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.

© Jochen Splett

Architects: helsinkizurich

Location: Am Schanzengraben 19, 8002 Zürich, Switzerland

Architect In Charge: helsinkizurich

Design Team: Mirjam Niemeyer, Tommi Mäkynen

Project Year: 2016
Photographs: Jochen Splett

© Jochen Splett

From the architect. 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.

© Jochen Splett

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© Jochen Splett

The concept mixes two uses that normally would not...