Corporate fitness center design is often focused on supporting the health and well-being of a specific employee population based on a detailed needs assessment. When it comes to mixed-use property fitness center design, these amenities can be attractive to prospective tenants and can contribute to higher occupancy rates and rents.

Mixed-use fitness center design for wellness

Aquila fitness center design consultants often turn first to WELL v2 certification requirements to create healthy spaces that promote movement and community. Rather than just filling spaces with equipment and calling it a fitness center, our mixed-use projects incorporate wellness features that promote a lifestyle and contribute to the overall wellness of all current and prospective tenant populations.

The WELL v2 mixed-use fitness center

A natural design aesthetic can promote lifestyle wellness through careful attention to materials selection and use of space and light. Giving members room to move is essential, and flexible fitness spaces that can be used for individual training and group classes are becoming more popular. As boutique classes find their way into more mainstream mixed-use gyms, space flexibility is a luxury that facility owners can’t afford to ignore.

Other ways that our mixed-use clients have added natural, healthy elements through design include:

• Natural lighting. Maximize the natural light in your space by adding windows, skylights, or solar tubes to eliminate any dark corners. Strategically place mirrors to reflect that light without producing a harsh glare.
• Materials selection. Natural and sustainable materials are a must for successful mixed-use commercial fitness centers. Choose flooring, wall treatments, and other materials that are easy to clean and don’t release harmful gases. Even 100 percent cotton towels are an important feature in your facility design.
• Clean air. Health-conscious members want a fitness center that smells fresh, not because of chemical cleaning agents, but because the air is clean. Consider adding HEPA filtration systems to all air handlers, as well as strategically placed air purifiers.
• Multiple water stations. Offer your guests clean, filtered water stations with bottle fillers to eliminate the wait to fill up.
• Accessibility options. Consider that many guests may need wheelchair-width automatic doors, showers with accessibility features, and signage that includes braille or language translations other than your area’s dominant language.

People-focused design and management

Designing a facility that is welcoming, clean, and supportive only begins with aesthetics. Carrying that theme through into management and community-building requires a focus on service and programming that supports the healthy lifestyles members are trying to create.

Aquila consultants have been helping property owners better serve mixed-use tenants for nearly three decades. Through careful planning and thoughtful design and management, we’ll help you create a fitness amenity that offers real value for your real estate development. Contact us today at info@aquilaltd.com to learn more about our facility design and management services.