A space to strengthen and balance. The first zone, inspired by the 1st and 7th Zodiac archetypes Aries and Libra. The theme of validation became a space for physical well-being and learning how to stay healthy, both with how you exercise and how you feed yourself. The space promotes activity, individual and shared experiences of strengthening and balancing the body. This open plan gym space allows generous room for physical activity, free-weight lifting and machine training. It also features facilities for functional training and circuits. The mezzanine level has a health food bar offering post-workout fuel for the body and a space to socialise and gain fulfilling interaction with those who have similar interests in sport or activity. The north facing panoramic window offers views to the treetops and sky allowing floods of natural light but no direct sunlight which would heat up the space uncomfortably for the gymnasium.
“there is only so far one can go, without the help of another.”
POLARITY 1
Self / Partnership
Me / You
Aries / Libra
I am / I relate
This polarity represents a relationship where Aries, the 1st archetype represents the “self” and Libra , the 7th, represents “other”. Where Aries is about self -assertion, Libra is about compromise.
When tasked with finding a theme to define this bold line between self and others, I decided on Validation. As one person often relies on the validation of themselves to succeed and find their love of life. This comes from self confidence or the reassurance in relationships we have with others. Maintaining self image and self love can be a key contribution to confidence. Physical appearance came to mind a lot, and with it, mirrors, the act of looking at oneself in the mirror to feel fulfilled and proud of the reflection. And so the idea of this zone became a fitness zone and health food bar, in order to promote the importance of physical well-being, be it via exercising or nourishing oneself with good food.
This idea was inspired by the 1st house Aries of fire representing the spark of a match, the ignition of energy into reality, burst of flame and motivation that can be compared to humans exercising. Aries is ruled by Mars god of action and war. With Libra being an air sign being what we need to workout effectively.. just by breathing. Fitness can significantly improve mental and physical health, with the increased release of endorphins and validation of being proud of oneself and seeing yourself physically strengthen and improve. This can be an experience shared by others within sport or coaching or training together. The 7th house Libra is often associated with balance and is ruled by goddess of beauty Venus.
