Miami Gym designed by William Sofield
Let’s all go to Miami right now! I need to move there actually. Because I know my new hip would feel oh so much better if I were toning up at the David Barton Gym.
This photo essay is from last month’s issue of Interior Design magazine. I’m generally in love with all things Moroccan and mid-Asian things these days. Though it’s not residential, there’s still a lot to learn here, in my humble opinion – beginning with the lighting. As you look through the photos, try to imagine how different the space would look without the atmosphere created by the marvelous lighting.
Let’s go!
A pendant globe creates movement on the wall that leads to the locker rooms. Movement in a gym – there’s an idea.
Everything in the reception area is authentically Moroccan. Color is the star here. Deep indigo. And the mix of materials – woods, fabrics, and metals. It has the feel of a seraglio as opposed to a gym. Nice atmosphere.
Above the reception area, the star-sparkled ceiling takes my breath away. Again, this is a total light show. So the next time you think about overhauling your space, think about lighting first.
Again, recycled glass in the spheres create a graphic shape on the walls. It recreates the stained glass shapes of Morocco. Pretty cool, huh? The place to do this at home is a powder room. That’s the place to go over the top with drama.
Hey, this actually is a gym! Funny, this doesn’t look like the YMCA, where I work out (and I think they did a great job on that). Three cheers for designer Sofield’s team.
This is close to one of my favorite parts – the women’s locker room. How cool is this? See what a little rope lighting tucked behind those lockers does to the room? Awesome!
This is my second favorite area – the women’s locker room. How cool are those stencils? Very. The colors, the lighting – it all makes you feel so good you won’t care how many pounds you need to lose. Try this look in your bedroom or dining room. These are good rooms for drama.
The spa lounge gets its sense of movement from the different sizes of the colorful lanterns.
Men, how do you feel about the locker room’s entrance here? Masculinely understated, but it maintains the look. I guess men are embarrassed by drama in the lockers?
Here we see the spa area. I really need to be on that table right now. The tables are arranged in a row (next photo). The only I don’t like is the proximity to each other. I want to feel aloooone during my massage.
The look here is fantastic. Love the tents. Love the rugs. Love the tables and candles. It’s perfection. Just whisper. Shhhhh!
Has anyone been here? Make us jealous and speak. I also want to hear reviews on the design. Fire away.
images: eric laignet
9 Responses to “Miami Gym designed by William Sofield”
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Posted by lainer on July 10th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
I love the lighting comcepts but not so sure how I feel about this in a gym. I feel that locker rooms need to be brighter and evne possibly the work out areas. Think of the lighting you have around your vanity at home when you are getting ready in the morning and the amount and quality of light that we need. I aslo think that bight areas tend to lend themselves to be cleaner or at least convay the feeling of sanitation. I know that this is a way of thinking in Asian cultures as well.
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Posted by Rachel on July 10th, 2009 at 7:17 pm
THAT is a gym? looks more like an ultra swank nightclub in Las Vegas or something. Wowsers.
I love the colors, but don’t know how motivated I would be to work-out. Feels to calming and cool, with all those lovely blues and relaxing tones. also, too pretty to sit down in my sweaty gym clothes. It’s like those ultra fancy boutiques in all white, where you are afraid to even walk in the door, for fear of getting it muddy or something.
Not really feeling the “gym” vibe, but OMG, the lighting is to die for. Thanks for sharing this amazing space and your insights about it’s design. I always learn a ton from your analysis and little tips.
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Posted by Jennifer on July 11th, 2009 at 9:16 am
Interesting comment. I have the feeling that in some of the rooms they didn’t have all the lights turned on. And they never show more of the actual gym than the one photo of that room. This is the difference between “real life” and a photo shoot. They’re conveying a feeling and want uniformity for the article. I guess we’ll just have to plan a trip to Miami to check this one out.
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Posted by Ryan T on July 20th, 2009 at 2:30 pm
I work out at this gym and it’s fantastic. They have live DJs spinning and it makes working out something fun. I wish the classes were better though, sorta lame.
and Nikki, they must pump in air freshener, becuase the place smells great – light and citrus(y)
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Posted by Jennifer on July 20th, 2009 at 4:45 pm
I’m so glad you posted a comment and that we have positive affirmation that the gym looks great in real life. And smelling good is always a plus.
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Posted by Samuel Haley on August 18th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
Having taken a look at these photos I would like to agree that this gym is really fantastic! No questions and hesitations that William Sofield is a great designer!
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Posted by Jennifer on August 18th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
No way! It smells like sweaty people mixed with Febreze! (That’s a joke guys)
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Posted by lower ab exercises on March 14th, 2010 at 8:45 pm
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$5 says it still smells like sweaty people.