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Sumit Singhal
Sumit Singhal loves modern architecture. He comes from a family of builders who have built more than 20 projects in the last ten years near Delhi in India. He has recently started writing about the architectural projects that catch his imagination. Balboa Bar & Gym in Zurich, Switzerland by helsinkizurichJune 5th, 2018 by Sumit Singhal
Article source: helsinkizurich helsinkizurich has finished a new interior architecture project in Zurich Switzerland: Balboa Bar & Gym is the Flagship of a fitness Start-up that considers itself an urban movement. Balboa Bar & Gym has opened its doors to the public on May 28, 2016.  Image Courtesy © Jochen Splett
 Image Courtesy © Jochen Splett ‘A NEW KIND OF URBAN EXCHANGE’ Balboa is an urban fitness start-up. We designed their first fixed location – Balboa Bar & Gym – in the banking district of Zurich. The design is based on functionality, authenticity, collectivity and openness. The goal was not only to create a new place-to-be, but further to challenge common perception of what “fitness” is about and to open up the Balboa community to grow beyond gym-goers. People and interaction are in the center of the concept.  Image Courtesy © Jochen Splett  Image Courtesy © Jochen Splett The concept mixes two uses that normally would not be considered a “match”. The ground floor works as a regular, fully-fledged bar and the gym is located downstairs. This unorthodox mix is celebrated in the architecture. Generous roughly cut openings allow for visual connections between the two floors and their partly differing clientele – and also bring natural light in to the basement. The connecting effect is amplified by lighting. Further ample uncovered windows connect the bar to the outer world. Inside, the long copper bar, wide concrete drinking fountains, a big communal table and the „mixed-zone“ downstairs (housing shared toilets) are designed as places of encounter.  Image Courtesy © Jochen Splett  Image Courtesy © Jochen Splett Balboa Bar & Gym is located in the ground floor and basement of an existing modernistic office building from the 60’s. For functionality the spatial organization was optimized, new connections between the floors were added to make the most out of the available space in all three dimensions. To stay true to urban spirit Balboa’s (and in order to deal with the tight budget) the look and feel was kept functional and authentic. Surfaces were, when possible, left as found or toned to an all-grey palette. The reduced backdrop was then contrasted with black steel, a few splashes of signal red, copper, light beech wood and cognac leather to add graphic accents and warmth.  Image Courtesy © Jochen Splett  Image Courtesy © Jochen Splett  Image Courtesy © Jochen Splett
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Tags: Switzerland, Zurich Categories: Bar, Fitness center, gym, Interiors |
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