Designing the fitness center at the Four Seasons George V in Paris presented a unique challenge: improving a visually stunning space to better meet guests’ needs. The gym had been recently renovated, but the layout and functionality left much to be desired. My task was to transform it into a facility that balanced form and function while respecting the hotel’s iconic legacy.

When the hotel’s leadership explained the issue, they didn’t ask for a full redesign—they needed someone to reimagine the space so it could perform at the same standard as the rest of the hotel. Flying to Paris to walk through the gym and see it in use was essential. 

Designing Through Observation

Rather than jumping straight into solutions, I spent time observing how guests interacted with the gym. The space had a thoughtful aesthetic, but there were opportunities to refine its functionality. I noticed that equipment like foam rollers and stability balls often ended up on the floor, suggesting that additional storage could help maintain the gym’s clean lines. The placement of larger machines created some interruptions in the flow of movement, and I saw moments where guests seemed to seek more privacy during their workouts—something that could be achieved with subtle layout adjustments.

Conversations with the hotel staff further shaped my approach. Their insights into guest preferences and daily usage patterns provided valuable context, helping me understand not just how the space was used, but how it could be optimized. By combining these observations with staff feedback, I was able to make design decisions that built on the gym’s existing strengths while enhancing its usability.

Transforming Constraints Into Features

The gym’s layout—long, narrow, and lined with fixed architectural columns—could easily have been a design limitation. Instead, I used these columns to create structure within the space. They became natural dividers, helping form “bays of privacy” where guests could work out without feeling exposed. Each section served a specific purpose, guiding users through the gym intuitively while maintaining a sense of openness.

One major issue was the lack of dedicated storage. To resolve this, I designed a custom storage unit at the back of the gym and installed chrome dumbbell racks that blended functionality with aesthetics. The new layout cleared the floor of clutter, helping the space feel both larger and more organized.

Material choices were equally deliberate. I selected reclaimed vintage wood flooring for its character and warmth, layering durable rubber in high-impact zones to support free weights and functional training. Every element had to balance the hotel’s luxury aesthetic with the practical demands of a high-traffic gym.

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Balancing Luxury With Usability

In luxury spaces, subtlety often speaks louder than bold statements. This philosophy shaped every aspect of the redesign. Visual distractions were minimized, and intentional simplicity guided the overall look and feel of the gym.

One of the first decisions I made was to remove TV screens from the cardio machines. It wasn’t about limiting amenities—it was about reducing visual clutter and preserving the clean, elegant lines of the space. Guests could focus on their workouts or enjoy views of the pool through the floor-to-ceiling glass wall without flashing screens competing for attention.

The equipment was carefully curated for versatility and performance. Woodway treadmills, Hoist strength machines, yoga mats, Pilates rings, and power balls ensured that guests had options for both high-intensity and restorative workouts. Even small details, like offering sneakers and workout gear to borrow, were included to make fitness accessible to every guest, even those who didn’t plan ahead.

The video art installation wall became one of the gym’s most distinctive features. It added subtle energy and movement to the room without overwhelming it—an understated nod to modern design that complemented the hotel’s classic elegance.

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Designing for Flow and Flexibility

Creating seamless flow was a top priority. Guests needed a space that was intuitive to navigate and flexible enough to accommodate a variety of workout styles. By organizing the gym into distinct zones—cardio at the front, strength training in the back, and open spaces for stretching—I made it easy for guests to move between activities without feeling crowded.

The structural columns became the backbone of this zoning strategy. By turning what could have been design obstacles into functional assets, I was able to offer guests both open spaces and private nooks for their workouts.

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A Personal Reflection on the Project

What I found most rewarding in this project was the opportunity to transform an underperforming space into one that truly works for its users. The goal wasn’t to completely reinvent the gym but to fine-tune its design, unlocking its potential while preserving its visual appeal.

Every decision—whether it was the choice of materials, the layout of the equipment, or the integration of subtle design features—was made with the user in mind. I wanted guests to walk into the gym and immediately feel that it was designed for them—to work, to move, to recharge—without the distractions or inefficiencies that had once held the space back.

The redesigned fitness center now aligns with the Four Seasons George V’s reputation for excellence, offering guests a thoughtfully designed environment that supports their well-being while honoring the elegance of its Parisian setting.

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