ARSHAM'S ORGANIC WAVES RESHAPE Equinox HOLLYWOOD
By Design Team | 2/11/2026
Daniel Arsham is #256 on the FO Pulse (2026-07-13 close), up 14 from the previous close.
Daniel Arsham's Snarkitecture is revolutionizing fitness design by bringing gallery-level materiality to Equinox West Hollywood, using volcanic ash textures and museum-quality stone finishes typically reserved for art installations. This marks the first time a blue-chip contemporary artist has designed a complete fitness environment, signaling a shift toward treating wellness spaces as cultural destinations.
Key Points
- West Hollywood is one of Equinox's highest performing locations, driving this high-profile design investment
- Materials from Arsham's art practice must be durable and functional while maintaining aesthetic beauty for fitness environments
- This collaboration represents Snarkitecture's first fitness project, expanding their portfolio beyond fashion and retail spaces
The Gallery Treatment
Daniel Arsham's Snarkitecture will unveil the redesigned Equinox West Hollywood in early 2027, applying museum-grade materiality to a celebrity-frequented fitness space. Arsham's signature approach uses volcanic ash, crystals, selenite, quartz, and rose quartz, materials typically reserved for his gallery sculptures selling for six figures.
The redesign begins with a grand entrance featuring a slatted screen and green marble, leading to an undulating doorway, a wavy reception desk, and free-form mirrors. Touch the green marble. Feel the weight. This is not gym cladding; this is architectural stone.
Workout areas will have cooler, reflective tones while locker rooms will be filled with natural stone, and the spa will have wood, cream or beige plaster and tile. The material palette separates zones through temperature and texture, not color blocking.
Celebrity Real Estate Meets Art Market
West Hollywood is one of Equinox's highest performing clubs, attracting A-list devotees including Renee Zellweger, Eddie Redmayne, Mark Wahlberg, Paris Hilton, Will Ferrell, and Vanessa Hudgens. The location justifies the investment in an artist whose crystal sculptures weigh 330 pounds and cost more than luxury cars.
This marks Snarkitecture's first fitness project, expanding from fashion collaborations with COS and KITH. Materials from Arsham's art practice must be durable and functional while maintaining aesthetic beauty, a constraint that will test whether gallery materials translate to high-traffic fitness environments.
"There are some things that belong to the Equinox world, but more specifically to LA," said Alex Mustonen, Snarkitecture's co-owner. "There is a see-and-be-seen quality to being in that club."
Material Honesty Test
The open-air terrace will boast cold plunge pools and an outdoor shower, while the lounge will transform into a private social club atmosphere with curved mirrors and organically shaped banquettes. The question: will volcanic ash finishes survive chlorine exposure and constant moisture?
Training alone is easy to replicate. What retains members and drives referrals is community, convenience, and a seamless journey across the gym experience. Arsham's approach treats fitness as cultural experience, not equipment arrangement.
This collaboration will determine whether art-grade materials belong in utilitarian spaces. If successful, expect gallery artists to colonize wellness design. If the finishes crack or stain, it proves that Instagram aesthetics and functional durability remain incompatible.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Daniel Arsham Equinox West Hollywood renovation open?
The redesigned space is scheduled to unveil in early 2027. Construction and material installation are currently underway for what Equinox calls the blueprint for their future club evolution.
What materials is Daniel Arsham using in the gym design?
Arsham's Snarkitecture is incorporating green marble entrance screens, natural stone in locker rooms, wood and cream plaster in spa areas, plus his signature volcanic ash and crystal textures adapted for fitness use.
Why did Equinox choose Daniel Arsham for this project?
West Hollywood is one of Equinox's highest performing locations with celebrity clientele including Renee Zellweger and Mark Wahlberg. The company wanted to create a unique, forward-thinking space that matches the see-and-be-seen culture of the area.
Is this Snarkitecture's first fitness facility design?
Yes, this marks Snarkitecture's first fitness project. The firm previously designed retail spaces for brands like COS and KITH, making this gym collaboration a significant expansion into wellness design.
What other Equinox locations are opening in Los Angeles?
Equinox will open new clubs in Santa Monica in 2025, followed by locations in Playa Vista and Burbank in 2026, though these won't feature outside designer collaborations like the West Hollywood project.
Topics: gym-design, equinox-west-hollywood, snarkitecture, daniel arsham, fitness-architecture, daniel-arsham