ARCHITECTURE FOR THE SENSES.
SPA AND WELLNESS RETREAT IN THE SWISS ALPS.
TYPE: master thesis
STATUS: final project
STATUS: final project
This thesis is a diploma project and aims to develop a concept for a spa and wellness center in Sankt Moritz, Switzerland. Undertaken theme draws attention to the problem of separating modern people living in the city from contact with nature. The study attempts to raise awareness and promote knowledge about the importance of rest and relationships with nature in human life.
The aim of the study is to design building and spaces influencing emotions, thoughts and human behaviors. Experiencing architecture is supposed to stimulate user sensually and perceptually, act on the senses and perceive stimuli.
Author also draws attention to the issue of building modern facilities, consistent with the idea of sustainability and inscribed in the local natural context.
The architecture of the designed spa and wellness retreat is an attempt to interpret design for human senses. The author reflects on the design of space and points out that intervention in such a spectacular place as the study area requires emphasizing, respecting and celebrating nature and the natural context, while providing visitors a unique experience. The building harmonizes with the surroundings. Landscape of Swiss Alps creates the background for the architecture. The boundaries between the inside and the outside interpenetrate, creating conditions suitable for the experience of space and the relationship of man with the elements of nature.
Spa and wellness retreat is designed using local materials. The main concept of the designed facility is its simple form, inscribed in the surrounding landscape. Earth sheltered building with 4 storeys, covered by green roof, which is an extension of the alpine meadow.
