Hollywood’s Favorite Equinox Gets a High-Art Makeover

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For renowned artist Daniel Arsham, brands serve as the ultimate art canvas. He’s showcased his whimsical sculptural style in partnerships with a wide range of companies such as Adidas, Uniqlo, Tiffany, and Moët et Chandon. Now, he’s preparing for his most ambitious collaboration to date.

Arsham’s design firm, Snarkitecture, located in New York City, will be transforming the well-known and star-favored Equinox gym on Sunset Boulevard, focusing heavily on the club’s unique Hollywood heritage. The revamped area is scheduled to debut in early 2027.

I’ve experienced some unique aspects that are distinct to the Equinox world, especially in LA,” I, as a gamer, might say. “It’s like a hotspot for socializing and being seen. This club has quite the celebrity following, with big names like Renee Zellweger, Eddie Redmayne, Mark Wahlberg, and Shawn Mendes among its devotees. You never know who you might run into at the WeHo location – it’s been Paris Hilton, Will Ferrell, Jason Derulo, and Vanessa Hudgens sweating it out there. It’s also where Jeff Goldblum found his partner.

As you step through the generously-sized entrance, you’ll immediately sense what Mustonen calls the “invitation to catch a glimpse” – a feeling that both you and the space are being momentarily revealed. This gateway, both impressive and inviting, showcases a screen of slats and is flanked by green marble. The entryway itself will have a curved structure, while the reception desk takes on wavy lines, mirrors adding to the organic aesthetic with their free-flowing reflections.

To make a powerful first impression, we planned carefully so that when you enter via the main entrance, it feels fresh and innovative,” Mustonen shared. “There’s an element of West Hollywood glamour in our choices and design elements. What’s more, designing spaces that foster interaction among people and promoting self-connection and wellness is truly exhilarating.

The alluring choices you make will extend to the open-air terrace too, boasting chilly plunge pools and an outdoor shower, and to the lounge area that exudes a cozy, exclusive club ambiance rather than a typical gym setting. This space will be further embellished with curved mirrors reminiscent of those at the entrance, along with a lengthy, organically-shaped upholstered banquette, and plush rugs in vibrant emerald and burgundy tones.

For the first time, Arsham’s firm, known for designing stores and galleries, will be undertaking a project of a different kind – a fitness property.

Mustonen stated that it appears to have emerged during our transition into cultural and hospitable environments, serving as a summary of our past efforts,” he said. “In essence, it’s a mini representation of everything we’ve accomplished so far.

This lifestyle brand also ventured into something bold and innovative. While many of its locations typically exude a harmonious, luxurious ambiance, some “destination clubs” have teamed up with renowned designers such as Joyce Wang in Hudson Yards, Studio Munge in West Palm Beach, and Meyer Davis at Lincoln Common in Chicago. However, partnering with the firm co-owned by Arsham, famous for his edgy and occasionally surrealistic work, was a more daring step.

Nadia Biski, senior vice president of architecture and design at Equinox, shared that they occasionally partner with external designers. These partnerships provoke us in our work and offer new viewpoints. Since we’re a luxury brand, we usually team up with creatives from the hospitality industry. However, this time, we decided to shake things up and stretch our boundaries. We found Snarkitecture, who merge sculpture, art, and design, to be an ideal match for this high-profile club, making it an exciting prospect for collaboration.

I, as a passionate enthusiast, noted that Mustonen carefully selected the materials and colors of every component based on their corresponding levels of activity.

Daniel’s art pieces form part of our design, but since this is about fitness, it needs to be robust, practical, and aesthetically pleasing. We considered simplifying the materials to emphasize a single action. Given the vast size of the space, we aim for consistency while ensuring each section maintains its unique character.

Exercise zones will feature cooler, mirrored hues. The locker rooms will be adorned with natural stone, while the spa will incorporate wood, along with cream or beige plaster and tiles. He mentioned that the spa lounge or long corridors will be warmer and evoke a quiet, monastic ambiance. “These areas will have darker textiles to provide a sense of richness and softness for moments of quiet reflection,” he added.

There will be more than just one new Equinox club arriving in L.A. – another is planned for Santa Monica this year, with locations in Playa Vista and Burbank set for 2026. However, unlike their future venues, these won’t feature designs by outside professionals. As West Hollywood is one of our top-performing clubs, we aim to redefine its character. There’s a lot of imitation around, but it’s crucial that we continue to innovate and lead the way, according to Biski.

Snarkitecture strives to achieve this aim, as Mustonen explains, “This reflects the significance of health and wellness in our lives today.” It’s not just about a brief exercise routine; it’s a significant part of daily life that encompasses work, dining at the café, and unwinding at the spa. The design strategy is deliberate, offering spaces that may be unfamiliar to people’s typical experiences. These arenas might evoke cultural ideas. Essentially, Snarkitecture aims to introduce the extraordinary into your everyday life, rather than the ordinary.

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2025-07-02 02:25