New Athletic Space Opens in Seattle’s Columbia Center

02.12.2019, 20:10
New Athletic Space Opens in Seattle’s Columbia Center
Best Practice Architecture reimagined several former retail storefront spaces to design WORKout, the newest hospitality amenity to open in Seattle’s iconic Columbia Center.
With a bold use of color, lighting, graphics and materials, the 7,750 square foot location features large, open work-out areas for innovative new equipment, a studio for classes, spa-likeĀ locker rooms, and a private massage suite. Taking ownership of not only the design of each space,
BestĀ Practice developed the creative for WORKout’s graphics, coloring, and naming ā curating a new kind ofĀ exercise environment geared towards excitement, freedom-of-movement, and luxury in every way.
New storefront glazing unites the formerly disparate spaces, providing a continuous facade along theĀ corridor just opposite the grand staircase in the double-height atrium. Super cool herringbone woodĀ paneling and lit signage designed by the Best Practice team lead you to the new entry to WORKout, whereĀ front desk staff sit ready to welcome guests. Warm, dark colors are juxtaposed with dynamic imagery, andĀ expansive mirrorsāall working to create an active atmosphere that emanates a sense of private luxuryĀ while mitigating the lack of natural light in the space.
A bright, wood paneled portal acts as a clever separation between novice equipment and the moreĀ advanced pieces, creating an intuitive flow of people through the space. The exercise studio is a light andĀ luminous room with storefront windows along one side, and mirrors and a large sliding glass door thatĀ connects back to the main gym on the other side. Storefront graphics shield studio-goers from thoseĀ outside but allow peek-a-boo views of the action inside.
As the city continues to grow, there is an increasing need to have food, drink, and exercise available rightĀ where life and work happensādecreasing the need for private transportation and increasing city-livingĀ convenience. WORKout serves as a crucial element in that equation: Bringing clean, bright luxury toĀ everyday exercise.Ā The locker rooms contrast the workout spaces by setting a calm tone, giving members a luxe environmentĀ to relax and get ready for their day. Italian tiled walls and floors echo the geometry and colors from theĀ workout spaces, providing a bright counterpoint to Columbia Centerās dramatic exterior.
Quartz surfacesĀ surround visitors in the airy main locker space, replete with white oak wood vanities, benches andĀ herringbone paneled walls. Locally designed light fixtures complement the handsome fittings and fixturesĀ with black framed mirrors and shower doors, creating cohesion and style, while pops of color delight and
reference the connected exercise area. A vitalizing new part of Columbia Center, WORKout showcasesĀ Best Practiceās reputation for creating welcoming, energizing spaces, from the architectural level to theĀ final branding detail.
ADDITIONAL PROJECT DETAILS
LOCATION
Downtown Seattle, Columbia Center Atrium
ADDRESS
701 5āthā Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
AREA
7.750 sf or 720 sq.m
PHOTO CREDIT
Rafael Soldi (www.rafaelsoldi.com)
DESIGN TEAM
Ian Butcher
Kailin Gregga – Lead
Emily Li
Aman Panach
CLIENT/OWNER
GAW Capital Partners
CONTRACTOR
Unimark Construction
COLLABORATORS
Lighting Consultant: Lighting Designs, Inc
Custom Locker Room Lighting: Fixture Design Studio
Logo Design: Kevin Bauer
Environmental Graphics: Best Practice Architecture
Specialty Signage Fabrication: Messenger Corp
Gym Consultant: Exos
Equipment: Precor
PRODUCTS
Locker rooms
Lighting: Custom Locker room fixtures by Fixture Design Studio
Tile: Ceramica Vogue Shade Cut, Ceramica Vogue GRAPH
Counter tops: Teltos Calacutta Bhorghini
Gym
Plae Achieve Rubber Flooring
Plae Attack Turf Flooring
Koncept Z bar Bird Pendant Light Fixture
Custom Lit Signage