Virgin Active / BAM Architects
© Archigraphy
Architects: BAM Architects
Location: Century City, South Africa
Interior Design: Design Line
Client: RABIE Property Group (Pty) Ltd
Contractor: STABILID CAPE (Pty) Ltd
Structural Engineer: S&T Consulting
Quantity Surveyor: DAVIS LANGDON
Mechanical Engineer: MEKAN
Project Manager: RABIE Property Group (Pty) Ltd
Budget: R60m
Project Year: 2008
Photographs: Archigraphy
ground floor plan
Century city is growing rapidly and its residents are spoiled for choice when it comes to retail therapy, however the lack of a dedicated health club was clear. The process started in 2006 and after several proposals a final design was approved and a 4200m2 structure at a cost of R60m was to be built on Century Boulevard.
© Archigraphy
The brief called for a freestanding shell design with an objective to sell the Virgin Active brand by focusing on uniqueness and style.
Therefore, incorporating signage and creating exposure was essential for this brand new health club.
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- basement floor plan
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- ground floor plan
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- first floor plan
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- north east elevation
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- north west elevation
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- south east elevation
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- south west elevation
I’m confused by this…
the color is perfect
The short comments above speak volumes. Frankenstein-like, with unlovely curves, appalling detailing, banal spaces and the most dreary relationship with the site. What sickens me is someone is actually proud of this achievement.
It reminds me of an abandoned (pick-up) camper shell on the side of the road, in the middle of a lonely desert… Maybe, they were working with a limited budget, and some very strict requirements. This is what happens when there are few (maybe one person) decision makers. It would be hard to imagine a group of owners or investors approving on this design. Also, the logo looks more fitting for a plastic toy company. Sorry, I need to go rest my eyes now…
Virgin Active…sounds like an oxymoron =)
It is good for house for sport. Thanks them, it is not a metal barn, as usual…
I live about 10km from this thing….to be honest the surrounding context is quite terrible as well, the Century City shopping centre adjacent to the building is an abomination as well. I suppose the Architect felt like bringing in movement into the design, hence the roof, yet still failed dreadfully.
Then again, the context in this specific area didnt really give many clues as to a new typology – which is why this building resulted in becoming such an eye sore.
hey!!!! d designs r beautiful…. i guess i may use d concepts in my designs too…. need 2 submit my designs 2 ma faculty 2moro…. it really looks gud:)
Beautiful.