Lead Designer: Yu Jordy Fu (Marques and Jordy)

Project Name: Model Gym

Project Scope: Interior Design & Fitout, Product Design, Furniture Design & Production, Visual Identity Design

Location: Rongqiao Center Art Mall, Level 2, Fuzhou, Fujian, China

Area: 300sqm (rollout concept)

Completion: January 2018

For the entire concept design and build of a brand new fitness club concept in Fuzhou, China, Model Gym required a very particular ensemble skillset. M&J (www.marquesandjordy.com) were hand-selected to carry out the brief, conceiving the first ladies-only, one-to-one, by-appointment-only fitness club, inspired by the glamour and sex appeal of a ‘Victoria’s Secret’ fashion show, to be rolled out in ensuing locations.

M&J developed all aspects of the design scope, including interiors and fitout, branding and product design, as well as furniture design and production. From initiation to completion of build, the project’s tight deadline was just three months. The very day the BIM model was signed off, M&J were on site, and construction drawings ran almost parallel to the build, while liaising with all artistic production specialists.

‘For the perfect you’ was the concept M&J devised, as an aspirational goal of mind and body, to empower the target clientele. The ‘M’ logo echoes form and fluidity of the perfect female body in motion, as does the black and gold curving façade, punctuated by female silhouettes. All fittings, fixtures and amenities in the space were custom-designed, to the smallest detail, to instill a consistent visual identity.

The 300sqm space comprises the façade, reception, gym/training area, a ladies’ lounge, luxury changing rooms, stylish bathrooms, an enticing spa area and back-of-house. The reception is dynamic in look, with retail shelving for Model Gym merchandising. The training area is focused for uninterrupted one-to-one sessions, over black and white floor patterns, guarded by model silhouettes adorning the walls.

The changing rooms with dressing pods are a Hollywood powder-room heaven, with every thoughtful amenity girls need after a workout or massage, all custom-designed. Attention to detail is witnessed on everything, from mirrors, flatirons, hair accessories and pink slippers, to waste bins, tissue casings, hand-wash bottles, flower-shaped shelves and lip-shaped boxes.

Black with a subtle glow from gold butterfly and star lights, the spa is themed for relaxation. Bathrooms have different scents: One bathroom is pink, with a silver bikini artwork piece in mirrored silver acrylic and an intricate lace, crystal and pearl pattern, whereas the other is black, featuring a high-heel-shaped mirror and a golden butterfly. The shower features pink lipstick graphics, organic personal care products and towels with ‘M’ logos.

A one-of-a-kind, fun, fabulous and flirty gym concept, from a truly unique design company, this is a rewarding and motivating environment for women to work on and feel better about themselves, from the inside out.