Unity Fitness Lobby & Lounge
Figure3 merged nautical and industrial aesthetics for Unity Fitness Lounge and Lobby in Toronto’s Sugar Wharf development, creating a vibrant, social space with natural light, custom installations, and a biophilic environment.
Nestled within the historic Sugar Wharf development in Toronto’s vibrant Harbourfront area, the Unity Fitness Lounge and Lobby draws inspiration from nautical themes and refined industrial aesthetics. The large volume space, raw architectural elements and natural light of the Sugar Wharf location provided a sound foundation for the design team to build upon.
Placing emphasis on the customer journey, Figure3 designed a welcoming, hospitality-inspired lounge that draws guests in, creating an immediate emphasis on the connection and community at the heart of Unity Fitness. The intent behind the lobby was to create a vibrant social environment where people can relax, socialize, or even work, greatly expanding the function beyond a typical gym entry point.
Gyms and fitness centers have become social hubs for the Gen Z and Millennials generations, who value community, wellness, and the ability to share their experiences on social media. Unity Fitness taps into this cultural trend, offering a space that is both functional and aesthetically relevant.
The space provides a superior environment for hosting events, both to encourage new members to join the community, and to deliver additional value to current members through specialty fitness inspired pop ups and collaborations.
A stunning custom chain link ceiling installation sits alongside organic shaped tube-light fixtures that ripple through the space, casting fluid, dynamic patterns that evoke the gentle ebb and flow of waves. This thoughtful integration of nautical elements provide a captivating visual experience and moody atmospherics that create interest from the streetscape with curious illumination and encourages a feeling of connection to the natural beauty of the surrounding area. The design also maximizes natural light, incorporating real plants to enhance the biophilic environment and elevate the overall customer experience.
The Unity Fitness Lobby and Lounge is a testament to the transformative power of thoughtful design and a poignant example of hospitality standards being applied across industries to help businesses evolve and connect with new generations of users.
Design: Figure3
Design Team: Suzanne Wilkinson, Tamara Rooks, Anna-Lisa Frank, Katherine Egenberger, Simon Tibbo, Natalia Foppa
Photography: Steve Tsai
