From Its Brutalist Lab in Berlin, ANTI Activates the Art of Longevity

Yoel: ANTI is a community that serves as a foundation for topics like health, longevity, creativity, and entrepreneurship. Beyond these realms, what defines us is creating a space that feels open and free of the tension often found at corporate events in these fields. Our approach allows for a flow that feels much more organic. Our overarching mission is to create this openness.

The journey began with a four-month setup phase before our official launch in October [2024], during which we transformed the physical space into what it is now. From the start, we worked towards making the studio self-sustaining, hosting activations and events that covered costs while developing the concept further.

Beyond that, we focused on serving the space itself. Designed by Arno Brandlhuber [with Markus Emde and Thomas Burlon] Its brutalism inherently shapes our work. Stepping into a new environment is always exciting. It’s both an opportunity and a challenge – its very nature calls for a certain care and service. ANTI attracts a niche audience interested in lifestyle, longevity, and architecture, and we see our role as stewards of this unique environment.

Yoel: ‘ANTI’ is about creating a space of stillness – a kind of “reset point” – where people can pause, breathe, and turn inward, away from the noise and rush of daily life. This contrast between external pressures and internal quiet is essential to ANTI’s essence. It’s a place to explore, reflect, and rejuvenate – a counterbalance to the chaos outside.

ANTI invites questioning. The name itself suggests ‘antidote’ – both a countermeasure and a cure. To create an antidote, you first have to understand the poison. So, ANTI opens up conversations around stress, anxiety, conflict, and aging, as well as ideas like ANTI-Ego, ANTI-Norm, and ANTI-Isolation. It’s about shifting perspectives and refocusing on what’s essential.

Patrick: There’s a growing desire for something holistic, but achieving true balance is one of the hardest things, because people often live in extremes. Reflection is vital to create a genuinely holistic experience. This is something we emphasize with our instructors – they’re encouraged to develop their own “ANTI methods,” creating classes that contribute to what we call the “ANTI movement.”

This movement isn’t just physical; it’s about a shift in mindset. With so much negativity in the world, we aim to stay rooted in love and positive energy. At one of our recent talks, we explored the idea of ‘ANTI’ as something initially perceived as negative. But for us, ANTI represents concepts like ANTI-Hate, ANTI-Ego, and ANTI-Isolation – ideas that transform into something profoundly positive. This transformation is central to our philosophy.

We also strive to nurture ‘mindful hybrid athletes’: individuals who engage with the world around them in a conscious way. For instance, a runner who tunes into their body and surroundings rather than isolating themselves with headphones. It’s about feeling the sun on your skin, being present in nature, and connecting with others. Balance, in this sense, becomes a priority.

Yoel: The notion of movement, both physical and conceptual, is a core component of what we do. The ANTI movement exists not just in the space itself but also within us and the community we’ve built. We’re very active in hosting events and bringing people together.

Antonia: Our vision is to create a membership-based community. The idea is to build a platform where like-minded individuals naturally fit together, offering a safe space for members. Many of the people here are looking for an environment where they can truly be themselves without having to hide. Bringing these individuals together is central to our mission.

Patrick: What embodies “ANTI” – is honesty and adaptability. When someone walks in, we don’t push a one-size-fits-all package. Instead, we engage with their energy, getting to know them, creating a tailored experience. This place isn’t about conformity; it’s a space for personal growth. What works for someone today might change in three months, and we’re here to adapt, offering the guidance they need at every step. We aim to work in true service.

Antonia: We want to foster an abstract spirit that isn’t easily defined. It’s something each person can discover for themselves. That’s why there isn’t a single, straightforward answer to what we do. It’s reflective, flexible, and ever-evolving. Take our “laboratory” approach, for example: we experiment to find what fits best – not just for our members but also for us.

Patrick: The city is constantly changing, and it’s something we embrace. Being in tune with that change allows us to create something special.

Yoel: The space itself has a natural magnetism. People feel drawn here. In the past, this has meant attracting the right kind of individuals – those seeking refuge or safety, a place where they can truly feel at ease.

Yoel: Arno Brandlhuber designed the space with incredible intentionality. It’s abstract and harmonious, with a circular flow that guides you upwards. It feels like walking through a shell, with every angle and detail contributing to a dynamic energy. We’ve made only subtle adjustments to honor its essence – like adding a flexible, removable platform to enhance the space without altering its core.

Patrick: We’ve incorporated natural elements like 200-year-old olive trees encased in stainless steel, blending curves with edges to create a balance that resonates deeply. The space is also enriched with contributions from our community – artworks, sound installations, and handcrafted objects. This collaboration is what makes it unique.

Yoel: Ultimately, the space remains open and adaptable, with treatment rooms and shared areas that flow naturally. Everything is designed to enhance the space’s essence while allowing its abstract beauty to take center stage.

Antonia: When we first discovered the space, I personally felt overwhelmed by its transformative energy – it’s incredibly powerful, unlike anywhere else in the city. This sense of transformation and stepping out of one’s comfort zone is a cornerstone of ANTI.

Patrick: We’re surrounded by concrete, which might seem cold but feels surprisingly soft and grounding. We also make it a point to reconnect with nature as a team, bringing that energy back into the space. People have described it as a kind of Zen temple in the city – a place of calm amidst the chaos.

Yoel: Longevity, for me, is rooted in routine. I started developing mine as a teenager to manage migraines, which no doctor could help with. Running in the forest daily became my solace – it helped me tune into my body and resolve inner tensions. Over time, I became migraine-free. This journey led me to explore inner balance, which has shaped my approach to life and business.

Antonia: For me, it started early. My parents were professional athletes, so health was always a priority. Later, I ventured into creativity, founding projects in art and fashion. I trust that everything happens at the right time, just like this space did. Meeting Yoel and building a community with him brought it all together. My role is to transform his visions into reality, combining energy and business acumen to create something tangible. The space came into our lives at the perfect moment. Patrick, who’s been a long-time friend of Yoel, was with us from the early days. When we saw the space, we immediately thought, “We need this.” That’s how it began.

Patrick: Given my background in architecture and a lifelong passion for martial arts – starting with karate at five – this project feels very personal. While studying architecture, I worked as a personal trainer and later collaborated with various fitness studios and chains. At some point, I realized I wanted to create beautiful studio spaces. I created Berlin’s first boutique gym on Friedrichstraße, even before Soho House, and went on to design private gyms for artists and actors. This project is the culmination of my passion for merging fitness with design.

Yoel: As life speeds up, I feel we lose the ability to see and feel these nuances – like how, as a child, I could spend hours by a lake, captivated by every tiny detail. This sense of wonder is something we aim to bring back, both through the space and the objects we feature. It’s about rediscovering beauty in details – whether in nature, a walk through the forest, or even in how we consume products.

Patrick: It’s about being cultural ambassadors. We connect people in meaningful ways, creating events and activations that go deeper. Our space resonates with artists and creatives because we curate everything with intention. It’s about cultivating and curating thoughtfully.

Yoel: ANTI wouldn’t be possible without the incredible freelance team behind us, many of whom are friends, as well as our amazing teachers and treatment leads. They’re essential to what we do.

Patrick: We also have in-house architects and event experts to handle pop-ups and full-scale event management. The demand for events has grown organically as part of our concept, so we built an in-house team that manages everything, from catering to custom construction. It’s all about creating a service-focused space where we bring ideas to life collaboratively.

Yoel: Beyond the space itself, it’s about the client experience. Our active classes create a unique atmosphere where people connect, share tea or something to eat, and form real community bonds. We focus on maintaining an authentic, personal essence.

Antonia: This spirit is at the heart of everything we do. Whether it’s through breathwork, yoga, or shared reflections, it’s about creating harmony and positivity. Our highest vision is to carry this spirit worldwide. It’s not about being tied to one physical location but about embodying values like ANTI-Ego, ANTI-Stress, and ANTI-Hate. It’s about cultivating a balanced, peaceful mindset that fosters beautiful collaboration. Taking this vision to different places would be a dream come true. And we’re not bad at manifesting, so… [laughs].

ADDRESS
ANTI
Brunnenstraße 9
10119 Berlin

CONTACT
Website