Designed for Flow: Bay Studios Helsinki
When Julia Oravisto, founder of Bay Studios, approached us to design her new Reformer Pilates flagship in Helsinki, we saw an opportunity to craft something transformative. A space where mindfulness, movement, and intention shape every detail. Guided by our site-specific approach, we created an environment designed for clarity, focus, and seamless flow—a space that reflects both Julia’s journey and ours.
Brief
Reformer Pilates is about flow, alignment, and precision—and so is architecture. Bay Studios needed a flagship that would not only function as a studio but as an extension of the practice itself:
A space that guides and grounds—welcoming yet intentional, with a seamless flow between reception and practice rooms.
A design that balances softness and structure, mirroring the fluidity and control of Pilates. A sensory experience, where light, materiality, and movement shape the atmosphere, reinforcing the mind-body connection central to the practice.
Architecture & Design
The Bay Studios flagship is built around focus, movement, and connection. From the first step inside to the final stretch on the reformer, every detail creates an environment that is intuitive, calming, and immersive. Intentional Flow – The journey begins in the reception area, where bespoke furnishings, warm neutrals, and bold accents create an inviting first impression. The Portal Window – A circular opening connects reception to the practice rooms, reinforcing a sense of continuity and flow. Soft Meets Bold – A calming palette of creamy whites and sophisticated grays is punctuated by playful pinks and sculptural elements, a signature of our approach. Movement Through Space – Curved walls echo the controlled, purposeful motions of Pilates, shaping a space that feels intuitive and seamless.
Innovation & Technique
Bay Studios is crafted for movement—from the way people transition between spaces to the technical precision behind every element. Flow-Optimized Layout – Designed to reduce congestion and maintain openness, ensuring smooth movement between reception, changing rooms, and practice areas.
Natural Light as a Guide – Fifteen meters of windows allow daylight to shift organically, reinforcing focus and mindfulness.
Integrated Sound & Lighting – Thoughtfully engineered acoustics and adaptable lighting create an atmosphere that transitions from energizing to calming. Bespoke Furnishings – Custom seating, shelving, and lockers integrate seamlessly into the space, maintaining a clean, intentional aesthetic.
The Experience
Set in Helsinki’s Punavuori district, Bay Studios sits at the intersection of movement and city life. Just steps from the waterfront and surrounded by cafés, design studios, and independent boutiques, this isn’t just a studio; it’s a gathering place for a growing community that values intentional movement, thoughtful design, and the balance between energy and stillness.
Every element—from the flow of spaces to the way light moves through the interiors—has been shaped to support intention, elevate movement, and create a seamless connection between the physical and the mindful. More than a studio, it’s an urban retreat where awareness takes center stage—a space designed not just to house a practice, but to enhance it.