Before the holidays, going to the gym may feel more important than usual. It is easier to make the effort when the space itself is beautiful, inspiring and worth visiting.
Far from the ordinary neighborhood gym, these projects show how architecture and interior design can transform spaces for sport, training and wellbeing.
Allez Up. Montreal, Canada
Allez Up, Montreal, Canada
Allez Up is part of the redevelopment of Montreal’s southwest district. The indoor climbing gym occupies a former industrial site, with climbing walls that recall the sugar silos once connected to the area. Concrete and steel preserve the industrial character, while large windows bring in natural light like openings in a cliff face. The project is by Smith Vigeant Architectes.
The lobby and climbing hall 
Smith Vigeant Architectes 
Photo: Stéphane Brugger
Kalorias Health Club Children’s Space. Linda-a-Velha, Portugal
Kalorias Health Club Children’s Space, by estúdio AMATAM, is a sports center for children built around color, shape and play. In addition to sport areas, it includes a multipurpose hall, a reading room, study-support spaces, a visual-arts area and a playroom. Each room has its own character and is designed to stimulate children’s physical and mental growth.
Kalorias Health Club Children’s Space, Portugal 
estúdio AMATAM 
Children and sport by estúdio AMATAM
Yoga Space NW. Portland, USA
Jessica Helgerson Interior Design transformed a historic building into a yoga center. The lobby lounge is comfortable and elegant, filled with plants, rugs and large ottomans. In the practice room, old arched niches now store mats, blocks and accessories. White walls and ceilings emphasize the black-painted timber structure.
Yoga Space NW, Portland, USA 
The lobby of Yoga Space NW 
Jessica Helgerson
La Belle Équipe. Thai Boxing Hall. Paris, France
La Belle Équipe is located inside an Art Nouveau building classified as a historic monument. Founded by two friends and former champions, the Thai boxing hall offers a refined alternative to the traditional gym. Grey, black and white tones create a clean industrial-chic setting suited to concentration and training. The project is by Spray Architecture.
La Belle Équipe, Paris, France 
Spray Architecture 
Thai boxing hall design
Ritual House of Yoga. Seattle, USA
A 1909 brick building in Seattle’s Capitol Hill district now houses Ritual House of Yoga. Designed by goCstudio, the space uses warm timber floors, concrete walls and a strong ceiling element that catches attention from the street.
Ritual House of Yoga, Seattle, USA 
Photo: Kevin Scott 
goCstudio architects
Peter Dark
miranda_shida
Yolande A. Bow
Anna Lohan
