A renovated Pilates studio in Mexico showcases an innovative architectural approach that mirrors the balance and fluidity of Pilates practice itself. ROCA Pilates Studio, located in Morelia, Michoacán, represents a thoughtful transformation of an existing structure into a wellness space that integrates mineral elements with softer design features to create an environment reflecting both permanence and movement.
Designed by Taller de Arquitectura y Diseño under the leadership of Daniela Bucio Sistos, the project draws its conceptual foundation from the studio's name "ROCA," which means rock in Spanish. The architects developed a material palette centered on mineral tones and stone elements as the primary design language, while incorporating lighter, more fluid components that echo the dynamic nature of Pilates exercises. This dual approach creates a visual dialogue between solidity and softness throughout the space.
The building's exterior immediately establishes the design theme through a granite facade marked by a distinctive incision shaped like the Pilates studio's logo. This bold architectural gesture serves as both branding and artistic expression, creating a memorable entrance that hints at the carefully crafted interior experience. Visitors enter through this opening and are immediately welcomed into a reception area that demonstrates the project's core design philosophy.
The reception space features a striking centerpiece in the form of a large section of Michoacán cantera stone, a local material that anchors the lobby with its substantial presence. This stone element flows seamlessly through the reception area, where it undergoes a transformation into a tile-finished bar, creating the visual impression of a precious mineral embedded within natural rock. This creative use of materials demonstrates how traditional stone can be reimagined for contemporary commercial spaces.
To balance the weight and permanence of the stone elements, the design team introduced fabric curtains that span much of the reception area. These textile elements introduce movement and dynamism into the space, their gentle motion serving as a physical manifestation of the fluidity and grace that characterizes Pilates practice. The interplay between the static stone and flowing fabric creates a sensory experience that prepares visitors for their workout sessions.
Taller de Arquitectura y Diseño organized the studio's program into four distinct functional areas, each carefully planned to support different aspects of the Pilates experience. The lobby serves multiple purposes, housing a bar that functions as both a hostess station and café, complemented by a communal seating area where clients can gather before or after sessions. An integrated restroom core provides convenient facilities while maintaining the space's cohesive design aesthetic.
The heart of the facility consists of three specialized practice rooms, each designed to accommodate specific types of Pilates training. One room is dedicated to mat exercises, providing an open space for floor-based routines. A second room houses Cadillac equipment, featuring the large, frame-based apparatus that allows for a wide range of exercises. The third room contains reformers, the sliding carriage machines that are central to many Pilates workouts. Each space is tailored to the specific requirements and movement patterns of its designated equipment and exercises.
Circulation throughout the studio is facilitated by a wide corridor that creates a clear connection between the reception area and the practice rooms. This passageway takes advantage of natural light from pre-existing windows, reducing the need for artificial lighting during daytime hours. The architects enhanced this natural illumination by introducing circular openings along the corridor wall, positioned to align with the building's structural bays. These openings create a visual rhythm as visitors move through the space while strengthening the relationship between interior spaces and natural light.
On the opposite side of the corridor, the wall transitions into a half-vaulted ceiling, creating an intimate sense of enclosure that contrasts with the openness provided by the circular windows. This architectural detail adds visual interest while helping to define the circulation path. Each studio entrance receives special attention through tile borders and accent lighting, with lines of light that reinforce continuity throughout the facility and provide clear wayfinding for users navigating between different areas.
The completed ROCA Pilates Studio successfully establishes an ongoing dialogue between contrasting elements – the permanence of stone and the transience of fabric, architectural weight and visual lightness. This careful balance creates an environment that supports both individual practice and community interaction, reflecting the social and personal aspects of contemporary fitness culture. The project demonstrates how thoughtful material selection and spatial organization can enhance the user experience while creating a distinctive brand identity rooted in local materials and cultural context.
