< PreviousSpecial Report commercialinteriordesign.com August 2022 40 OPINION T he year 2022 has been a year of reflection for many. It has also connected people with their priorities which might have been in the backseat before the COVID-19 pandemic. Extensive work, diminishing work-life balance and keeping up with the fast-paced life most metros require seemed normal. And then, the pandemic happened. There was a renewed focus on life balance, health, and wellness. An industry that has seen a favourable increase in visitors is the spa and wellness sector and the evolution of wellness tourism alongside medical tourism. A recent 2022 report by the Global Wellness Institute showed that the wellness economy's steady growth had increased its global market value to approximately 4.4 trillion – with an annual growth rate of 5 to 10% in recent years. Mental health products such as 'sense spaces' and sleep grew by 12.4%, while meditation and mindfulness grew by 25%. Healthy eating and nutrition for weight loss maintained positive growth at 3.6 %. Meanwhile, the MENA region had a value of USD 5.5 billion in wellness real estate. And certainly, this region has its fair share of luxury wellness spaces. Vital interacton Spa owners started to take advantage of wellness tourism and it has become a familiar retreat for one to get away from the regular lifestyle, especially after the Covid pandemic. While travel restrictions have lifted, many people are still wary of stepping out for long vacations and prefer staycations that offer relaxation and activities. This means that the local wellness centres or spas at hotels have become the go-to place for people seeking a vacation while being in the country they reside in. From a 'spa- party' with a group of friends to a get-together between a local group club – spas are becoming hangout spots for urbanites. Time-bound urbanites do not need to set aside days or a week to get away from a busy life; spas offer good getaway options with family or friends for a lesser price than an international vacation would cost. At the same time, human interaction has become vital due to the many restrictions the pandemic had in place. As a result, people now prefer human connection and shared experiences although some restrictions need to be followed in public places. The spa has become a place for friends or families to visit together and enjoy the tranquility while also being connected. However, while the popularity of spas increases among social urbanites as a place to meet, similar to coffee shops, it remains to be seen how the spaces will keep reinventing themselves to appeal to the changing palette of their patrons. Designers had to support that by creating various trends to infl uence the establishment's popularity as a social place as opposed to the spas of the past where people preferred isolated sections and more privacy. That being said, many factors became crucial and played a vital role in supporting that trend. Spas have always had heightened hygiene requirements due to the nature of the its operations. However, the pandemic has renewed the focus on cleanliness and hygiene at wellness centres. From maintaining social distancing to strictly using disposable garments and tools, some spas also restricted the use of steam and sauna rooms. Therefore, designers must consider distancing and other measures to give a sense of safety to spa-goers. A social hangout for urbanites? Dima Alkawadri, Assistant Professor, Interior Design, School of Textiles and Design at Heriot-Watt University Dubai, on the design of spa and wellness spacesSpecial Report 41 August 2022 commercialinteriordesign.com Influenced by environment In 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognised that health had gone beyond the absence of physical diseases and infused the importance of overall physical, mental and social dimensions to wellbeing. "Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity," to quote the preamble to the Constitution of the WHO. Wellness is also influenced by the environment. Looking closer home, UAE has always been a pioneer in the region and this wider concept of wellness has been a norm in the country. This is where factors like restful interiors and connection to nature became crucial aspects. Spas reflect calmness and tranquility through their interiors. Using warm, neutral colors or pastels such as whites, lighter blue or green shades, greys, and relaxing light pinks create a calm environment for customers. Additionally, spas use unique fragrances in the space, contributing to the overall appeal of the place. The lighting is also important, and spas incorporate dim lighting in the main areas while common areas can be well- lit for people to have conversations. Nature has become an important aspect of wellness since the pandemic. Therefore, guests expect to experience spas that incorporate natural elements in their surroundings. In the UAE, including the outdoors is not always feasible due to the weather, but most spas seek to connect to nature and bring the outdoors indoors. Forest-like design themes with plants, lighting matching natural elements, and sounds that reflect the natural habitat. The pandemic has pushed everyone to indulge in a healthier lifestyle. As spas became the link with the growing interest in wellness, designers have to consider the physical and environmental factors that support the mental and social dimensions to satisfy people's needs. Assistant Professor Dina AlkawadriSpecial Report commercialinteriordesign.com August 2022 42 F ound on the captivating coastline city of Ponta Delgada – the capital of Portugal's Azores archipelago – Think Health is a naturopathy clinic. Naturopathy is a form of healthcare that combines modern treatment with traditional methods to encourage the body to heal. Accordingly, the interiors of the wellness centre encourage visitors to rest and find calm. The layout comprises a treatment room, office and common area, totalling 85 square metres that combine to create an “oasis," say the project's interior designers Box Arquitectos. Formed in the Portuguse capital Lisbon in 2007, the design company has a studio in Ponta Delgada that's conveniently close by to Think Health. How the space at Think Health forms the concept of calm is naturally through the shape, or absence of it, creating an open dynamism, where the few constructive elements captivate disconcerting but formalising perspectives. Light green tiles and large mirrors reinforce the idea of "seeing and being seen." The colour translates the concept and looks to inspire a peaceful and natural environment filled with vegetation. White and grey coverings, dark wood framing and subtle brass accents round out the peaceful design concept that is formed within an modern urban building that's largely unremarkable. Architecture on the Azores' largest city traditionally features simple whitewashed buildings striped with black basalt. Travel writers from azores-islands. info note that the impact of a thriving international trade during the 18th and 19th century is evidenced by Ponta Delgada's rich architectural heritage. This comprises of many Baroque palaces, churches and manor houses, mixed with curious examples of urban architecture from across the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Modern buildings of 20th and now 21st century styles add to the city's undeniably unique charm. A subtle accent of brass Photo Credit: Ivo Tavares Studio Think Health Naturopatia in Portugal by Box Arquitectos CASE STUDY: CREATING CALM IN WELLNESS SETTINGS Plants add to the 'oasis' feelSpecial Report 43 August 2022 commercialinteriordesign.com Welcome to the clinicSimple and peaceful Light green tiles emphasise a natural environment Project brief Location: Ponta Delgada, Azores Year of conclusion: 2021 Total area: 85 square metres Constructor: ARTIMOVÉL woodwork Engineering: SOPSEC Açores Interiors team: BOX Arquitectos Main architects: Barabara Morgado + Oscar CatarinoSuppliers – office commercialinteriordesign.com August 2022 44 Ethan Allen Make it personal F ounded in 1932 and incorporated in 1989, Ethan Allen is a leading interior design company, manufacturer and retailer in the furnishings marketplace. The American brand's USP is that it provides a complimentary interior design service to its customers and sells a full range of furniture products and decorative accents through a retail network of about 300 design centres worldwide, including in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Whether it's purchasing individual furnishings or decorative accessories; or creating comprehensive design plans for individual rooms, entire homes, or select commercial projects, Ethan Allen can add that extra level of personalisation. Options include hand-applied gilding to a choice of leg styles on some pieces and dual fabric or leather combinations. Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Thanya Street, Dubai, UAE + 971 56 170 5144 www.ethanallen.ae Steelcase, Design House, Dubai Media City, UAE +971 4 369 7838 infome@steelcase.com www.steelcase.com Steelcase Legacy of offi ce design T he Steelcase family of brands – including Steelcase, Coalesse and Orangebox – together offer a comprehensive portfolio of top-of-the-line architecture, furniture and technology products. Headquartered in the United States, the furniture company is a global leader in offi ce furniture, interior architecture and space solutions for offi ces, and other sectors. The 100 year old-plus fi rm has a rich legacy of workplace design and is now a leader in the 'post-cubicle' world, redesigning offi ce layouts to create a work space that can adapt to any ongoing Covid regulations. Award-winning products include 'Quiet Spaces,' a series of workspaces designed for introverts. Commited to sustainability, in 2012 the company reduced its waste by 80%. Suppliers – office 45 August 2022 commercialinteriordesign.com The Total Offi ce Commitment to sustainability T he Total Offi ce turns 25 this year. Its success is a true testament of all the clients and partners it has worked with across two decades. Going forward, the blend of experience and youth in the team has the company well poised to thrive in an ever evolving market; creating relevance with the adoption of newer technologies and products while additionally providing credibility to customers. The next 10 years has the company's resources squarely focused on creating a seamless experience for the customer in automating the design, manufacture and delivery of experiential spaces that are environmentally conscious. With a commitment to supply only environmentally sustainable products by the end of 2022, The Total Offi ce is revisiting its entire supply chain to educate and revise its offerings across all its fi ve product segments: furniture; contract fabric; writable surfaces; green walls, and acoustic solutions. The launch of the new website later this year will unveil new services to aid customers and designers alike in applying acoustics, ergonomics, sustainability and planning to their spaces. By collaborating with all stakeholders of a project, the services will help create healthier agile spaces that are not just inspiring to be in. 1702, Grosvenor Business Tower, Barsha Heights, Dubai, UAE +971 4 450 8700 info@thetotaloffi ce.com www.thetotaloffi ce.comWorld view commercialinteriordesign.com August 2022 46 NEW LIFE Thermal Spring at Hotel the Mitsui Kyoto – a Marriott Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa by Strickland Photo credit: Yoshio Shiratori WORLD VIEW47 August 2022 commercialinteriordesign.com A s beautiful as it is historic, Kyoto in Japan served as the country's capital for more than 1,000 years. From its rich history, the city offers glimpse of traditional culture and is home to a number of famous temple and shrines. Located in a valley known as the Kyoto Basin, Kyoto sits atop of a natural freshwater table known as the Kyoto Water Basin. A report by Professor Hareshige Kusumi of Kansai University underscores how much the rich water supply of Kyoto has contributed to the development of industry and culture. For example, this water source and the tradition of 'onsen' or bathing facilities inspired the spa in a fi ve-star hotel adjacent to Kyoto's landmark UNESCO World Heritage Site Nijo-jo castle. Inheritance and rebirth Marriott International's Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa, with interiors by Hong Kong designer André Fu, is on the site of the centuries-old Kyoto residence of the Mitsui family, now well-known real estate developers. Vacated after the Second World War, the area was acquired back in 2015 to create a new luxurious hotel. A luxurious new hotelWorld view commercialinteriordesign.com August 2022 48 The property's overall concept of 'inheritance and rebirth' links to the Mitsui family's history, and is sublimated as Japanese traditional architecture, gardens, culture into modern hotel space. Guests enter the hotel through a 300 year old Kajimiya gate inherited from the original Mitsui residence. The 7.4 metre high gate has been restored in collaboration with artisans in Fukui prefecture, with more than 80% of the exterior parts reused. The property features a total of 161 rooms, including 22 suites, F&B options and a spa, which is the Thermal Spring created by Strickland. Time and tranquillity On the basement fl oor is a contemporary underground natural hot spring that captures the essence of Kyoto's aquifer, projecting a sense of overlapping time and endless tranquillity. Design studio Strickland conducts in- depth research about history and region of the place to deliver tailor made designs for the projects it works on. For this project, memory of Mitsui family is the core concept that runs through the entire hotel and narrates the Thermal Spring's journey. Gate of light The story's prologue begins when guests step out from the lift. The large stone sculpture that once belonged to Mitsui family's garden stands at the entrance, channelling the Japanese philosophy of mitateru – reforming an original item to a new form to show appreciation. Guiding them onwards is a 19-metre gate of light, a contemporary echo of Fushimi Inari Taisha's 1,000 Torii gate, one of Kyoto's famous shrines. This leads to a reception made with a back wall of water patterned Japanese washi paper. Finally, guests reach the Thermal Spring that depicts Kyoto's underground water and stratum by an abundant use of stones throughout the layout. A contemporary setting for a natural hot spring The spa's design is based on a traditional Japanese gardenWorld view 49 August 2022 commercialinteriordesign.com About the designers Strickland’s CEO is Yohei Akao, who graduated from Musashino Art University in 1997 having studied in the Department of Spatial Planning Design. Yohei joined the highly rated design studio SUPER POTATO CO., LTD. in 2001, before establishing his own and setting up Strickland in 2011. Strickland offers interior design concepts mainly for the hospitality industry, revamping and creating unique entertaining spaces. Lighting Designer on the project was Worktecht Lighting Design & Consultant; Art Consultant, Ilya. Innovative products An authentic experience was created at the spa using just a few materials: stone, water and light. The surrounding bedrock; the sound of water seeping between stone cracks echoing in this minimal space – these elements may seem minor yet are effective sensory stimuli for spa guests. Stones used in the Thermal Spring were selected from a supplier in Kagawa prefecture. Based on a traditional Japanese garden, they are interpreted to a modern look by being cut in half and shifted to look unconventional. Innovative products in the spa augment the highest level of relaxation. These include a rain curtain programmed to activate every 30 minutes that is linked to visual and auditory sensory effects. Lighting is a vital factor Functional lighting fi xtures were eliminated as much as possible, and the light element was inserted into the space as part of the material. In order to amplify the gradual movement of the surface water, linear light were installed at edges of the pool. Due to the low ceiling, linear light and black polished metal fi nish to give an effect of continuity and increasing depth in space. The sharp beaming light also adds contemporary touch to this organic space, bringing together two contradictory material – the textured natural material and the modern lights. A memorable experience The design tells what existed before the hotel was built, what happened on this land, and the sense of place and history. Thermal Spring seeks to provide a memorable onsen experience, healing mind and body, and guiding visitors to a new self. Stones feature throughout The rain curtain Linear lightsNext >