Spa + Hair Salon - Space

Author: None
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-07-01
Features: The word "Spa" is now synonymous with "wellness," "relaxation," and "enjoyment." Its origin traces back to a small town named Spa in Belgium, where its natural mineral springs were discovered as early as the Roman era. Both drinking and immersing in these waters were found to be beneficial for health. In the 18th century, they became the preferred choice for leisure and fitness among European nobility. Today, the Spa trend has swept across the globe, with people from all walks of life seeking tranquil and soothing spaces. However, with the fast-paced modern lifestyle and the rarity of long trips, an array of wellness centers have emerged like mushrooms after rain, offering convenient and quick ways to alleviate daily stress and pressure. Some even provide one-stop services, combining spa treatments, foot massages, nail care, and haircuts under one roof.
The original spirit of Spa is nature and purity. Moving treatments from natural environments to indoor settings, many designers view natural elements as indispensable in interior design. Plants, sunlight, and Zen gardens have become a shared language. For example, the Spa center designed by Hong Kong designer Ho Chung-hin for the Guanlan Lake Club does not adhere to a specific style but focuses on creating an atmosphere of nature. Real and artificial natural objects, shapes, and patterns are repeatedly featured in the interior decor. Additionally, in many projects, designers draw inspiration from the Five Elements theory in Chinese philosophy—metal, wood, water, fire, and earth—and apply these concepts to the actual décor.
An interesting phenomenon is that while these projects share the same concepts, the resulting designs vary greatly, each with its own unique characteristics. This reflects the diversity in interpreting the same theme, with no fixed standards. Readers are encouraged to compare these designs, as they may redefine concepts like "nature" and "Five Elements."
Swedish sisters Susan Yarbug and Eva Yarbug designed their own wellness center, mentioning the use of music to divide two different areas. In Spa design projects, music and aromatherapy, as emotional catalysts, play a crucial role in creating the atmosphere of the space, more so than wall decorations, flooring, ornaments, or even lighting. This is because, during wellness treatments, most of the time the eyes are closed. However, the overall satisfaction (visual, gustatory, tactile, olfactory) is an integral part of the process that brings physical and mental pleasure. This is perhaps one of the key differences in design considerations between wellness centers and other functional spaces.