VELO is an interior project by Volodymyr Ponomarenko in Doha, Qatar.

VELO is located on the ground floor of Lagoona Mall (66 West Bay Lagoon Street, Doha, Qatar) and occupies the combined space of a former furniture showroom and a previous small studio of the brand. Initially, the space consisted of only one cycling hall, but over time there was a need to scale up: functional training (RACK), stretching (FORM), reception areas, merch, a run of the mill facility and technical rooms were added to the program.

The project was implemented in stages: while the new part was being built, the old studio continued to work without interruption. All construction logistics, supplies of materials and installation work had to be organized so as not to disrupt its functioning. After the commissioning of the new spaces, the original area was completely redesigned and integrated into the new structure. This process required not only precise scheduling, but also extreme precision in execution — any mistake threatened to bring the entire studio to a halt. The high intensity of visits has led to the need for a clear hierarchy of flows, thoughtful navigation and the use of wear-resistant, water-resistant materials capable of withstanding the daily load.

The main spatial idea was to create a central core with changing rooms, showers and bathrooms. The only point of connection to the water was in the center of the room, so this whole group was raised to the podium and assembled into a single compact unit. Around the core, a corridor ring is formed that separates the female and male streams, provides privacy and at the same time sets clear navigation in space. In this ring there are reception areas, a merch shop and a run of the mill establishment — a small space for a short break between workouts. From this ring, the halls diverge outwards, organizing a sequence of functions - from recreation areas to training studios.

VELO architecture is as open and discreet as possible. The room has retained its height and scale, and the new structure is inscribed without excessive decorative gestures. All surfaces — concrete, AAC blocks, stainless steel, wood — are left open, undecorated, with an expressive texture. Their “rawness” emphasizes the logic of space as a challenge: no visual cues or embellishments, only pure geometry, light and man.

Each room has its own atmosphere. Cycling — fully darkened, with mirrors and neon that multiply the rhythm and create a sense of immersion; RACK — structured and clear, with metal frames, mesh ceilings and expressive symmetry; FORM — light and calm, with soft diffused light and warm materials that relieve tension. The contrast between the halls works as an alternation of load and restoration, forming an integral architectural dramaturgy.

VELO is a space that disciplines. It leaves the person alone with himself, but within the community united by the movement.