It’s January 20th, and yes, today is Blue Monday—the so-called gloomiest day of the year. But don’t worry; we’re here to celebrate how great design can brighten even the dullest Mondays. From nostalgic entertainment hubs to cozy, collaborative offices and luxurious wellness retreats, here are three BLT Built Design Awards winners guaranteed to boost your mood.
1. The Eden Superbowl, Malta
Need a place to leave the Monday blues behind—and maybe knock over a few bowling pins? The Eden Superbowl is the real feel-good escape. Step into an ‘80s-inspired world with neon lights combined with modern technology and activities like karaoke, laser tag, and escape rooms helping time fly faster.
Created by Carlo Schembri & Ryan Calleja, designed for
Eden Leisure Group, this family entertainment hub in St. Julians, Malta, proves that fun never goes out of style.
2. New World Development HQ2, Hong Kong
Stuck in the office on Blue Monday? What if your workplace felt more like a sanctuary than an office? Spatial Concept Limited, led by Gary Lai, answered that question with their design for New World Development HQ2 in Hong Kong.
Inspired by the traditional siheyuan, a Chinese courtyard home, the centerpiece is a serene reception courtyard on the 10th floor, where a shallow black granite pool and a tree stretching toward the ceiling offer a moment of calm in the busy city. Custom furnishings and wooden lattice screens divide the space into intimate areas, inviting collaboration while maintaining privacy.
Over 60% of the materials are sustainable, including terrazzo floors with 80% recycled content and FSC-certified wood. These thoughtful choices reduce the project’s environmental footprint and create a healthier, more comfortable environment for everyone working there.
3. Health & Fitness Club, Zurich
If your January mantra is “new year, new me,” let this Zurich fitness club by Schindler Partner Architects be your inspiration. Its serene palette, luxurious materials, and futuristic EMS training programs make it the best destination for recharging body and mind.
From coordinated colors to lighting by Tom Dixon, every detail is designed with well-being in mind. And really, who wouldn’t want to kick off their January resolutions in a place like this?
Whether you’re bowling, brainstorming, or burning calories, these award-winning designs prove that great spaces can turn this Blue Monday into something worth enjoying—because today deserves a little joy.
