Situated in the heart of Beirut’s Badaro District, Vim & Vigor (V&V) Gym and Health Bar, designed by Rabih Geha Architects, stands as a vibrant community hub promoting health and well-being. Occupying both the ground floor and basement levels of a historic building, the space integrates seamlessly into the surrounding residential streets, offering a haven for fitness enthusiasts and wellness seekers alike.

Embracing the Outdoors

The overarching concept behind V&V Gym is to blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, fostering a sense of openness and connectivity. This vision is realized through various design elements, starting with the expansive 22-meter-long façade adorned with folding black powder-coated steel-framed glass doors. These doors serve as a gateway, extending the street’s ambiance into the interior and vice versa, creating a welcoming atmosphere even when closed.

Vertical Continuity

Verticality is a key design feature that permeates throughout the gym. From the void overlooking the basement to the central staircase and core element connecting both floors, every detail is meticulously crafted to enhance spatial flow and visual coherence. Exposed ceilings, painted in white to blend seamlessly with the surroundings, further accentuate this sense of continuity, while interior glass partitions framed in white aluminum introduce light and transparency.

Functional Zoning

V&V Gym is organized into three distinct zones: the Health Bar, offices, and gym facilities. The ground floor houses a bright and airy juice bar, complemented by outdoor seating, along with a small gym space, lockers, physiotherapy room, and administrative areas. In contrast, the basement level caters to more intensive workouts, featuring heavy weightlifting areas, showers, and locker rooms.

Material Palette

A minimalist aesthetic defines the gym’s interior, with a focus on simplicity and pure materials. White and mint blue dominate the color scheme, creating a serene and uplifting environment. White perforated aluminum sheets wrap around the central core, serving as both a visual focal point and functional elements such as handrails and locker cabinet doors. Mint blue rubber flooring in the basement, designed for weightlifting, enhances productivity and performance while delineating exercise zones.

Illuminating Design

Lighting plays a crucial role in enhancing the ambiance and functionality of V&V Gym. The exposed ceiling grid with fluorescent lighting ensures uniform illumination throughout the space, while strategically placed vertical lighting grids guide visitors from the ground floor to the basement. Despite the absence of natural light in the underground level, thoughtful lighting design creates a welcoming and airy atmosphere, conducive to fitness and well-being.

In essence, Vim & Vigor Gym epitomizes a holistic approach to fitness, blending architectural innovation with wellness principles to create a dynamic and inspiring environment for the local community.