The point of departure that structures the original Territoria concept is the building’s name: “Territoria” = territory, therefore the architecture “appropriates” the geography of Chile
© Carlos Eguiguren
The territory of Chile with its contrasts and frictions is the horizon between the physical and the metaphysical, where the impact of the action of the elements causes friction –a territory that defines the limit between the physical and metaphysical. The South is river thawing, passing from the solid to the liquid state, ice to water. The North is salt flat, space of friction.
© Carlos Eguiguren
The magnitude of the landscape cleanses our senses, opening us up to the experience of contemplation. The interior design proposes to gather the territory, hence it searches for people to free themselves from their burdens, to arrive at a space that prompts a meditative state of contemplation, where daily stress and pressures are relieved. In other words, to leave the state of “contemporary kinetics”, and upon entering the gymnasium, to simply “float”.
© Carlos Eguiguren
In this “gathering” of the territory of Chile, its crafts are also rescued: The O2 Gymnasium of Territoria is the perfect mix of hi-tech and objects of natural materials such as horse hair and native wood created specially by craftsmen for the place.
Project Info
Architects:Cazú Zegers
Country: Chile, Las Condes
Area: 1825 m²
Year: 2009
Photographs: Carlos Eguiguren
Collaborators: Francisco García Huidobro, Gonzalo Díaz, José Tomás Pa rdo, Loreto Becerra, Andrea Pesqueira, Gonzalo Pérez y Carlos Rosas, ilar García-Huidobro, Francisca Monreal, Jessica Torres
Architect In Charge: Cazú Zegers
Madeline Brooks is a Projects Editor at Arch2O, where she has been shaping and refining architectural content since March 2024. With over a decade of experience in editorial work, she has curated, revised, and published an array of projects covering architecture, urbanism, and public space design. A graduate of the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Madeline brings a strong academic foundation and a discerning editorial eye to each piece she oversees. Since joining Arch2O, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the platform’s editorial direction, with a focus on sustainability, social relevance, and cutting-edge design. Madeline excels at translating complex architectural ideas into clear, engaging stories that resonate with both industry professionals and general readers. She works closely with architects, designers, and global contributors to ensure every project is presented with clarity, depth, and compelling visual narrative. Her editorial leadership continues to elevate Arch2O’s role in global architectural dialogue.