Latest
issue
We Work Well Events
We Work Well Events
We Work Well Events
Follow Health Club Management on Twitter Like Health Club Management on Facebook Join the discussion with Health Club Management on LinkedIn
FITNESS, HEALTH, WELLNESS

Latest news

The eight key cultural buildings for Paris's EuropaCity leisure destination revealed

The teams worked not only on the architecture but also on different areas, such as material recycling, the circular economy, innovation and disruption
– Benoît Chang, EuropaCity general manager

The developers of EuropaCity in Paris have provided a first glimpse at the eight key leisure buildings that will be constructed for the €3.1bn (US$3.8bn, £2.7bn) project.

Following a competitive six-month competition process, several established and emerging architecture practices from France and further afield have been selected to work on the accommodation and attractions that will form the cultural heart of the vast scheme – which has been masterplanned by Bjarke Ingels Group’s (BIG).

When completed, EuropaCity will form a new leisure district combining hotels, restaurants, theme parks, cultural sites, urban farmland, shopping centres and sports facilities on the Triangle de Gonesse, Greater Paris. The project – for the public and national and international tourists – has received major investment from Immochan France and Wanda, China’s largest private property developer and will be operated by Grand Paris Aménagement.

BIG founder Bjarke Ingels has described the project as a “Paris 2.0 that sets a new standard for what a city can be,” with a lively urban fabric that combines radically different streetscapes where some roofscapes kiss the ground, others are tall and invaded by greenery.”

In the second half of 2017, designers were invited to propose “innovative, sustainable, diverse and creative” proposals that could be integrated into BIG’s ‘Rolling Hill’s design concept for the site. The selection of the winning designs was finalised earlier this year, and the successful architects will present their designs to the community for the first time on 4 April.

"This was the largest private initiative architectural competition ever launched in France, and we really wanted to explore and discover the different ways to see and imagine EuropaCity," said Matteo Perino, director of operations.

General manager Benoît Chang added: “We’d like to thank all the teams who participated in this competition, because all the projects received were of excellent quality. The teams worked not only on the architecture but also on different areas, such as material recycling, the circular economy, innovation and disruption.

"EuropaCity is proud of the selected projects and pleased to continue working with these practices. They will bring their talent, perspective, creative capacity and innovation to this pioneering project – a unique leisure destination in the Greater Paris of tomorrow.”

Renderings and brief information for each of the eight projects can be seen below.

EuropaCity’s 8 Key Leisure Buildings

CONTEMPORARY CIRCUS

Clément Blanchet Architecture

CONTEMPORARY CIRCUS

“A demonstration both a historical synthesis and technological progress”, this public circus will host shows for 1,500 people within a traditional circus Big Top.

CONCERT HALL

Hérault Arnod Architectes

SALLE DE CONCERT

This 7,000-capacity music venue will feature a public Sound Deck on its roof, while the building’s glazed facade will open onto a large sheltered terrace that forms an outdoor stage for special concerts.

CENTRE CULTUREL DÉDIÉ AU 7ÈME ART

UNStudio

CENTRE CULTUREL

This dramatic indoor/outdoor cinema will be formed of three intertwined volumes, clad with weathered steel, that will emerge from the ground, topped by a sloping green carpet integrated with the surrounding landscape. Described by UNStudio as “a new type of cinema”, the building is designed as both a public space and a cultural laboratory – complete with a film studio and archive – “rather than a mere container for a ‘black box’ audience experience.”

HÔTEL BRANCHÉ ABORDABLE (3*)

Atelier(s) Alfonso Femia

HÔTEL BRANCHÉ ABORDABLE

This semi-transparent three-star hotel will cover multiple storeys and is described as “an original, ambitious, sensitive” concept.

HÔTEL DE LUXE (5*)

Atelier COS

HÔTEL DE LUXE

This five-star hotel will offer a new customer experience, as “a synergy between hotel and floriculture.” There will be fields of flowers on the roof, am atrium filled with bamboo and a design partly inspired by the light emitted by fireflies.

HOTEL AND CONVENTION CENTRE

AAVP Architecture

HÔTEL ET CENTRE DE CONGRÈS

The design of this 500-room hotel and conference centre has been inspired by the exoskeleton of a dozing mythical animal, topped by a roof that evokes houses from the region.

HOTEL AND CHILDREN'S CULTURAL CENTRE

Franklin Azzi Architecture

HÔTEL DESIGN

This 400-room hotel and cultural centre for children will feature a spa and wellness area, and will overlook a park. The building itself will be camouflaged in greenery so as to appear like mountain peaks. According to Azzi: “The facades are hidden in dense nature offering calm and privacy to each of hotel rooms. The roofs become territories to conquer, with walks along the ridge lines, green spaces dedicated to relaxation and, on the low plateaus, patios embellished with ponds.”

WATER PARK HOTEL

Chabanne Architecte

WATER PARK HOTEL

The Water Park Hotel explores the theme of water and wellbeing, and will seem to extend from the adjacent Aquatic Pool as “an oasis of calm and conviviality.” According to the designers, “terraces, beaches and bleachers draw a landscape of contoured lines. The water seems to have carved hollow volumes occupied by cafes, restaurants, lounges and conference rooms. There will be water slides and an infinity pool overlooking Paris.

Meanwhile, the entrance to EuropaCity’s train station has been reworked by BIG to add a tunnel linking to an exhibition hall. It will also form a pedestrian gateway to the development, overlooking Paris in the far distance.

Exhibition Hall

The developers of EuropaCity in Paris have provided a first glimpse at the eight key leisure buildings that will be constructed for the €3.1bn project.
CLD,VAT,HAM,AAC,ARC,DES,DEV,INV
THUMB25978_813597.jpg
Latest News
US private equity fund, Providence Equity Partners, is acquiring a majority stake in VivaGym from ...
Latest News
The Bannatyne Group says it has officially bounced back from the pandemic, with both turnover ...
Latest News
There is speculation that Basic Fit will sell the five Spanish Holmes Place clubs it ...
Latest News
While British adults are the most active they’ve been in a decade, health inequalities remain ...
Latest News
Kerzner International has signed deals to operate two new Siro recovery hotels in Mexico and ...
Latest News
Nuffield Health’s fourth annual survey, the Healthier Nation Index, has found people moved slightly more ...
Latest News
Short-term incentives to exercise, such as using daily reminders, rewards or games, can lead to ...
Latest News
With the launch of its 49th John Reed, RSG Group is looking for more opportunities ...
HCM promotional features
Sponsored
The partnership between PureGym and Belfast-based supplier BLK BOX is transforming the gym floor
HCM promotional features
Sponsored
Operators, prepare to revolutionise the way members connect with personal trainers in your club, with the ground-breaking Brawn platform.
HCM promotional features
Sponsored
Francesca Cooper-Boden says health assessment services can boost health club retention
HCM promotional features
Sponsored
Nuffield Health has worked with ServiceSport UK for more than ten years, ensuring the equipment in its clubs is commercially optimised
HCM promotional features
Sponsored
The New Keiser M3i Studio Bike brings ride data to life to engage and delight members
HCM promotional features
Sponsored
D2F had updated its brand styling to keep pace with business growth. MD, John Lofting and operations director, Matt Aynsley, explain the rationale
HCM promotional features
Sponsored
University of Sheffield Sport has opened the doors of its flagship Goodwin Sports Centre following a major refurbishment
HCM promotional features
Sponsored
GymNation is pioneering the future of fitness with software specialist Perfect Gym providing a scalable tech platform to power and sustain its growth
HCM promotional features
Sponsored
Epassi, a provider of workplace wellness benefits, is creating a fitter and more productive workforce, one membership at a time 
HCM promotional features
HCM magazine
Will Orr has been talking to HCM about the company’s new strategy for 2024, as Kath Hudson reports
HCM magazine
Imposter syndrome about a promotion taught the CEO of SATS that behaving authentically is the most important part of leadership. He talks to Kath Hudson
HCM magazine
Basic-Fit – which has been scaling rapidly across Europe –  is considering franchising to ramp up growth further afield
HCM magazine
As more people join clubs to support their mental health, fitness professionals need to be empowered to take a holistic approach. Kath Hudson shares useful tools discussed at the ACE summit on mental health
HCM magazine
Now mental health is the number one reason for people to join a health club, do fitness professionals need a grounding in counselling to offer a more holistic service? Kath Hudson asks the experts
Featured supplier news
Featured supplier news: W3Fit EMEA’s innovative programme sets sail for Sardinia, Italy
Following a hugely successful event last year in Split, Croatia, W3Fit EMEA, is heading to the Chia Laguna resort in Sardinia from 8-11 October.
Featured supplier news
Featured supplier news: Sue Anstiss' Game Changers podcast headed for Elevate 2024
Join us at Elevate from 12-13 June in London for a special one-off live recording of The Game Changers Podcast with Sue Anstiss, CEO of Fearless Women.
Company profiles
Company profile: Absolute Performance
Absolute Performance was established in 2008 by Tony and Sian Buchanan and has a wealth ...
Company profiles
Company profile: PSLT Ltd
PSLT Fitness Solutions manufacture, remanufacture and buy back commercial gym equipment. We supply and maintain ...
Supplier Showcase
Supplier showcase - Jon Williams
Catalogue Gallery
Click on a catalogue to view it online
Featured press releases
KeepMe press release: Keepme unveils Fitness Marketers' Cheat Sheet containing AI strategies for fitness professionals
Keepme has announced the release of its newest addition to its Best Practice Series: the "Fitness Marketers' Cheat Sheet."
Featured press releases
CoverMe Ltd press release: CoverMe Fitness launches in Australian market with industry veteran Tony Zonato at helm
CoverMe Fitness, the innovative studio management app for the fitness industry, launches this month in Australia, with industry veteran Tony Zonato leading the rollout as Managing Director for the region.
Directory
Lockers
Fitlockers: Lockers
Flooring
Total Vibration Solutions / TVS Sports Surfaces: Flooring
Snowroom
TechnoAlpin SpA: Snowroom
salt therapy products
Saltability: salt therapy products
Spa software
SpaBooker: Spa software
Cryotherapy
Art of Cryo: Cryotherapy
Property & Tenders
Loughton, IG10
Knight Frank
Property & Tenders
Grantham, Leicestershire
Belvoir Castle
Property & Tenders
Diary dates
10-12 May 2024
China Import & Export Fair Complex, Guangzhou, China
Diary dates
23-24 May 2024
Large Hall of the Chamber of Commerce (Erbprinzenpalais), Wiesbaden, Germany
Diary dates
30 May - 02 Jun 2024
Rimini Exhibition Center, Rimini, Italy
Diary dates
08-08 Jun 2024
Worldwide, Various,
Diary dates
11-13 Jun 2024
Raffles City Convention Centre, Singapore, Singapore
Diary dates
12-13 Jun 2024
ExCeL London, London, United Kingdom
Diary dates
03-05 Sep 2024
IMPACT Exhibition Center, Bangkok, Thailand
Diary dates
19-19 Sep 2024
The Salil Hotel Riverside - Bangkok, Bangkok 10120, Thailand
Diary dates
01-04 Oct 2024
REVĪVŌ Wellness Resort Nusa Dua Bali, Kabupaten Badung, Indonesia
Diary dates
22-25 Oct 2024
Messe Stuttgart, Germany
Diary dates
24-24 Oct 2024
QEII Conference Centre, London, United Kingdom
Diary dates
04-07 Nov 2024
In person, St Andrews, United Kingdom
Diary dates

Latest news

The eight key cultural buildings for Paris's EuropaCity leisure destination revealed

The teams worked not only on the architecture but also on different areas, such as material recycling, the circular economy, innovation and disruption
– Benoît Chang, EuropaCity general manager

The developers of EuropaCity in Paris have provided a first glimpse at the eight key leisure buildings that will be constructed for the €3.1bn (US$3.8bn, £2.7bn) project.

Following a competitive six-month competition process, several established and emerging architecture practices from France and further afield have been selected to work on the accommodation and attractions that will form the cultural heart of the vast scheme – which has been masterplanned by Bjarke Ingels Group’s (BIG).

When completed, EuropaCity will form a new leisure district combining hotels, restaurants, theme parks, cultural sites, urban farmland, shopping centres and sports facilities on the Triangle de Gonesse, Greater Paris. The project – for the public and national and international tourists – has received major investment from Immochan France and Wanda, China’s largest private property developer and will be operated by Grand Paris Aménagement.

BIG founder Bjarke Ingels has described the project as a “Paris 2.0 that sets a new standard for what a city can be,” with a lively urban fabric that combines radically different streetscapes where some roofscapes kiss the ground, others are tall and invaded by greenery.”

In the second half of 2017, designers were invited to propose “innovative, sustainable, diverse and creative” proposals that could be integrated into BIG’s ‘Rolling Hill’s design concept for the site. The selection of the winning designs was finalised earlier this year, and the successful architects will present their designs to the community for the first time on 4 April.

"This was the largest private initiative architectural competition ever launched in France, and we really wanted to explore and discover the different ways to see and imagine EuropaCity," said Matteo Perino, director of operations.

General manager Benoît Chang added: “We’d like to thank all the teams who participated in this competition, because all the projects received were of excellent quality. The teams worked not only on the architecture but also on different areas, such as material recycling, the circular economy, innovation and disruption.

"EuropaCity is proud of the selected projects and pleased to continue working with these practices. They will bring their talent, perspective, creative capacity and innovation to this pioneering project – a unique leisure destination in the Greater Paris of tomorrow.”

Renderings and brief information for each of the eight projects can be seen below.

EuropaCity’s 8 Key Leisure Buildings

CONTEMPORARY CIRCUS

Clément Blanchet Architecture

CONTEMPORARY CIRCUS

“A demonstration both a historical synthesis and technological progress”, this public circus will host shows for 1,500 people within a traditional circus Big Top.

CONCERT HALL

Hérault Arnod Architectes

SALLE DE CONCERT

This 7,000-capacity music venue will feature a public Sound Deck on its roof, while the building’s glazed facade will open onto a large sheltered terrace that forms an outdoor stage for special concerts.

CENTRE CULTUREL DÉDIÉ AU 7ÈME ART

UNStudio

CENTRE CULTUREL

This dramatic indoor/outdoor cinema will be formed of three intertwined volumes, clad with weathered steel, that will emerge from the ground, topped by a sloping green carpet integrated with the surrounding landscape. Described by UNStudio as “a new type of cinema”, the building is designed as both a public space and a cultural laboratory – complete with a film studio and archive – “rather than a mere container for a ‘black box’ audience experience.”

HÔTEL BRANCHÉ ABORDABLE (3*)

Atelier(s) Alfonso Femia

HÔTEL BRANCHÉ ABORDABLE

This semi-transparent three-star hotel will cover multiple storeys and is described as “an original, ambitious, sensitive” concept.

HÔTEL DE LUXE (5*)

Atelier COS

HÔTEL DE LUXE

This five-star hotel will offer a new customer experience, as “a synergy between hotel and floriculture.” There will be fields of flowers on the roof, am atrium filled with bamboo and a design partly inspired by the light emitted by fireflies.

HOTEL AND CONVENTION CENTRE

AAVP Architecture

HÔTEL ET CENTRE DE CONGRÈS

The design of this 500-room hotel and conference centre has been inspired by the exoskeleton of a dozing mythical animal, topped by a roof that evokes houses from the region.

HOTEL AND CHILDREN'S CULTURAL CENTRE

Franklin Azzi Architecture

HÔTEL DESIGN

This 400-room hotel and cultural centre for children will feature a spa and wellness area, and will overlook a park. The building itself will be camouflaged in greenery so as to appear like mountain peaks. According to Azzi: “The facades are hidden in dense nature offering calm and privacy to each of hotel rooms. The roofs become territories to conquer, with walks along the ridge lines, green spaces dedicated to relaxation and, on the low plateaus, patios embellished with ponds.”

WATER PARK HOTEL

Chabanne Architecte

WATER PARK HOTEL

The Water Park Hotel explores the theme of water and wellbeing, and will seem to extend from the adjacent Aquatic Pool as “an oasis of calm and conviviality.” According to the designers, “terraces, beaches and bleachers draw a landscape of contoured lines. The water seems to have carved hollow volumes occupied by cafes, restaurants, lounges and conference rooms. There will be water slides and an infinity pool overlooking Paris.

Meanwhile, the entrance to EuropaCity’s train station has been reworked by BIG to add a tunnel linking to an exhibition hall. It will also form a pedestrian gateway to the development, overlooking Paris in the far distance.

Exhibition Hall

The developers of EuropaCity in Paris have provided a first glimpse at the eight key leisure buildings that will be constructed for the €3.1bn project.
CLD,VAT,HAM,AAC,ARC,DES,DEV,INV
THUMB25978_813597.jpg

Latest news

US private equity fund, Providence Equity Partners, is acquiring a majority stake in VivaGym from
The Bannatyne Group says it has officially bounced back from the pandemic, with both turnover
There is speculation that Basic Fit will sell the five Spanish Holmes Place clubs it
While British adults are the most active they’ve been in a decade, health inequalities remain
Kerzner International has signed deals to operate two new Siro recovery hotels in Mexico and
Nuffield Health’s fourth annual survey, the Healthier Nation Index, has found people moved slightly more
Innovatise UK Ltd
Innovatise UK Ltd
Following a hugely successful event last year in Split, Croatia, a W3Fit EMEA, is heading
Short-term incentives to exercise, such as using daily reminders, rewards or games, can lead to
With the launch of its 49th John Reed, RSG Group is looking for more opportunities
PureGym saw revenues rise by 15 per cent in 2023, with the company announcing plans
Following three disrupted lockdown years, the European fitness market bounced back in 2023, according to
Charitable trust, Mytime Active, has removed all single-use plastic overshoes from its swimming pools and
Community Leisure UK is helping the drive to Net Zero with the launch of a
Elevate
Elevate
As one of the most energy-intensive industries in the UK, leisure facilities face a critical
Operator Circadian Trust has launched a five-year growth drive designed to support health and wellbeing
Norwegian health club operator, Treningshelse Holding, which owns the Aktiv365 and Family Sports Club fitness
The HCM team were busy at the recent FIBO Global Fitness event in Cologne, Germany,
Atlanta-based boutique fitness software company, Xplor Mariana Tek, has kicked off a push for international
The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) has released new data on the US’ wellness economy, valuing
The fitness sector’s pivot to active wellbeing is being discussed in a new weekly podcast,
Join us at Elevate from 12-13 June in London for a special one-off live recording
Planet Fitness has a new CEO – Colleen Keating. She will take up the position
UK Active has announced details of its annual health and fitness industry awards ceremony, which
1 - 20 of 12,300
HCM promotional features
Sponsored
The partnership between PureGym and Belfast-based supplier BLK BOX is transforming the gym floor
HCM promotional features
Sponsored
Operators, prepare to revolutionise the way members connect with personal trainers in your club, with the ground-breaking Brawn platform.
HCM promotional features
Sponsored
Francesca Cooper-Boden says health assessment services can boost health club retention
HCM promotional features
Sponsored
Nuffield Health has worked with ServiceSport UK for more than ten years, ensuring the equipment in its clubs is commercially optimised
HCM promotional features
Sponsored
The New Keiser M3i Studio Bike brings ride data to life to engage and delight members
HCM promotional features
Sponsored
D2F had updated its brand styling to keep pace with business growth. MD, John Lofting and operations director, Matt Aynsley, explain the rationale
HCM promotional features
Sponsored
University of Sheffield Sport has opened the doors of its flagship Goodwin Sports Centre following a major refurbishment
HCM promotional features
Sponsored
GymNation is pioneering the future of fitness with software specialist Perfect Gym providing a scalable tech platform to power and sustain its growth
HCM promotional features
Sponsored
Epassi, a provider of workplace wellness benefits, is creating a fitter and more productive workforce, one membership at a time 
HCM promotional features
HCM magazine
Will Orr has been talking to HCM about the company’s new strategy for 2024, as Kath Hudson reports
HCM magazine
Imposter syndrome about a promotion taught the CEO of SATS that behaving authentically is the most important part of leadership. He talks to Kath Hudson
HCM magazine
Basic-Fit – which has been scaling rapidly across Europe –  is considering franchising to ramp up growth further afield
HCM magazine
As more people join clubs to support their mental health, fitness professionals need to be empowered to take a holistic approach. Kath Hudson shares useful tools discussed at the ACE summit on mental health
HCM magazine
Now mental health is the number one reason for people to join a health club, do fitness professionals need a grounding in counselling to offer a more holistic service? Kath Hudson asks the experts
HCM magazine
As health club operators move to incorporate recovery into their offerings to meet growing consumer demand, Steph Eaves takes a look at what cryotherapy and ice bathing can add to the equation
HCM magazine
Members are telling us they need support with their mental and spiritual health and the industry is starting to see this need. Now’s the time to fast-track our response
HCM magazine
Egym has announced deals designed to position it for growth acceleration, as Kath Hudson reports
HCM magazine
We’ve had an outstanding year, with record revenues of €77m and €31m in EBITDA in 2023.
HCM magazine
New research has found BMI to be a highly inaccurate measure of childhood obesity, leading current thinking and policy based on it into question
HCM magazine
HCM People

Cristiano Ronaldo

Footballer and entrepreneur
Taking care of your physical and mental health is essential for a fulfilling life
HCM magazine
Featured supplier news
Featured supplier news: W3Fit EMEA’s innovative programme sets sail for Sardinia, Italy
Following a hugely successful event last year in Split, Croatia, W3Fit EMEA, is heading to the Chia Laguna resort in Sardinia from 8-11 October.
Featured supplier news
Featured supplier news: Sue Anstiss' Game Changers podcast headed for Elevate 2024
Join us at Elevate from 12-13 June in London for a special one-off live recording of The Game Changers Podcast with Sue Anstiss, CEO of Fearless Women.
Company profiles
Company profile: Absolute Performance
Absolute Performance was established in 2008 by Tony and Sian Buchanan and has a wealth ...
Company profiles
Company profile: PSLT Ltd
PSLT Fitness Solutions manufacture, remanufacture and buy back commercial gym equipment. We supply and maintain ...
Supplier Showcase
Supplier showcase - Jon Williams
Catalogue Gallery
Click on a catalogue to view it online
Featured press releases
KeepMe press release: Keepme unveils Fitness Marketers' Cheat Sheet containing AI strategies for fitness professionals
Keepme has announced the release of its newest addition to its Best Practice Series: the "Fitness Marketers' Cheat Sheet."
Featured press releases
CoverMe Ltd press release: CoverMe Fitness launches in Australian market with industry veteran Tony Zonato at helm
CoverMe Fitness, the innovative studio management app for the fitness industry, launches this month in Australia, with industry veteran Tony Zonato leading the rollout as Managing Director for the region.
Directory
Lockers
Fitlockers: Lockers
Flooring
Total Vibration Solutions / TVS Sports Surfaces: Flooring
Snowroom
TechnoAlpin SpA: Snowroom
salt therapy products
Saltability: salt therapy products
Spa software
SpaBooker: Spa software
Cryotherapy
Art of Cryo: Cryotherapy
Property & Tenders
Loughton, IG10
Knight Frank
Property & Tenders
Grantham, Leicestershire
Belvoir Castle
Property & Tenders
Diary dates
10-12 May 2024
China Import & Export Fair Complex, Guangzhou, China
Diary dates
23-24 May 2024
Large Hall of the Chamber of Commerce (Erbprinzenpalais), Wiesbaden, Germany
Diary dates
30 May - 02 Jun 2024
Rimini Exhibition Center, Rimini, Italy
Diary dates
08-08 Jun 2024
Worldwide, Various,
Diary dates
11-13 Jun 2024
Raffles City Convention Centre, Singapore, Singapore
Diary dates
12-13 Jun 2024
ExCeL London, London, United Kingdom
Diary dates
03-05 Sep 2024
IMPACT Exhibition Center, Bangkok, Thailand
Diary dates
19-19 Sep 2024
The Salil Hotel Riverside - Bangkok, Bangkok 10120, Thailand
Diary dates
01-04 Oct 2024
REVĪVŌ Wellness Resort Nusa Dua Bali, Kabupaten Badung, Indonesia
Diary dates
22-25 Oct 2024
Messe Stuttgart, Germany
Diary dates
24-24 Oct 2024
QEII Conference Centre, London, United Kingdom
Diary dates
04-07 Nov 2024
In person, St Andrews, United Kingdom
Diary dates
Search news, features & products:
Find a supplier:
We Work Well Events
We Work Well Events