The Spa

1 – Evolution of thermal practices

Roman Empire

The term Spa, which today includes all those actions aimed at body care, seems to have a double origin. According to some, it is the acronym derived from the Latin phrase "salus per aquam" which means health obtained through the use of water. According to other sources, the word Spa would find its origin in the homonymous and ancient Belgian town frequented during the 16th century for its waters with purifying properties. Thanks to the presence of thermal waters, many towns achieved great success, developing and enriching themselves thanks to the construction of the first spas.

In ancient Rome these structures were seen as meeting and relaxation places where the mind and body could recover from the daily grind. Differentiated according to the users they were intended for, the baths were distinguished between the very popular ones, more chaotic and aimed at the people and the smaller and more refined ones, reserved for the most influential people of the time.
Soon the evolution of techniques and solutions adopted for heating water allowed the diffusion of spas within the city and the Roman Empire exported them to the colonized territories.

As regards the floor plans and the arrangement of the internal spaces, Roman baths followed universal principles regardless of where they were located.
The succession of the various functions was directly reflected in the spaces that, in harmony with each other, constituted a true purification path. The element of water and the bathing ritual associated with it, constituted the main focus of the entire path.                  
However, the meticulous design of the functional spaces did not correspond to the majesty of the facade: in fact, the thermal complexes appeared bare and devoid of ornamentation, in order to amaze visitors only once they entered.

Once inside, there was the apodyterium or changing room, where the visitor could place his clothes in lateral niches. From this moment the real thermal journey began in humid rooms with persistent heat.

The environments that followed were the following:               

• Calidarium from calidus = hot > section intended for hot water baths and steam baths
• Tequila from tepidus = warm > section intended for baths in warm water
• Frigidariums: from frigidus = cold > section intended for bathing in cold water
• Swimming > swimming pool

It was a fixed and pre-established layout in order to guarantee routes that satisfied specific needs. As a corollary to the building there were courtyards used as a gym, equipped with porticos and some rooms where it was possible to find relief after physical activity, thanks to massages and treatments. In addition, there were gardens and in some cases libraries, conference rooms and small temples.

One of the most famous and representative examples of the Imperial era is the Ancient Baths of Caracalla dating back to 212-217 AD. Also known as “Thermae Antoninianae” from the name of the emperor Caracalla (Marcus Aurelius Severus Antoninus Bassianus), they underwent numerous interventions and expansions throughout history. For some periods the structure was used for other purposes: agricultural area, cemetery, quarry of precious materials. At the time of its greatest splendor, the complex measured 337 x 328 m and was able to accommodate 1500 people inside. With a porticoed enclosure, of which there are no longer any traces, it housed many rooms dedicated to various healing functions.                  
Between the external space occupied by the enclosure and the internal one, there were extensive gardens organized according to precise designs. In the internal spaces there were cisterns with a capacity of 80.000 liters containing enough water for the various body treatments.

Great attention was paid to the details and finishes of the floors and walls, enriched with two-tone mosaics and rare stones. The path, divided into two symmetrical sections, intended for male and female users respectively, came together in a single solution at the “tepidarium”, a temperate room of limited dimensions.

The fall of the Roman Empire caused the arrest of the development of thermal sites that suffered a period of crisis also due to the restrictive laws of Christianity that prohibited idleness and pleasure of the body. The recovery occurred in the Middle Ages, a period during which society began to appreciate the beneficial purposes of thermal waters again.
In the 19th century, the centres assumed great importance for their curative purposes and to be easily reached, railway and road communication lines were improved throughout Europe.                                                  
As time went by, spas became increasingly important, becoming today wellness centers where the body and soul are cared for in a 360° way.

The Hammam Tradition in Istanbul

The practice of the hammam, which spread in 600 AD, was born from the fusion between Roman and Ottoman traditions. There are numerous references to the Islamic religion according to which through purity of soul and cleanliness of body one can get closer to the Supreme God Allah.

From an architectural point of view, the Turkish bath follows the same internal spaces of the spa but with much smaller overall dimensions. On the facade it looks like a mosque without openings and with domes and chimneys at the top for the continuous escape of smoke produced by the internal steam. Similarly to the functional spaces of the spa, there are three rooms:

• Glass case, entrance where you can quietly consume a cup of tea, undress and receive the “pestemal” fabric to cover yourself
• Sogukluk, transition space between the outside and the inside
• Hararet, the heart of the hammam, a room with a high temperature and filled with steam

It is a place dear to the female sex, in fact the pre-wedding ceremony took place there and today hygienic, aesthetic and therapeutic rituals are celebrated there.
A fundamental prerogative is that of maintaining the cleanliness of spaces and water basins, as required by sacred law. The path is carried out in two distinct areas for men and women; in the center of the main room is the göbek tasi, a large marble stone heated from below. The buildings used for the Turkish bath are welcoming, with arches and domes and the rooms are divided into relaxation areas and areas for skin scrubbing.

Since ancient times, in addition to being the symbolic structure for the Muslim community, it has established itself as a place of purification and total catharsis.
An example of absolute magnificence is represented by the Turkish Hammam of Istanbul Cağaloğlu, built in 1741: it is one of the largest in the city, an example of baroque architecture.
The two entrances, differentiated by gender, are located on the main road (men) and on the side road (women). The Camekan of the Turkish bath is surmounted by a large dome and from it extends the corridor that leads to the hot area, raised by eight columns.
In the center of the room is the large marble stone on which you lie down for massages. The Turkish baths have detailed interiors and details that recall oriental aesthetics: large pendant lamps with perforated textures, mirrors, marbles and monumental fountains.

2 – The Spa today: types and characteristics 

The private spa 

Today, to counteract the frenetic pace of everyday life, the need to dedicate one's free time to wellness and relaxation is increasingly growing. The frequent request to include areas dedicated to this type of activity even inside private homes has become widespread. Depending on the space available, it will be possible to recreate the right environment for each individual need. It ranges from the conversion of the bathroom into a relaxation area, in the case of small spaces, to real private wellness centers in the case of large areas. However, it is necessary to follow some practical advice for the correct installation of structures aimed at body care.

Initially, it is important to understand where to place the wellness area, being careful as the environment will produce a lot of humidity. The first element to consider is the floor, which must be waterproof: for this purpose, surfaces covered with tiles, such as those in the bathroom, will be perfect. Another fundamental factor is the ventilation of the environment, which must be ensured to guarantee the exchange of air, avoiding the stagnation of water and humidity. 

Inside private homes there are usually saunas, showers and hydromassage tubs. These are the basic elements to recreate a real wellness path. 
The sauna requires high temperatures, around 80° and for this reason it is necessary that it is always accompanied by a shower capable of cooling the body and re-establishing the correct blood pressure. Often the shower becomes chromotherapy thanks to the addition of a system of colored lights capable of stimulating the senses and relaxing the soul. Finally, the hydromassage tub cannot be missed: of a different shape, it will have costs and consumption commensurate with the size.

The choice of materials and colors for the bathroom environment will also play a fundamental role: soft and neutral colors, natural materials and smooth surfaces will help maintain a feeling of tranquility and peace. The most significant difference in having the fortune of enjoying a small Spa in your own home and having to go to specialized centers, consists in avoiding the embarrassment of sharing intimate spaces with strangers. 

Large wellness centers

The facilities dedicated entirely to body care are constantly growing today in urban, peri-urban, seaside and mountain areas. These are large complexes that offer a wide range of services to the users who frequent them.

The basis of the entire design process is the coherence that the wellness center must have with the context in which it is located. Archetypes and materials are taken from local tradition and revisited in a modern key thanks to the use of innovative technologies.

Inside a wellness center you can't miss a sauna, Turkish bath, emotional shower, swimming pool, whirlpool tub, relaxation rooms and special environments designed specifically for this purpose. 
Designed to offer a memorable experience, wellness clubs aim to regenerate the mind and body of those who visit them. From a holistic perspective, this type of facility must offer multiple services capable of restoring the mind and body in their entirety. Body care begins with the journey through the sauna and Turkish bath and ends with aesthetic and rehabilitation treatments. 
Often, in the case of centers that arise in valuable locations, the design solutions are aimed at recreating a continuum between the internal and external environment.

A famous example is the Prè Saint Didier spa, overlooking Mont Blanc and which has become the most popular in Italy, thanks to the richness of the local waters capable of providing toning and relaxing benefits. The historic building dating back to 1800, has been preserved and expanded to 500 square meters divided into three floors above ground and a basement. Among the many services, you can include the outdoor pool to observe the mountain landscape and the solarium available during the summer season.

Spas inside hotel facilities 

This is a practice that is widely used today: the inclusion of Spas and wellness centers within a hotel structure. While on the one hand this type of intervention can guarantee greater visibility and added value to the hotel compared to its competitors, on the other it is essential to pay attention to the design choices. Risky choices could in fact cause unsustainable costs in future management. However, if you operate with awareness and responsibility, planning the intervention with trained professionals, the advantages will be multiple. First of all, the strengthening of complexes that would normally only operate in the summer period and that thanks to the addition of indoor Spas become usable throughout the year. 

Usually the rooms in question are located either in the basement or in the attic of the hotel where it is possible to enjoy the surrounding panorama. The choice to open the Spa also to users external to the hotel structure, will determine the need for dimensions adequate for a greater flow of users.
In any case, what really matters is that the hotel-wellness center complex is designed to ensure coherence and offer a multisensory and memorable experience. Furthermore, the center must satisfy diversified needs: from overnight stay to dinner, from massage to fitness, everything must follow one another harmoniously. For those who want to enjoy the wellness of the Spa but with privacy, the choice could fall on the structures equipped with suites with private sauna and hydromassage, in order to obtain great relaxation in full respect of privacy. 

Spas inside gyms

Similarly to hotel facilities, even in the case of gyms, the solution that includes the inclusion of a Spa can be noted. For example, today gyms for women only are spreading in which the changing rooms are supplemented by spaces dedicated to Turkish baths, saunas and emotional showers. These are wellness centers where you can dedicate yourself to 360° care and beauty; from physical activity to massage, from aesthetic treatments to the path between steam and water, everything is designed to recover the psycho-physical balance. 

It is a new concept of the gym, no longer seen as a place of physical effort and fatigue but of relaxation and well-being. The combination of physical activity and treatments is now considered an excellent remedy for healing body and mind. As for the spatial conformation, it is good to divide the fitness area from the wellness area through a relaxation room where you can rest after sports activity and sip a herbal tea while waiting for the Spa path.
These environments must also be equipped with showers that can be used between moments of the experience. 

3 – Guidelines for good design 

From a design perspective, Spas and Wellness Centers are special types for which multiple aspects must be considered. There is a real guide on this subject, the Guide to Hydrothermal Spa Development Standard, which, introduced by the Global Spa & Wellness Summit, establishes the standards to be respected during the design process. It is a technical and professional handbook capable of overcoming the problems encountered during the design of wet areas such as saunas, Turkish baths and thermal complexes. 

During the preliminary phase, a feasibility study must be carried out that considers the intervention from an economic, functional and management point of view. It is necessary to consider even the smallest details in order to achieve a satisfactory and sustainable result over time. The drafting of a business plan should be a practice prior to any type of intervention; it is in fact essential to consider the competitors and additional services that the structure in question will have to offer to make the difference, the costs of construction and management over time. This is because it is important to become aware of the time needed to recover the sums used for investments. Unfortunately, sometimes, poorly thought out choices have cost the failure of these centers. For this reason, it is correct to think consciously in terms of sustainability and economic efficiency, using choices that maximize performance while still guaranteeing low costs.   
There are some fundamental principles that must guide the design of the beauty center and below we will see some of them.

FUNCTIONAL AESTHETICS

The prerogative of every self-respecting spa or wellness center is to amaze its users with wonder so as to leave a memorable memory.
However, the spectacularization of space must never sacrifice its functionality: the environments must be exploited to the fullest in order to ensure high performance while guaranteeing quality and beauty. The message to convey is that of having landed in a space where relaxation reigns supreme and where it is possible to take a break from the frenetic pace of everyday life. To this end, some precautions are crucial in the choice of design and interior finishes. It is best to prefer the curvilinear trend of the environment and the rounded shapes of the furnishing accessories, since they guarantee the achievement of a good level of psycho-physical comfort.

Even the materials and colors must be measured according to their function and the image they want to convey; warm colors, welcoming shades, waterproof mosaics in the areas wet by the water and enveloping wood in the cabins intended for users who want more privacy. 
The same concept applies to lighting and acoustics, one calibrated so as not to blind the user but to recreate a relaxing atmosphere, the other to ensure good insulation especially in relaxation areas. Everything must form a harmonious and functional whole for an experience of peace and tranquility. 

WATER ELEMENT

The distinguishing feature of Spas and wellness centers is the constant presence of the element of water, symbol of life and purification of body and soul. Hydrotherapy treatments are performed thanks to the inclusion of showers, Turkish baths, hydromassage tubs and saunas that guarantee unparalleled benefits. 

This symbolic value, however, brings consequences that should not be underestimated in the design phase: humidity must be controlled and managed in order not to damage the structures in question. In fact, the co-presence of water and heat can cause humidity phenomena and subsequent condensation, which are harmful to the machinery essential to the wellness center. To avoid such unpleasant inconveniences, it is essential to control the temperature by keeping it constant, establish the right humidity level and ensure proper ventilation of the rooms. In this way, it is easier to achieve optimal environmental comfort according to which the temperature is equal to 27° with a humidity level of 70%. However, it is impossible to prevent the formation of humidity and for this reason it is necessary to resort to solutions that prevent damage to walls and structures. 

In this regard, the use of waterproof materials such as glass and derivatives, turns out to be an excellent compromise in this type of environment if added to the use of insulating materials that guarantee thermal comfort, contributing to energy savings. Furthermore, it is necessary to insert specific dehumidifiers capable of absorbing excess humidity. 
Let's now look at the stages that make up the hydrothermal path.

• SAUNA
  Treatment that through heat contributes to cell turnover, promotes circulation and has psycho-therapeutic effects. It is a very ancient practice and still widespread today that provides various benefits thanks to innovative technologies. 
  From a formal point of view, it looks like a closed box in natural wood, welcoming and versatile as it can be built ad hoc to meet specific needs. The internal seats are also made of wood with low thermal conductivity and must ensure a distance of 60 cm between one user and another. 
  Ventilation inside the cabin is essential and guaranteed thanks to changes in fresh external air and warm internal air (usually 8 changes per hour).
  Today it is possible to enjoy the classic Finnish sauna but also some very particular types such as the aromatic sauna, the infrared sauna and the salt sauna.
  
• TURKISH BATH
  In recent years it has found great success and hosts the hammam ritual; this is a treatment that requires a high level of humidity, sometimes equal to 100%. 
  For this reason, the materials used for its finishes must be mostly waterproof: ceramic, porcelain, granite. The Turkish bath usually consists of a prefabricated module in polystyrene covered with cement and reinforced with fiberglass panels on all the walls. The seats are made of stone and maintain a temperature of 40°, you can also lie down to enjoy relaxing massages.
  
• HYDROMASSAGE
  The beneficial effects of water were also known in Roman times, when citizens used to frequent the baths during their “otium” period. 
  Today, all spas have at least one hot tub useful for purifying the body, stimulating the metabolism and the circulatory system thanks to the action of water that is distributed through jets containing air and ozone. 
  The hot tub is presented as a unit that can be prefabricated or built on site in reinforced concrete. The latter is more resistant and has a more versatile and flexible design to the spatial conformation of the environment in which it is placed. 
  The facility is equipped with hydromassage jets, a filtration system, a dosing system for the products used to disinfect and filter the water, and lighting. 
  As for the nozzles, the treatment is differentiated based on them and for this purpose there are different types: straight jet nozzles, slow rotation and fast rotation. As for the lighting, however, it is necessary to pay attention to the type, color and positioning of the light sources since they are able to recreate very different effects between them.
   
• EMOTIONAL SHOWER
  This is an innovative solution used for chromotherapy as it combines the action of water with colour, light, aromas and sometimes sounds. Thanks to this functional mix, the five senses are simultaneously involved, ensuring all-round psycho-physical well-being. From a structural point of view, the shower can be made in reinforced concrete or EPS with finishes in various materials. Hydraulic systems with temperature variations and chromotherapy systems with coloured LEDs and variable light intensity are then inserted.
  
• WATER COURSE – KNEIPP COURSE (See dwg drawings)
  The path involves the passage from hot to cold water, stimulating the senses and ensuring benefits for the circulation. It is possible to walk in rectangular tubs arranged in such a way as to recreate paths accessible to one person at a time. The floor is often equipped with rounded stones that are pleasant to the touch and guarantee a sort of foot massage as the user passes. At the end of the path there is a ladder for going back up to the wellness center.

RELAXATION AND DEDICATED ENVIRONMENTS

Relaxation is the element around which the entire organization of the Spa revolves, the ultimate goal of the design and the purpose for which the visitor frequents the center. 
The spaces must be conceived as places where one can find relief from the daily grind and for this reason, real special environments are inserted to complete the wellness path. Studied in the smallest details, thanks to lighting, design and layout choices, they fulfill the task of relaxing the mind and body of the user. 

• SALT CAVE
  Made to measure, walls and ceiling covered in salt, the cave recreates an ideal microclimate, very similar to the marine one. Halotherapy, salt therapy, has gained wide acceptance in recent years and this is why it is increasingly easy to find this type of environment in the city and enjoy its benefits. The temperature must be around 18°- 24° and the humidity must remain constant and equal to 50%. 
  The interior finishes are chosen with a view to recreating a real natural cave. Comfortable loungers are also positioned on which you can lie down and relax while enjoying the beneficial effects of salt and iodine. 
  
• RELAXATION AREA
  Strategically located with respect to the wellness path, it is the space where you can rest on loungers enjoying purifying teas and herbal teas. The choice of natural materials, refined finishes, diffusion of relaxing lights and sounds is designed to guarantee the best well-being for the person. In the relaxation area it will be possible to find chaise longues, armchairs, loungers and poufs accompanied by support surfaces for light buffets.

LIGHTING TECHNOLOGY

Light is the basic element for the design of environments in which it is a prerogative to create settings that can excite and relax users. It is necessary to conceive the wellness center in its entirety, opting for a few light sources but positioned strategically rather than for many devices that risk over-illuminating the environment. An element of impact, although always linked to spatial functionality, light must be calibrated and chosen with care according to the purpose. For example, in the relaxation areas there must be no glare effect but a diffused, warm and ambient light. 
Colors will instead dominate in emotional showers, areas where the light must be directed towards the walls, creating suggestions and pleasant sensations. The need is different in corridors and passages where the user must see well to orient himself without being dazzled. In this case, step lights and recessed wall spotlights are perfect. 
Today, particular attention is given to the choice of devices designed for energy saving and consequently economic. Especially in the case of large structures operating all day and sometimes even in the evening, it is important to opt for quality LEDs but with lower consumption than traditional light bulbs. 

ACOUSTIC

Like light, sound is a decisive element in the wellness experience.  
Sound and silence alternate according to precise and measured rhythms, during the relaxation path. 
It is therefore essential, already in the preliminary phase, to use some precautions in the design choices capable of ensuring acoustic comfort appropriate to the environment. In fact, there are many disturbing elements inside and outside the structure: machinery, systems, external noises, etc.
There are some construction solutions that can absorb noise and guarantee the acoustic quality of spaces:

• sound-absorbing panels inserted into walls and false ceilings;
• systems positioned far from relaxation areas;
• soundproofing systems to shield noise from outside.

The careful analysis of noise pollution and its causes, thus allows to contrast its harmful effect on the well-being of the person, thanks to the inclusion of measures studied to guarantee sound insulation. 

4 – Spatial distribution

Spas and wellness centers are places of relaxation and pleasure and this is the concept that must guide the entire design process. It should be remembered that the layout of the interior space defines the entire experience of the user. For this reason, together with all the elements of lighting, acoustics and design, it is of extreme importance for the proper functioning of the structure.

During the preliminary phase, it is necessary to estimate the expected user flows, distinguishing them by gender and age group. In this specific case, the analysis has a greater weight because a different relationship is created between users as they are in a more intimate situation, in a closed environment and with few personal clothes.

The study of interpersonal relationships is crucial for the distribution of spaces and for the choice of furnishing accessories. In fact, it is necessary to maintain the right distances between people who will thus not have to face unpleasant embarrassments. 
For example, the parking spaces must be spacious and compliant with the times expected during the wellness path, while the seats must ensure a minimum distance of 60 cm between one seat and another.
The functions must be correctly distributed, without however imposing a defined path, to be carried out in set times, since the visitor must feel free to live the experience without constraints. It is necessary to provide a real sensorial experience thanks to which one can abandon oneself to rest without worries. 

Starting from the entrance to the facility, the customer must be welcomed in a pleasant, clean and well-kept environment. This is the first sensation experienced that must amaze and above all impress the visitor who, in this way, will want to return. This is how the design does not remain an end in itself but is useful and pleasant at the same time, guaranteeing a gain also in economic terms. The next area is that of the changing rooms: being perhaps the most intimate place in the entire spa, it is necessary to provide all the accessory services, constantly guaranteeing privacy. In this area there are usually lockers with a security system, proportionate to the flow of people expected in the facility, comfortable seats for changing, sinks with mirrors and accessories for drying hair, showers and toilets.

In the next phase, the actual wellness journey begins; the dimensions of the Spa components depend on the spatial availability of the structure. Sauna, Turkish bath, hydromassage tubs, water paths, emotional showers and the like must be distributed in order to facilitate free movement and use without rules and pre-established times. There must be no elements that hinder the use of the equipment and accessibility for all must be guaranteed. In this regard, like many places intended for the community, wellness centers must also adapt as much as possible to the regulations on disability.

Precisely because psycho-physical health is a right for everyone, the facilities must provide access ramps, large entrances, bathrooms and changing rooms with adequately sized showers and elevators in the case of multi-storey distribution. At the end of the path, there are relaxation rooms, where you can refresh yourself on chaise longues or sofas while sipping a herbal tea. 
It is therefore essential to ensure a correct distribution of the spaces to guarantee freedom of movement and the consequent well-being. Attention to detail, the functional but at the same time aesthetic choice, characterize the foundations for the success of a Spa and its success over the years. 

5 – Material choices

As for the choice of materials, inside the Spa it is essential that they resist the action of water, humidity and vapors. Furthermore, materials that are durable over time are recommended, in anticipation of frequent and diversified use. Since these environments must guarantee maximum hygiene, it is important that cleaning the surfaces is simple and practical. 
Let's see below some of the most used materials in today's Spas. 

• POLYSTYRENE
  It is used for the construction of prefabricated panels that will form the structure of the wet rooms being analyzed. These are insulating elements that are covered with cement and reinforced with fiberglass on both sides. The choice is dictated by the optimal performance of this type of material that is able to resist humidity, preventing the formation of mold and corrosion. Furthermore, the insulating properties and ease of assembly on site make it a perfect solution.
  
• WOOD
  Used in the construction of sauna cabins and in furnishing accessories for relaxation rooms, it is a material available on the market in various finishes. 
  As for the sauna blocks, the internal and external walls are both made of strictly natural wood. Since it is an environment where the temperature range is very high, it is not possible to use any type of wood but only qualities that can adapt to temperature changes. An example of this is the Nordic fir that is used for the construction of Finnish saunas with a more rustic appearance. 
  Very different from fir is Canadian hemlock, a more valuable wood with a warm color, also used in saunas. What appears to be one of the oldest materials in nature, is also used in the interior furnishings of the wellness center, especially in the relaxation rooms where the humidity level is lower than in other environments. For example, it is easy to find chaise longues and deck chairs in untreated wood, with sinuous shapes that allow a quiet break in a harmonious and natural environment.
  
• NATURAL STONE
  Stone is the material that is most used in this type of structure because it has the right properties and evokes the natural environment. From floors and coverings to seats and support surfaces, stone is a versatile material that resists high temperatures and humidity. Available on the market in various colors and types, it is able to give the environment a natural look, integrating well with the other materials used such as glass and ceramic.
  
• CERAMIC
  This is a substance widely used for covering walls and floors inside Spas. The tiles must be non-slip on walking surfaces to ensure the safety of users.
  Ceramic materials are also widely used because they are easy to sanitize. The smooth surface in fact facilitates maintenance and the joints between one tile and another are hermetically sealed to prevent the formation of bacteria. Finally, the availability of various finishes on the market allows the choice of products that adapt well to each specific project.
  
• SYNTHETIC RESINS
  They are widely used because they have numerous advantages over other materials such as marble, ceramic and terracotta; in fact, they are very resistant, water-repellent and ecological. Furthermore, there are countless variants on the market that allow you to achieve excellent results aimed at emulating wood, stone and marble.
  
• FABRICS
  Natural textile fibers are used in furnishing accessories, in relaxation room seats and in beds intended for wellness treatments, since they are less exposed to the action of water and vapors. The fabrics must be breathable and pleasant to the touch.

6 – Technological innovation

Nowadays, the solutions used in spas and wellness centers are constantly evolving, but what really matters is that the new technology is always functional and guarantees accessibility to a rich and varied user base. Sometimes, in fact, in these spaces there are tools and services designed to amaze and give suggestive experiences to the visitor, to the detriment of true functionality. For this reason, it is important to conceive the technological component as an integrated aspect that responds to the needs of the user, so that it contributes to making the project human-scale. 
In a constantly changing society, it is necessary to adopt an organic attitude, which considers various aspects and which is shaped on the needs of the end user, taking into account the new means and innovative materials at the service of the designer. 
In this regard, there are some new solutions applied to the devices used in wellness facilities, which, thanks to innovation, improve the psycho-physical comfort of the person.  
                   
Regarding hydrotherapy treatments:

• MICROSILK thousands of micro bubbles rich in oxygen are produced which, delivered by a jet, penetrate the pores, regenerating the skin and hydrating it.
• HYDRO PLUS uses innovative performance pumps that guarantee the best hydromassage available on the market today.
• V-JET allows you to personalize the hydrotherapy treatment by choosing countless combinations of different jets.

Furthermore, there is no shortage of technological solutions aimed at involving and exciting the user:

• DOCKING STATION connected to internal speakers in saunas and Turkish baths, it allows you to broadcast sounds and music. In the case of domestic environments, thanks to the dedicated App it is possible to select personalized and predefined playlists.
• AIR STAM SYSTEM delivery of flavored vapors that mix uniformly with the air, avoiding differentiation and improving the quality of the vapor.
• CHANGING RAINFALL HAND SHOWER system that matches colors to water temperature: blue light = cold water, red light = hot water, green light = warm water. This technology can also be used in a domestic environment by simply applying it to the shower siphon.

Technology should be considered added value and aid, what matters is that control of the functionality of the services and their cost is never lost. Initial costs but especially maintenance costs constitute, in fact, a primary element of the Business Plan that must always precede the design process.

7 – Energy saving

As just mentioned, the case of Spas and large wellness centers is particularly complicated in terms of costs and management over time. This is because the machinery used in this type of environment requires enormous amounts of energy and is therefore very expensive. Fortunately, in recent years, the market has been moving towards research and innovation, introducing structures capable of recovering part of the energy consumed. 

These are complex systems that are not yet widespread and well-known, but could solve the problem of expensive maintenance costs. Furthermore, a few measures, right from the early design stages, would be enough to improve the basic conditions of the structure: an architectural shell designed to maximize energy performance and thus reduce costs, systems that use sustainable solutions such as photovoltaic or solar thermal, ecological materials and innovative technologies. 

However, if a project wants to be sustainable it must not only be so from an energy and economic point of view; the environment in which it is located must be considered the basis on which to implement the design choices.
In order to coherently insert the Spa into the context, it is necessary to carry out a careful analysis of the territory, the characteristics and the needs of future users. 
The physical conformation of the structure must follow the archetype of the area as much as possible, the materials used should be local, the services offered must then respond to the particular needs of the place, reflecting if possible the specific traditions. 

THE BIO SPA CASE

In recent years, the so-called Bio Spas have become widespread, structures shaped on the principles of sustainability considered at 360°. Powered by photovoltaic systems and solutions that use renewable resources, they blend in harmoniously with the context. Often the management of this type of center is entrusted to software that is attentive to costs and able to constantly monitor water and energy consumption over time. The materials used for the construction of the Spas and for their interior furnishings are organic and eco-friendly and, when possible, are found on site. This is to reduce costs and pollution caused by transportation and processing. 

Sometimes the internal layout can follow the principles of feng shui, an ancient Chinese tradition according to which through a specific layout of buildings and their internal structure, it would be possible to achieve psycho-physical well-being by warding off negative energies. 
This is a theory that today greatly divides the opinion of experts and designers but that in some cases is embraced and adopted in the creation of living spaces and environments intended for relaxation. If there are additional services inside such as catering, the products are almost always 0 km and organic and the menus are attentive to the needs of a very demanding user. 

Below are two Italian examples of Bio Spa:

Bio Spa Carèra, Rota d'Imagna (Bergamo)

Located in the landscape of the Imagna Valley, in the Bergamo area, it is a true oasis of relaxation immersed in nature. The structure, an integral part of the Hotel Miramonti in Rota d'Imagna, fits into the context, shaping its spaces according to the curvilinear trend of the valley. The rooms, distributed on two floors, host relaxation areas, kenipp, saunas, Turkish bath and emotional showers. On the ground floor there is the swimming pool equipped with hydromassage jets that connects the internal environment to the external one creating a continuum between nature and built space. It is also possible to admire the suggestive panorama of the valley from the terrace - solarium. The materials used for the construction of the center are natural and mainly represented by stone and wood. 
The program includes traditional spa services but with a particular focus on sustainability: for example, all the products used for cosmetic treatments are organic. 

Naturalis Bio Spa, Martano (Lecce)

The structure is immersed in a landscape of uncontaminated nature, inside an ancient and completely renovated barn. The Spa is part of the Naturalis Bio Resort accommodation complex which offers services attentive to the well-being of the visitor and where you can enjoy the suggestive panorama of a country village dating back to the 17th century. 
The wellness center hosts a large hydromassage pool with a salt water tub, a Turkish bath and various emotional showers. Characteristic is the hammam inserted in the limestone rock, where it is possible to come into direct contact with the local nature. 
The treatments are designed to be 100% organic, using only zero-mile products such as wheat, olive oil and aloe. 
In the lounge area it is possible to taste the typical products of this territory, thanks to the presence of cultivated land, close to the structure.