercise spaces – for example, by converting parking lots into sports areas at weekends. In Zurich, the roofs of school buildings are being developed as exercise zones.

Sustainability also means creating exercise-friendly urban structures: short distances, safe routes, attractive open spaces that invite people to linger and try things out. Physical activity space is not just a place, but a network – and therefore a central component of sustainable urban development. Those who ignore this risk not only a lack of exercise, but also social division and undesirable ecological developments.

Ultimately, the question is: how much responsibility does architecture take for the social consequences of its designs? Spaces for movement are a promise – of health, community and participation. Those who plan them build more than just spaces. They are shaping the future.

Technical expertise and new demands on the profession

Planners and architects are facing a growing challenge: spaces for movement have become technically more complex. Energy-optimized supporting structures, multifunctional floor coverings, smart control systems, adaptive lighting and acoustic solutions – the requirements are increasing. Today, anyone planning spaces for movement has to master more than just form and function. They need a deep understanding of building physics, regulations, digital planning processes and participatory methods.

In the DACH region in particular, the demand for execution quality and durability is high. Spaces for movement must be robust, vandal-proof, easy to maintain and yet aesthetically pleasing. The balancing act between budget, building culture and user-friendliness is enormous. Added to this is the need to meet ever stricter sustainability standards – from DGNB or Minergie certification to the circular economy in construction.

Digital skills are a must: BIM, simulation tools, digital twins and user data analysis have long been part of the toolbox of contemporary movement space planning. The profession must continuously develop its skills and be prepared to collaborate with experts from the fields of IT, sports science, education and sociology. Physical activity space is teamwork – and requires new, interdisciplinary ways of working.

Communication is also changing. Citizen participation is now often digital, with users being involved in planning via apps or virtual reality. Those who do not keep their finger on the pulse will be overtaken by their own target group. Architecture must not only build, but also be able to explain, communicate and convince.

This has consequences for training: Movement space planning is no longer a marginal topic, but an integral part of the architectural profession. Anyone who does not learn to think flexibly, work digitally and recognize social trends today will no longer be able to build relevant movement spaces tomorrow.

Movement spaces in the global discourse: visions, criticism and utopias

From an international perspective, movement spaces have long been a central topic in urban development. Cities such as Copenhagen, Singapore and Melbourne are focusing on movement-friendly infrastructure as the key to health, resilience and quality of life. The DACH region often lags behind here – the debate about land consumption is too dominant and too little value is placed on informal, spontaneous movement. However, a rethink is slowly taking place: Spaces for movement are seen as a driver for innovation, integration and sustainability.

But there is also criticism. Physical activity spaces are in danger of becoming the plaything of commercial interests – from sponsored fitness parks to event spaces that are only accessible to paying users. The danger: exercise space as a privilege instead of a common good. This calls for a clear stance on the part of architecture: Spaces for all instead of just for some.

Visionary ideas can still be found: exercise spaces as part of the green infrastructure, as a network of urban trails, roof gardens, mobile sports equipment or digital exercise platforms. In New York, people are experimenting with “Active Design Guidelines” that integrate movement into all areas of urban planning. In Tokyo, micro-movement spaces are being created in confined spaces – from stair parks to climbing walls on high-rise facades.

The utopia: a city in which movement is a matter of course – not a duty, but a pleasure. A city in which spaces for movement do not exist in isolation, but act as a lively link between living, working and leisure. And an architecture that understands this: Space for movement is not a luxury, but a necessity.

The global discourse shows: Those who take spaces for movement seriously are investing in the future viability of the city. Those who ignore them risk stagnation – and this has rarely been more attractive than it is today.

Conclusion: Movement space is architecture for the 21st century

Physical activity spaces are far more than just sports facilities or playgrounds. They are the spatial backbone of a society that wants and needs to keep moving. In Germany, Austria and Switzerland, a new era of movement space planning is beginning – digital, sustainable, inclusive and visionary, but also full of conflicting goals and unanswered questions. Architecture is called upon not only to build these spaces, but also to think, explain and constantly reinvent them. Those who rise to this challenge are not only designing spaces, but also the future. Those who ignore it will stand still – and that, as we all know, is the worst thing for a moving space.

21.12.2024

Trade

Where will people of the future eat?

Building design

Part of the jury (from right to left): Frank Waldecker

Eating is and will remain a basic human need. What may change in the future, however, is where and how we eat. The student competition “Restaurant of the Future – Gastronomy 4.0” addresses this exciting topic. The jury meeting took place on January 17, 2018.

Eating is and will remain a basic human need. What may change in the future, however, is where and how we eat. Baumeister and the trade magazine Gastronomie-Report took on this exciting topic by jointly organizing the student competition “Restaurant of the Future – Gastronomy 4.0”. The jury meeting took place last Wednesday.

Every two years since 2004, Gastronomie-Report has organized the world’s only ideas competition for the gastronomy of the future – in 2018 for the first time with the architecture magazine Baumeister, which is why there is now a stronger focus on architecture. The participating students addressed the question of what the restaurant could look like in 20, 40 or 60 years – determined by digital and global developments – and what opportunities architecture offers to create gastronomic experiences.

In a jury meeting on January 17, 2018 at the Callwey publishing house, the 30 or so entries were discussed and evaluated. In addition to Willy Faber from Gastronomie-Report and Sabine Schneider and Anja Koller from Baumeister, the jury included other experts from the fields of architecture and gastronomy: These were Munich restaurateur Frank Waldecker, industrial designer and architect Philipp Zimmermann, Sascha Arnold from Arnold/Werner Architekten and Ann Sophie Brune-Bau, industrial designer and architect.

The designs

The architecture students’ designs inspired the jury members to engage in intensive and controversial discussions. It became clear that it is difficult to predict the directions in which society will develop – however, the designs give a foretaste of the exciting ideas that budding architects have in terms of restaurant design and the trends that are emerging. The general tenor was on topics such as scarcity of resources, sustainability and recycling as well as the transparency of production processes and experiential gastronomy.

Students from the following universities took part in the competition: Burg Giebichenstein University of Art and Design Halle, Berlin University of the Arts, University of Stuttgart, RWTH Aachen, FH Dortmund, Münster School of Architecture, FH Aachen, RheinMain University of Applied Sciences, TU Braunschweig, University of Hanover, TU Berlin, TU Munich, TU Dortmund, TU Cologne, TU Kaiserslautern, TU Delft (Netherlands), Staatliche Akademie der Bildenden Künste Stuttgart.

And so it goes on!

The first three places will be announced at Intergastra 2018, which will be held in Stuttgart from February 3 to 7. The first prize winner will receive 1,500 euros, the second 1,000 euros and the third 500 euros. In addition, everyone who submitted a work to the competition will receive a one-year subscription to Baumeister.

24.01.2025

Rigole: Innovative drainage concepts

Building design

Infiltration trenches serve as underground storage structures that absorb rainwater and slowly release it again. Credit: Wikicommons

Increasing urbanization and climate change pose enormous drainage challenges for cities around the world. Heavy rainfall events and rising floods are endangering infrastructure and the quality of life of residents. One innovative solution for overcoming these challenges is infiltration trenches, which are becoming increasingly established as sustainable drainage solutions. They offer an environmentally friendly way of storing excess rainwater and draining it away in a controlled manner.

Infiltration trenches are underground storage structures that absorb, store and slowly release excess rainwater. They consist of a layer of permeable material that allows water to seep into the ground instead of being discharged into the sewer system. In many cases, infiltration trenches are designed as part of an infiltration drainage system that also incorporates natural resources such as soil and plants into the water balance.

Essentially, infiltration trenches are infiltration-capable rainwater storage tanks that serve as an efficient solution for drainage and flood prevention in urban areas. They typically consist of the following components:

Inlet systems: These direct the rainwater into the infiltration trench. This can be done via gutters, manhole covers or channels.
Storage area: This part of the infiltration trench consists of a permeable material such as crushed stone or gravel, which stores the water and prepares it for infiltration.
Filter or geotextile layer: This layer prevents the ingress of dirt or sediment that could clog the system.
Outlet system: A controlled outlet allows the slow and controlled release of water into the ground or into the sewage system to prevent overloading.

Infiltration trenches work according to a simple but effective principle: they collect excess rainwater and channel it into the ground, where it can either seep away or gradually drain into the groundwater. The principle is based on the soil’s natural ability to filter and store water.

Water absorption: Rainwater is directed into the infiltration trench via the inlet systems.
Storage: The water is collected in the permeable storage layers of the infiltration trench, which temporarily store it while it awaits infiltration.
Infiltration: The water slowly infiltrates into the ground, reducing pressure on the sewer system and the risk of flooding.
Slow release: If the storage capacity of the infiltration trench is exceeded, the outlet ensures that the excess water drains away in a controlled manner.

The speed of infiltration depends on the soil conditions and the capacity of the infiltration trench. This slow and targeted release regulates the amount of water runoff and at the same time minimizes the risk of erosion and flooding.

The use of infiltration trenches for the drainage of urban areas offers numerous advantages:

Prevention of flooding: Infiltration trenches reduce the load on the urban drainage system as they absorb some of the rainwater and delay runoff. This reduces the risk of flooding after heavy rainfall events.
Promotion of groundwater recharge: Infiltration of rainwater recharges the groundwater, which is particularly important in areas where water is scarce.
Reducing the load on the sewage system: Infiltration systems reduce the need to expand expensive and energy-intensive sewage systems, as they efficiently control water runoff and reduce the load on the sewers.
Promotion of biodiversity: The storage of rainwater can lead to the greening of urban areas and the promotion of green spaces, which improves the urban climate and increases the quality of life.
Cost efficiency: Compared to conventional drainage systems, infiltration systems are more cost-effective as they require little maintenance and can be easily integrated into urban infrastructures.

The integration of infiltration systems in urban areas requires careful planning and consideration of the local conditions. In cities where the soil is not very permeable or where space is limited, alternative solutions such as infiltration trenches with water-permeable concrete slabs or special materials that enable good water absorption must be considered.

Another important aspect is the cooperation between urban planners, engineers and the population. Often, infiltration trenches need to be used in combination with other sustainable drainage solutions such as green roofs, rain barrels or infiltration swales to create a comprehensive solution for rainwater harvesting.

Cologne, Germany: In Cologne, infiltration trenches have been installed in various parts of the city to relieve the sewer system and prevent flooding during heavy rainfall. A particularly successful example is the “Green Belt” in Cologne, where infiltration trenches are part of a comprehensive drainage concept that also takes green spaces and sustainable urban development into account.
New York City, USA: In New York, infiltration trenches have been integrated into several neighborhoods as part of the “Green Infrastructure” project. This has led to a significant reduction in surface runoff and helped to relieve pressure on the sewer system during peak periods.
London, Great Britain: In London, the Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) scheme was launched, with infiltration systems installed in several new development areas and public spaces. This helps to manage water runoff and mitigate the effects of heavy rainfall.
Singapore: Singapore has introduced infiltration trenches as part of its comprehensive strategy to improve urban water management. Here, infiltration trenches are often combined with other solutions such as rainwater storage and green roofs to protect the city against flooding.

Infiltration trenches are a promising solution for the sustainable drainage of cities, which are increasingly struggling with flooding due to heavy rainfall and urbanization. Not only do they offer ecological benefits by promoting water absorption and storage in the soil, but they also help to reduce the burden on sewers and infrastructure. The integration of infiltration trenches into urban drainage systems is an important step towards sustainable and climate-resilient urban development.

More on the topic and our STOP THE FLOOD campaign here.