PRINCIPLES IN SPA DEVELOPMENT

The particularities of the wellness therapy sector are not only tourist profile and its requirements in terms of the range of activities on offer in a seaside resortBut one of the most important elements is the atmosphere of the center. In order to achieve and maintain a state of health of body, mind and spirit, the space in which these therapies take place is just as important as the properties of the mineral/thermal waters or the effectiveness spa treatments.

Other experts have therefore highlighted a number of underlying principles designing a spa center. One of the most important aspects of such a place is its uniqueness, its connection to the place where it is located and the authenticity of the therapies offered. Globalization has brought us to a time when hotels, airports and other such buildings have similar characteristics, whether they are located in Western Europe or in an Asian region, for example. Spas don't have to follow this path, keeping a close link with the region's architecture, landscape and treatments based on local resources¹.

"Every spa starts with a vision and continues with a story."²

To increase the spa's success rate, the spa is based on a concept based on its relationship with the place where it is located, a relationship defined by several factors such as the curative properties of the area's resources, the natural setting and the treatment traditions wellness. The principles of design are the same as those of the therapies and services offered, while maintaining the standards of today's requirements, the two branches being the ones that underpin the atmosphere of the spa. Therefore, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and keeping body, mind and spirit healthy can be achieved through a wide variety of schemes which also have implications for the architecture of the spa.

The following images show this obvious link between location - source of inspiration - spa:

Therefore, in order to build a successful spa, it is extremely important to have a well-established concept at the heart of the spa, which is closely linked to both the location and the services offered. It is essential that water is at the heart of this initial concept, as it is at the core of the spa (water health) services.

AUTHOR

arh. Ica PAPARI

ica.papari@gmail.com

SOURSE:

1 - PEHLIVANOĞLU B., 2012, "Design Principles of Spa Areas in Accommodation Facilities" at the International Conference on Transportation, Civil, Architecture and Environment engineering (ICTCAEE'2012) December 26-27, 2012, Dubai, United Arab Emirates;

2 - PEHLIVANOĞLU B., 2012, "Design Principles of Spa Areas in Accommodation Facilities" at the International Conference on Transportation, Civil, Architecture and Environment engineering (ICTCAEE'2012) December 26-27, 2012, Dubai, United Arab Emirates;

Image sources:

Image 1: https://www.bluelagoon.com/

Image 2: https://www.archdaily.com/523257/eskisehir-hotel-and-spa-gad-architecture