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Object Timeline

  • We acquired this object.

2004

  • Work on this object began.

2013

  • Work on this object ended.

2016

2025

  • You found it!

Vertical Gym (Gimnasio Vertical)

This is a Project. It was architect: Alfredo Brillembourg, Hubert Klumpner and Urban Think Tank. It is dated 2004–2013. Its medium is bolted steel structure assembled on site with prefabricated pieces on reinforced concrete foundation slab; exterior materials: galvanized expanded metal mesh, carbolux polycarbonate translucent opaque panels.

Limited land and high crime rates in dense Caracas, Venezuela, made it unsafe for children to play in the streets. To change this, local architects took cues from residents and built up a rundown sports field into Chacao Vertical Gym (Gimnasio Vertical), a four-story sports facility. Urban Think Tank developed a building system as a kit of parts, with a prefabricated bolted-steel construction system assembled onsite. The latest design incorporates recycled materials and green energy to reduce environmental impact and operational costs. The popular new public space has helped to reduce crime by over 30% by offering a safe, open space that nurtures fair play and tolerance through sports competition.

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<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/420779011/ |title=Vertical Gym (Gimnasio Vertical) |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=6 February 2025 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>