STRETCH STUDIO
LOCATION / NEW YORK, NY
PROJECT TYPE / PILATES STUDIO
Publications
2002 Gap Casa “Totem Bar & Stretch Gym.”
Taking full advantage of the exceptional views of Manhattan and the Hudson River, the exercise areas are designed to extend the panorama in a layered, boundless space.
Glass in varying degrees of transparency and reflectivity is used to mirror the spectacular views and to dematerialize boundaries. Using neutral colors for all of the objects in this space reinforces this; the occupant and the view are the center of the experience while the floor, walls, ceiling and equipment become secondary.
Outside of the exercise space, elements like the reception desk, the bench and the walls defining the changing and support spaces become objects that stand out as sculptural and colorful elements. They reinforce the scale of the space and help define distinct areas of activity. The two-way mirror between the reception and the exercise areas allows both spaces to benefit from the panoramic view. It allows the view to be seen in the reception area, while reflecting the view into the yoga room.
The support spaces include clean, open changing rooms with showers and locker facilities. Both of the locker rooms are located behind tall, colorful scrims that provide privacy while simultaneously maintaining a sense of a singular open volume. The massage room is removed from all of the other activity to provide a quiet meditative space.