Studio Ardete's idiosyncratic Indian health club 'leaves impact on the psyche'
by Kim Megson | 10 Aug 2016
We’ve tried to define a new language for fitness design that allows for a balance of idiosyncrasies and conventionalities
– Abhimanue Sharma
– Abhimanue Sharma
Indian architecture firm Studio Ardete have pledged to “break the stereotypes surrounding the design of fitness spaces” in the country after unveiling a gym which embraces quirkiness and idiosyncratic design.
According to the architects, the Pro Fitness Gymnasium, located in the small city Kurukshetra, was “born from the idea that a health club can be both individualistic and practical”.
The 5,000sq ft (464sq m) site – the largest of its type in the city – is fitted with asymmetrical and distinctive design features and has been developed as a prototype for other designers to take inspiration from.
White fluid ceiling volumes run throughout the two-storey facility, merging into walls and lockers and through into the cafe, multipurpose fitness hall and aerobics studio on the first floor. The subdued colour palette of white, with blacks and grey A/C vents, occasionally contrasts with vibrant green walls and other splashes of colour.
“The concept of visual solidarity is essential to the design, and we’ve tried to define a new language for fitness design that allows for a balance of idiosyncrasies and conventionalities,” said project manager Abhimanue Sharma. “Not unlike most examples of good spatial design, the gymnasium leaves an impact on the psyche of the visitor and the user alike.”
The second floor features weight training and cardio gyms. Here the architectural language and muted lighting is deliberately subtle to contrast with the high energy exercises taking place in the spaces. Zigzagging rafters and crisscrossing ropes have been installed on the ceiling to contrast solid volumes against voids and grids against negative spaces.
“The overall impact is that of an art installation rather than a mere design element seeking to create interest,” said Sharma. “This dalliance with art is a crucial part of the design as it attempts to erase, or at least soften, the line separating art and architecture.”
The Pro Fitness Gymnasium is Studio Ardete’s second health club project completed recently with the aim of making the design of fitness facilities in India more exciting. The practice previously designed the "whimsical" gym, spa and indoor cycling studio Moksha in Panchkula district.
Studio Ardete health club design architecture India fitness art Pro Fitness Gymnasium
According to the architects, the Pro Fitness Gymnasium was 'born from the idea that a health club can be both individualistic and practical' Credit: Purnesh Dev Nikhanj
Subtle tones contrast with bright posters and walls with splashes of vibrant colour Credit: Purnesh Dev Nikhanj
Asymmetrical white volumes cover the gym's ceilings Credit: Purnesh Dev Nikhanj
A multi-use sports area is located on the ground floor Credit: Purnesh Dev Nikhanj
Indian architecture firm Studio Ardete have pledged to “break the stereotypes surrounding the design of fitness spaces” in the country after unveiling a gym which embraces quirkiness and idiosyncratic design. According to the architects, the Pro Fitness Gymnasium, located in the small city Kurukshetra, was “born from the idea that a health club can be both individualistic and practical”. The 5,000sq ft (464sq m) site – the largest of its
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