Founded in Edmonton, Alberta, in 2015, Evolve Strength is a family of strength and health fitness facilities. Based on a philosophy of wellbeing, the company brings together a gym and health facility that includes a wide variety of health and wellness professionals under one roof. Members can work out, have a massage, get adjusted by a chiropractor, and visit their therapist all at the same time.
Renovation began on a former 30,000-square-foot Mountain Equipment Co-Op (MEC) in October 2021 and was completed in February 2022. Canadian-based Bold Interior Design Inc. was retained by Evolve Strength’s owner to design this new facility. Troy Dashney, principal Bold Interior Design, had many renovation challenges with this very large, big-box interior, such as the 30-foot ceiling heights; massive timber features handing on either side of the space, flanking the central entrance; and acoustical issues with combining a gym and wellness offices.
When Dashney reviewed the original layout, nothing was going to anchor the enormous space, which is what started him in search of an architectural element to incorporate into the design.Since approximately 30 percent of the interior is dedicated to wellness professional offices, the reception area functions as a welcome zone for greeting patients and fitness members, and the central lounge is also located in this area, creating additional design challenges. Dashney knew he needed to anchor the eye when guests enter the facility by lowering the height to create a more intimate space without closing it in.
Dashney specified a hexagon shape for the modular acoustic lighting system from Axis Lighting that also incorporates colors in Evolve Strength’s brand. By installing the 41- by 46-foot system over the reception and welcome area, as well as the cafe and lounge space, the acoustic lighting system serves as wayfinding, directing guests and members into the facility. A 3500K was selected for a whiter light that makes the area sparkle and provides a change in color temperature from other areas of the facility, setting the welcome zone and lounge apart.