Ground-floor lobby spaces are inherently liminal. More often than not, they are underutilised in-between spaces people quickly pass through to get to their desired destination, rather than being an intentional location in and of itself.
Flipping this narrative on its head - imagine entering into your place of work having to walk past a buzzing gym and wellness facility. A huge aspect of workplace attendance, particularly within the CBD, has to do with motivation. Motivation to travel, beat the traffic and justify the long journey.
SFIDI fitness & wellness centre within Melbourne’s Rialto Towers, designed by Technē, is an innovative response to this cultural dilemma. A dose of endorphins to commence the workday. This is how health-driven work culture can be effectively integrated into design.
Rialto Towers opened in 1986 and became one of Australia's most recognisable skyscrapers. The development takes its name from the historic Rialto Building, constructed in the late 19th century. The distinctive blue, inspired from its reflective-glass façade, was extended throughout SFIDI as a deliberate reference. Electric blue lighting bounces atop reflective metallic finishes with an immediate sense of energy. The design truly captures the spirit of movement, setting a motivational tone for the workday ahead.
Rialto's development is closely associated with the Grollo family, one of Melbourne's most influential construction and property families. Lorenz Grollo stated that “the creation of SFIDI has been in our hearts and minds for many years.”
Upon entering at ground-floor level you happen upon the strength and conditioning area. Refreshingly, your daily workout is not at all out of the way. Never has it been so easy and accessible. This level is sleek, dimly lit with darker tones. It exudes a sophisticated sense of refinement that is fitting for those using it.
“We’ve prioritised a dark colour palette and high-contrast materials like exposed concrete with blackened steel to signify strength and durability” - Technē Associate and Interior Designer, Tess Carpenter.
The industrial palette is balanced by considered moments of local craftsmanship. Bespoke blackened steel benches by Melbourne metalworker Simone Tops who also sourced stone elements from a local quarry.
In deliberate contrast to the dark, high-energy ground floor below, the recovery level adopts a softer, more restorative approach. “A warm hug”, as Carpenter says. As visitors ascend to this level, the transition into timber, natural textures and softer lighting subconsciously signals the body to slow down. SFIDI by its nature, breaks down corporate hierarchical barriers through its communal atmosphere. A spacious three-tiered sauna offers opportunity for after-work unwinding and spontaneous social interaction.
SFIDI reflects a broader shift in how commercial buildings are evolving to meet the expectations of modern workers. Technē transformed a traditionally transitional lobby into an immediate catalyst for motivation, movement, recovery and connection. This project exemplifies how health and wellness can be seamlessly integrated into work culture, becoming a central feature of the everyday work experience. This is exactly the kind of thinking that is pushing the edge of new Australian workplace design.
Credits
Project
Location
Architecture & Interior Design
Technē Architecture + Interior Design
Developer / Property Stakeholder
Bespoke Metalwork
Photographer