Bodyworks by Space Dynamix is oozing raw appeal in Pune’s fitness circles!

By Archit Raj Thapar

Photography: Subhash Patil; courtesy the architects

Read Time: 2 mins

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Studio Space Dynamix transforms a decade-old gymnasium into a wholesome body workshop experience - cutting edge in terms of fitness technology, and energetically raw!

Located in Pune, the 4750 sq. ft. space sports a new avatar as a state-of-the-art fitness centre with the reception, gym, group exercise zone and changing rooms zoned within a raw, industrial-bordering-on-grunge interior envelope. The space is made to look more like a workshop than a sophisticated gymnasium.

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The first-look that meets the eye is that of a distressed exposed brick wall with the branding and a large metal door in Corten steel flanked by an antique lantern immediately announcing the space as an unforgiving workout zone. Add to this, brushed stainless steel, concrete, jute bags, reclaimed wood, MS strips, exposed hinges and rivets, textured plaster… and one sums up the earthy material palette at play. 

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Complimented by a rubberised floor laid in staggered brick pattern in a rusty maroon colour and the exposed brick walls adorned with mirror frames in various shapes and sizes, one is consumed by both - humour and interest. 

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Challenges like those of the low ceiling abutted by several beams creating a series of narrow bays and the influx of harsh light from a south-facing glazed wall are ingeniously dealt with by treating the latter with custom-designed illustrations (graffiti) that exude movement and energy and help protect against the harsh light; whilst painting the ceiling in a single colour camouflages all architectural aberrations.

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The industrial grunge look abides throughout - benches hung on chain pulleys, exposed ducting and copper pipes; sinks as drum-inserts, mirrors on M S frames, doors with a battened look using M S flat strips and rivets, light fittings made of crude G I pipes, seating designed in used car tyres… At places the raw appeal is juxtaposed with a sleek finish – metaphorically relating to Bodyworks!

The space allows the user to experience an adrenaline rush from the word go. The choice of earthy colours, industrial materials and simplicity of user movement… contribute holistically to the thematic.

Fact File:

Client: Definition

Design Firm: Space Dynamix

Principal Designers/Architects: Manjunath Hathwar & Ashutosh Wad (Partners)

Carpet Area: 4750 sq. ft.

Location: Mukund Nagar, Pune, Maharashtra