Variant Training

AKI – ArthroKinetic Institute Movement Lab (www.akilabs.com) is an innovative functional training facility based in Santa Barbara that incorporates research grade testing with state of the art treatment and training. Operating in a shared space for the past three years, AKI is creating its flagship gym in an 8,500 square foot space, previously occupied by a mat- tress store. The space is blessed with numerous large windows and a generous skylight which continue along both exterior walls letting in a fair amount of natural light. Closely aligned weight bearing trusses and venting crowd the ceiling with painted large brick wainscoting around the perimeter of the space. With plans to expand nationally, the company wanted a distinctive look for its flagship gym (on a minimal budget) that could be replicated in other markets and which would serve as a backdrop for the creation of a broad range of branding assets.

Taking a cue from the hardcore stripped down atmosphere of cross fit and boxing gyms, and with a nod to AKI’s emphasis on olympic lifting – oversize wall murals of notable athletes (with a personal connection to Aki )depicting the same will line the entrance wall and extend into the interior also reflecting in the mirrors lining the walls. Blackened steel, oiled white oak and concrete give the lobby a slightly polished but gritty feel. The custom built L-shaped front desk will be a combination of white oak and blackened steel with a long white oak and leather banquette running alongside the large double windows. A glass 8’ plate with AKI’s logo is integrated into the steel pipe framework (reminscent of support frames in cross fit gyms) that surrounds the opening into the gym interior providing a translucent buffer between the front desk and interior.

The addition of a large locker room with four enclosed bathroom/showers abut a back wall with its longer exterior wall covered in an oversized mural. Two existing bathrooms will be renovated in keeping with the locker room details.