WALLPAPER* | July 13, 2018 by Elly Parsons
Los Angeles’ fitness fans have yet another beautifully-designed sweat spot to choose from in the form of a new Equinox health club, designed by MBH Architects.
Equinox – a 1990s stalwart of American fitness, before social media exploded gym-going into a social necessity – often occupies prime real estate. The new location is no different. Right at the heart of the Miracle Mile neighbourhood in LA, this 2566 sq m renovation transforms an old TV studio and office into a holistic wellness wonderland.
The maze-like health hub comprises four dedicated fitness studios (including a stretch floor, pilates room, and cycling studio), spa treatment rooms, juice bar, shop, and kids club. The latter is a pint-sized haven of well-being – leave the little ones tumbling over the obstacle course while you do some next-generation cardio HIIT training in the Firestarter class, all before a fruit-fueled breakfast at the Earth Bar.
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The project design respected the zig-zag building form of the original TV studio, alongside the existing multi-storey atrium layout, and open ceiling features of the original shell. It diverted, however, by adding a transparent glass skin between tenant space, common space and outdoor environment, creating a sense of openness that echoes Equinox’ commitment to 360-degree wellness.
From the outset (the impressive glass portal entrance way), MBH Architects ensured architectural ingenuity took centre stage. Soaring ceilings, gold-dipped fluted columns and nary a straight line give a sense of opulence. A continued, sweeping curve carved into the ceiling (which races through the corridors, from the reception desk, through to the studios) is intended to draw guests into the heart of the club. This is fitness design at its finest, for god bods in the city of angels.
