NEO LIFE SPORTS CENTRE, completed in Çayyolu, Ankara, in 2013, is a strong example of gym design that turns the top floor of a building into a fully equipped living space. We brought the fitness area, indoor pool, sauna and steam room together under one roof, so users experience training and relaxation in the same place; the project pairs a high-energy sports centre with a calm place to unwind.
Gym Design: Ceiling and Lighting
In the fitness area we emphasised black and steel tones, with an exposed ceiling system giving the space an industrial character. Linear LED fittings draw a geometric pattern on the ceiling, while circular fittings soften the light in some areas. Yellow and black accents add energy, and yellow lines on the floor guide users naturally, keeping the large gym simple and legible.
Indoor Pool, Sauna and Steam Room on the Top Floor
We placed an indoor swimming pool on the top floor, where plants and blue light give the water a calm appearance. Next to it are a timber-clad sauna and a steam room for those who want to relax after training. Humidity, heat and ventilation are the most critical issues in spaces like these, so we resolved them together at the start of the design, and the warm timber texture strikes a strong balance with the cool water.
Circulation, Colour and Brand Identity
In sports centres, circulation defines the user experience, so we connected the entrance, exercise and relaxation areas in a clear flow. Typographic graphics on the wall bring sports culture into the space, a yellow-and-black palette strengthens the brand's energetic identity, and large glazed surfaces bring daylight in; colour, wayfinding and lighting complement each other.
Our Approach to Gym Design
Every sports centre calls for a different solution depending on its users and business model. That is why we first analyse the target audience, membership model and space requirements, then plan equipment layout, acoustics and lighting, and finally follow construction closely. This approach guides every gym design project we take on.
You can also explore our other interior architecture projects as well. If you're curious about examples around the world, read about design-led fitness experiences too. If you're looking for a similar solution for your space, get in touch with us.
