Moksha Fitness and Spa Center

PRIMARY FUNCTION

Fitness and Spa

Area - 2000 SQFT

INSPIRATION

Planned as an extension and a support facility for the customers of an existing gymnasium, the inspiration for the project came from the intention of giving a new language to retail design for fitness centers.

The architects wanted to maintain a level of transparency, while segregating spaces. For this, a unique idea was developed wherein triangular metal frames were utilized in combination with unusual materials such as ropes, bi-cycles etcetera, making it a subtle, yet eye catching creation.

UNIQUE PROPERTIES/PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Covering an area of about 2000 sqft and situated in the basement of an existing gymnasium facility, Moksha Fitness and Spa center is an example of a functional and contemporary retail design.

It was imagined as an open, flowing design with the spaces merging into one another, making for a rich user experience. An element of whimsy was added as another layer of metal frames and ropes, aiming for and achieving a rugged, urban look. Bi-cycles hanging from the roof, add to the raw feel of the space.

OPERATION/FLOW/INTERACTION

Keeping the plan simple, the design was imbued with many layers, bringing out the features in the interiors. Steel frames interlaced with ropes were used to give a chic look, while remaining within the modest budget.

The way in which the spaces interact with each other is carefully thought of with the functions being segregated yet connected. Glass partitions have been extensively used in Studios, so as to allow for a more fluid design. Lighter flooring brings out the contrast with darker walls.

PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION

Located in Panchkula, India, the project took --- months to complete.

PRODUCTION/ REALISATION TECHNOLOGY

The free standing and overlapping metals frames forming the main screen for the studios from the passage were interlaced with ropes. Besides bearing a little of the load, the lacing of the overlapping triangular frames provided stability.

SPECIFICATIONS ETC

RESEARCH ABSTRACT

Extensive research was done to find out about the best possible design for a competitive environment, seeing that the facility was to be used by people indulging in high energy exercises. Site studies and case studies were carried out to get a better understanding of the same.

A qualitative research methodology was preferred over a quantitative one to get the best possible results and to make the space reach its highest potential. Literature and internet studies were also carried out.

CHALLENGE

Located in the basement and designed as an extension, the main challenge was to make the place look unconventional and open without losing touch with the elementals of competitive space design.

For this, layers of triangular metal frames were used, interlaced with ropes to achieve a raw, urban look. Glazed surfaces helped make the plan fluid and contemporary; bi-cycles hung from the ceiling.

Another challenge was to achieve the desired in a modest budget leading to some very creative design ideas.

TEAM MEMBERS

POFILE OF STUDIO

The Studio Ardete Pvt. Ltd. Team consists of Architects, Interior Designers and Artists, all dedicated to produce the best solution for the clients in terms of functionality, aesthetics and economy within the provided timelines and as per the requirements and tastes of the clients.

DIRECTOR Badrinath Kaleru & Prerna Aggarwal Kaleru did their Bachelors in Architecture from IIT Roorkee and are registered architect with COA (Council of Architects),India.

Their work experience ranges from architecture to sustainable living with energy modeling to graphic designing. Having done projects in Europe and Asia, they earlier worked with Wilmotte et Associes SA d'Architecture, Paris, FRANCE Endo Shuhei Architect Institute, Osaka, JAPAN Dominique Perrault Architecte, Paris, FRANCE Mario Cucinella Architects (MCA), Bologna, ITALY and Jones Lang Lasalle, INDIA.