VSHD designs gym inspired by brutalism in architecture and underground fight clubs

VSHD design completes ‘warehouse GYM D3’ situated in dubai design district (D3), home to the region’s most vibrant growing design community. the gym is characterized by its distinctive use of materiality. such materials as concrete bricks combined with gold-copper alloy introduce an austere elegance. VSHD took influence from brutalism in architecture as well as the atmosphere of underground fight clubs. as the warehouse GYM in D3 overlooks two main streets at the threshold of the district, it was essential that the design would capitalize on these views from the street to attract new members from the design savvy community.

all images by nik and tam

VSHD design situated warehouse GYM D3 within an irregular plan originally comprised of three separate retail spaces. the team inserted a centralized semi-transparent cube around which the various functions are organized. the program includes a gym floor, juice bar, cycling studio, and circuit training factory all within a limited space of 600 square meters. this central cube can be opened opened to the gym floor to provide a large studio depending on the needs of the occupants on any given day. a reception area and juice bar serves as a communal space with a 17-meter-long glass façade on the main street creating a gathering point for the neighborhood’s design community.

project info:

project name: warehouse GYM D3

design studio: VSHD design 

location: dubai, united arab emirates

lead designer: rania m hamed

design team: arianna cardin & brian agujo

project manager: bryan miranda

photography: nik and tam