Located in the heart of a commercial zone of a newly established housing area in Dhaka, the Dhali Fitness Centre is designed as a space of light and relief- much like the way any sports and exercise brings about the feeling of lightness and relief to our bodies and souls. Slender, yet strong envelope allows abundant natural light and air within the interior space of the center reflects the idea of a healthy mind in a strong body.

The idea was to create a comfortable space for indoor sports, which also gives the users a feeling of being in a natural setting, without resorting to artificial lighting and mechanical ventilation. In order do so, the inner volume of the structure had to be flooded with natural light and ample natural cross ventilation had to be provided to reduce humidity in the hot-humid climate of the city. The roof the rectangular building has been sliced repeatedly in a way to bring in optimum natural light through-out the day, and series of high and low windows has been placed along the facades to generate good cross ventilation. Thus the building’s dependence on mechanical support is very low.

The initial volume of the building has been derived from the badminton courts, later additional facilities like a gymnasium, and a café has been accommodated in the form. The Gymnasium is in the mezzanine floor of this 32’ high lofty structure, the corridors of which overlooks the badminton court in the ground floor; facilitating visual connections between different spaces. The café is in the ground floor, which leads to the outdoor swimming pool with steam and sauna facilities for regular members.