The Megaformer Lab fitness studio, situated in Shanghai’s Shankangli commercial district, introduces a novel low-impact yet high-intensity exercise method. The design concept centers on creating an enclosed “energy field,” reflecting the brand’s essence of thermal energy storage and dynamic vitality.
Overview of the core “Energy Field” as a whole © UJ
Street Facade
To maintain privacy for individual training while encouraging community interaction, the design incorporates French windows facing the street. This allows athletes to connect visually with the outside environment, bringing the unique atmosphere of Shanghai’s streets into the studio. Simultaneously, it integrates the brand’s spatial identity into the neighborhood, aiming to inject new energy into the community.
Vitality integration from the block’s perspective © UJ
Core “Energy Field”
The space is divided into three functional zones: the front area serves as the check-in, the middle hosts the core “energy field” training area, and the rear contains dressing rooms and logistics. Retaining the original steel roof structure, two curved walls create a centripetal space that radiates vitality and warmth.
Concept diagram of the “energy field” © Uncertain Lab
Realistic rendering of the “energy field” © UJ
Solid Hot-Rolled Steel Plate Walls
The interior primarily features hot-rolled steel plates painted dark gray, delivering a stable, strong, and warm visual sensation. The use of materials with varying dark tones creates a rich contrast in texture and industrial finish.
Hot-rolled steel plate wall surface © UJ
Details of hot-rolled steel plate walls © Uncertain Lab
Leveraging the texture and processing qualities of hot-rolled steel plates, they are arranged in a staggered pattern along curved walls, forming heat dissipation fins and air vents. Concealed red linear lighting enhances the visual representation of heat, emphasizing industrial aesthetics and an electrified style.
Exploded view of isolated wall surface © Uncertain Lab
Linear light strip on isolated wall © Uncertain Lab
Circular Air Duct Installation
The ceiling of the energy field features a semi-transparent PVC air duct combined with a linear LED flexible light strip, forming a circular lighting fixture for the main space. This design represents the industrial and dynamic construction forms, serving as a visual centerpiece that blends low-tech functionality with a futuristic vibe.
To prevent glare during workouts, diffuse reflection global illumination is employed. Wall washers are mounted along the roof’s I-beam channels, complemented by light strips and mirrored internal light sources as primary lighting elements.
Circular air duct device © UJ
Detail of circular duct installation © Uncertain Lab
Lighting test for circular duct device © Uncertain Lab
Front Desk and Check-In Area
The front desk features a unique shelf above the counter designed for displaying “twisted eggs.” This interactive installation uses a rolling ball track to let the eggs roll down from a height, guided by carefully calculated slopes and curves. This dynamic display replaces static product presentation, turning the sales area into an engaging viewing experience.
Front desk check-in area © UJ
Detail of the “Twisted Egg” shelf © UJ
Waiting area © Uncertain Lab
Waiting area © Uncertain Lab
Visual interaction between the waiting area and the “energy field” © Uncertain Lab
Export zone © Uncertain Lab
Export zone © Uncertain Lab
Axonometric diagram © Uncertain Lab
Construction process © Uncertain Lab
Construction process © Uncertain Lab
Technical Drawing
Plan view © Uncertain Lab
Project Information
Project Name: The Megaformer Lab Fitness Studio
Architectural Firm/Company: Uncertainty Lab / Indefinite Design
Website: uncertainlab.com
Contact Email: info@uncertainlab.com
Location: Shanghai
Completion: March 2021
Building Area: 133 square meters
Address: Shankangli, Jing’an District, Shanghai
Principal Architect: Xie Jinjun
Design Team: Xie Jinjun (Lead), Weng Yujie, Lei Jing
Client: The Megaformer Lab
Construction: Yufeng Industrial
Photographer: UJ Studio
Photographer’s Email: wengyyj@163.com
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