Biotecture

Biotecture is defined as architecture using organic materials (e.g. plants, minerals,

organisms) for architecture purpose.

A growing awareness of the importance of the natural environment had led to the
recognition that even a man-made environment could never be a wholly mancontrolled environment, because it could not disconnect itself totally from the
natural world around it.

Concern over pollution and depletion of natural resources led to a greater

appreciation of nature expressed in Natural Wood Walls, Bamboo Furniture,
Greenhouses, and Indoor Gardens.

A Biostructure grown by Architect R. De March on his House Farm near Stuttgart,

Germany, consists of living Hazel trees bent into arched shapes as frameworks over
which dense foliage plants have been trained to form protective walls.

Biotecture begins from the standpoint that nature itself is the ideal architectural
construct.

Man-made structures and garden are not to be taken as new creations starting from
nothing but rather as rearrangement of elements present, which are a small part of
total structure.

Biotecture seeks to take advantage of the workings of nature to produce the desired
conditions without unwarranted side effects, instead of expending great quantities
of energy and material resource to create and maintain an artificial environment.

The goal of biological architecture is to produce a human habitat compatible with

the habitats of the other life forms on this planet, and wholly integrated into the
natural cycles of water and air circulation, using clean energy and reusable
materials, and capable of changing in response to changing conditions.

Two Approaches used by Biological Architects:

Biomorphic uses nature as a model and design buildings that apply the structural
principles and decorative motifs found in nature.

Biostructural nature does the actual construction work and make direct use of
natural system for architectural purposes.

In essence the first concept makes use of nature as designer while the second takes
nature as builder.

Principle of Biostructure

Natural processes should be employed to create structure according to human

specifications.

Genetically altered plants that would grow into buildings and building components.

Crystalline materials that would be chemically treated to grow into pre-programmed

shapes.

Building with materials available on site and on the immediate locality as many
species of animals do.

Animals such as:

*Shellfish, corals build elaborate houses for themselves by extracting minerals

naturally present in water.

*Spiders construct elaborate webs of great strength and flexibility byextruding a

quick-hardening organic fluid from their bodies and can recycle an old web by
absorbing the threads back into their bodies again.

*Certain termite colonies fashion natural systems for maintaining constant

humidity, temperature, control, and deep-well water supplies sufficient to maintain
indefinitely a population of over 2.000.000 insects; the source of power is the sun,
building materials are those found in the area.

Hilbertz looks at ways to take architecture responsive to changes in its environment,

as well as changing needs of its inhabitants.

His goal is to achieve a complete symbiosis between man-made and natural

environments. In building environments that grow he envisions building with light,
like in the use of laser beams to generate 3-dimensional holographic images,
through the guidance of computers or in making autotrophic structures which are
self-generating or self-building life the chambered nautilus.

Biological Architecture advocates the incorporation of living plants and animals

into architecture, designing buildings that will realty like living things to changing
environmental conditions.
The Green Machine is a comprehensive urban megastructure proposed be Glen
Small from Los Angeles it is capable of restoring the environment of the entire Los
Angeles Basin. It can support a population density high as 250,000 people per
square mile on a biotecture concept.

The Green Machine combines high technology and ecologically sensitive design in a
multi-story urban housing structure.

It also incorporates both active and passive solar heating, with parabolic disc solar
collectors for power generation and hot water.

It conserves water by collecting rain-water and recycling waste water for subsurface irrigation.

It has built in greenhouses which will permit recycling of garbage and produce food
for residents.

It accommodates modular homes, travel trailers, artists studios. It has a housing

project for low-income families and individuals.

Posted by RSG at 8:50 PM No comments: Labels: Architectural Design, Tropical

Design lesson modules
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Design Guidelines: Public Buildings
Design Guidelines: Public & Government Buildings
School, Research Laboratories, Library, Museums, City Halls, Civic Centers,
Hospitals, Fire Stations, Police Stations, Parks, Embassies, Penitentiaries, Sports
Center, Churches, Seminary, Memorial Parks, Cemeteries, Public Markets

School
- Identify primary users classification pre-school, elementary, secondary and
tertiary.
- Consider the three major components of the academe instruction, reasearch and
extention.
- Lecture room size as per DECS/CHED requirements shall be 8.00 mts. x 9.00 mts.
for 40 students. Laboratories/studios vary according to nature of activity and
equipments involved.
- All doors must swing out towards the corridor side.
- Provide ample movement facilities like hallways, emergency exits, etc.
- Safety and security measures.
- Provide ancilliary facilities.

Research Laboratories
- Holding area for specimens.
- Provisions of work stations and technical library.
- Records vault must be provided.
- Safety and security, surveillance system.
- Databank facilities.

Library
- Determine book holdings.
- Use of ICT features.
- Provide book repairs and work area.
- Ample storage facilities.
- Dumbwaiter must be provided for multi floor libraries
- Ample light and ventilation.

Museums
- Careful study of circulation system / flow of viewers.
- Provide vault for priceless collections
- Provide vault for priceless collections
- Adequate curatorial spaces.
- Flexible service entrance for large exhibit materials.

- Safety and security.

City Halls / Civic Centers

- Application of all laws and provisions on design and construction.
- Heavy, public-oriented / transactional areas must be at the ground floor.
- Presence of government line agencies.
- Flagpole and assembly areas.
- Provide social and recreational facilities.

Hospital
- Strict zoning of areas as to sterile/non-sterile; private/public; quite/noisy etc.
- Relationships of major divisions OPD, Emergency, Clinical, Surgical, Wards,
Administrative, Ancilliary, facilities.
- Create a healing environment.

Fire Stations
- Sanctity of the apparatus floor
- Provide hose tower for hose drying and training.
- Study equipment/apparatus flow.
- Quarters and living areas.
- Administration and nightwatch must be public oriented.
- Equipment storage and facilities like oxygen refill, etc.
- Ancilliary facilities.

Police Stations
- Provide an authoritative booking counter.
- Armory must be near office of station commander.
- Safety and security features.
- Cell separation.
- Quarters and lounge.
- Other ancilliary facilities.

Parks
- Consider specific use like childrens botanical etc.
- Landscaping features are important considerations.
- Harmonious zoning of spaces and facilities
- User friendly, safety and security features.
- Color, texture and forms are salient design factors that must be carefully
considered
- Openness quality, free-flowing movement
- Segregation of areas of different activities and features.
- Create harmonizing features/elements
- Provide ancilliary facilities.

Embassies
- Delineation of consular affairs, attaches portfolio office; and ambassadorial office.
- Security safety and evacuation features.

- Quarters for staff and residential units

- Public / social spaces considerations.
- Country image.

Penitentiaries
- Classification of areas by concentric arrangement like maximum security-inner
space; medium security-middle space; and light security-outer precincts.
- Security/surveillance features
- Recreational/occupational areas.
- Humane environment.
- Ancilliary facilities.

Sports Center
- Provision of facilities accordingly to sport to be accommodated
- Areas for multi purpose activities.
- Provide ample toilet, shower, locker dressing facilities.
- Main floor shall be convertible for other functions.
- Public spaces like bleachers and stadium galleries must be adequately provided
with ambulatory features and amenities.
- Underfloors shall be promoted for other uses like rentable spaces or storage
facilities.
- Use of resilient materials
- Ancilliary facilities

Churches (Catholic)
- Follow Design standards for Catholic churches set forth by the episcopal
commission as implemented by the office of the Arzobispado de Manila and the
CBCP
- Know the placement of the nave side altars, sanctuary/altar, perpetual adoration
chapel of the sacrament, baptistry, sacristy, choir, rectory, bell tower, etc. and their
features.
- Must be conscious of heritage, practices, rituals, and traditions.
- Must be user friendly.
- Must exude piety and serenity.
-

Seminary
- Strict zoning of areas according to basic funtions like private, semi-private and
public.
- Provide spaces that are conducive for vocation formation.
- Optional provision of Chastity alley if required.
- Provide adequate spaces for spiritual, academic, recreational, social, and cultural.
- Provide ancilliary facilities

Memorial Parks / Cemeteries

- Consider Zoning of areas according to classification like, ground plots, garden
types, mausoleums, Crypt, Cineraria, Angelorio etc.
- Provide amenities for users
- Provide ample parking spaces and convertible spaces especially during all Saints
Days.

- Create visual focus, terminal, anchorage.

- Critical consideration for landscaping elements.
- Serene and spiritually motivating ambiance.
- Provide ancilliaries.

Public Markets
- Consider the three basic areas wet, semi-wet and dry markets
- Ventilation and exhaust system must be adequate.
- Fire protection/Suppression system and features.
- Stall size must be in the module 3.00 x 3.00 mts for flexibility of lessee
requirements.
- Waste disposal system.
- Provide market master office, storage facilities, and other ancilliary spaces.
- Regional form and image must be incorporated.
- Parking facilities for delivery and the public must be amply provided.
- MRF facilities needed

SLAUGHTERHOUSE
- Sanitation features
- Loading and unloading docks must be carefully planned.
- Poultry and cattle holding stations must be provided
- Waste disposal system.
- Carcass hanger system must be provided.
- Quarters for staff.
- Ancilliary facilities

Posted by RSG at 12:31 AM 1 comment: Labels: Architectural Design, Design

Review
Design Guidelines: Terminals
DESIGN GUIDELINES: OTHER BUILDINGS
Seaports, Airports, Bus Terminals, Marina

SEAPORTS
- Passenger and cargo traffic must be segregated
- Terminal building must be provided with appropriate facilities for the
passengers/users
- If coast guard offices is required it must be provided with communication facilities.
- Land transportation access must be included.
- Passengers concourse / lounges / waiting area must be enough especially during
peak season.
- Safety and Security features.
- Porterage facilities.
- Storage facilities must be adequate.
- Be aware of the ships portside in relation to the quay
- Provide breakwater and sandbars if necessary.
- Slipways are optional.
- Other support facilities

AIRPORTS

- Consider the two major areas airside and landside.

- Terminal buildings must have good circulation in terms of passengers and cargo
movements.
- Safety and security features.
- Basic amenities
- Provision of airline and courtesy counters
- Portage facilities
- Apron for services at the tarmac area
- Control towers must the most visible feature
- Ample greeters space and parking facilities.

BUS TERMINALS
- Bus circulation in relation to ingress/egress points not the passengers boarding
line.
- Passengers concourse must be large enough to accommodate seasonal peaks
- Quarters for driver and conductors.
- Bus service areas for repair/chek-up with for mechanics and other staff.
- Dispatchers booth.
- Ancilliaries

MARINA
- Provision of clubhouse and boardwalk
- Boat/yacht mooring area
- Breakwater features for containment and water stability.
- Boatshed/repairs area.

- Ancilliaries.

Posted by RSG at 12:25 AM 2 comments: Labels: Architectural Design, Design

Review
Design Guidelines: Commercial
DESIGN GUIDELINES: COMMERCIAL & BUSINESS
Banks, Hotels, Resorts, Cinemas, Theaters, Sound Studio, Recording Studio

BANKS:
- The vault shall be located at the most secured, independent spot within the bank
itself, minimum wall thickness shall be 0.30 mtrs. with steel lining.
- The managers cubicle/office needs to be near the public area contrary to
conventional layout of having it secured inside the clerical pool.
- Clear definition of the banking floor and the clerical area must be established
- Straightforward circulation
- Security is primordial so that spatial arrangements must promote this
quality/need.

HOTELS:
- Guests needs must be a primary consideration.
- Guests rooms must be provided with adequate facilities according to
accommodations, say, single, double, triple, twin, family, suite types, etc.
- Internal toilets and baths are acceptable since active ventilation is expected. Bed
areas must be more exposed to window areas and views.
- Guest room wing must have housekeeping room per floor.
- Kitchen areas must so accessible to function areas like the banquet hall, ballroom.
Function rooms, poolside and coffee shops.

- Laundry areas / storage facilities / service areas must be adequate and accessible
but away from public view.
- Concierge / administration / business center must be accessible from all points.
- Hospitable atmosphere must pervade in the whole hotel setting.

Resorts:
- Design according to classification like beach resort, mountain resort, island resort,
specialty resort, etc.
- Consider their peculiarities.
- Guests amenities must be a primary consideration
- Provide bed and dine facilities
- Safety and security features
- Think of new design idea, making it different from the rest
- If swimming pools are provided, consider organically designed ones like free
flowing forms, vanishing edges etc.
- Provide ancilliary facilities.

Cinemas / Moviehouses:
- Sightlines in relation to the screen and seating location arrangement must be
carefully studied according to the 60 degrees cone of correct vision.
- Fire protection system and exits must be equitably distributed.
- Acoustical treatment / lighting allocation especially on aisles.
- Active ventilation system and utilities.

Sound Studio:

- Control booth at high location with inclined viewing glass for full command of the
production floor.
- Catwalks must be provided for light control
- Provide cyclorama at main backdrop for visual illusion of space.
- Provide adequate work space for scenographics construction.
- Dressing rooms with T&B for talents

Recording Studios:
- Provide sound lock and acoustical treatments.
- Apply the principle of a box within a box.
- Control booth with sound consoles.
- Double glazing of glazed portions of walls, doors, and windows/ portholes.
- Floor must be floating or suspended with isolators
- No walls shall be perpendicular with each other
- For re-recording studies (dubbing), provide projector and perforated screen with
sound effects pit

Posted by RSG at 12:22 AM No comments: Labels: Architectural Design, Design

Review
Design Guidelines: Industrial
DESIGN GUIDELINES: INDUSTRIAL / AGRO-INDUSTRIAL
Industrial Estate, Large Scale Industry, Factories, Shipyards, Mixed Industrial

Industrial Estate:
- Zoning and clustering of related and/or complementing industries.
- Pollution control facilities.

- Careful organization of road networks for facility in movement.

- Safety and security.
- Establish spatial interrelationship between administrative and productive areas.

Large-Scale Industry (Manufacturing):

- Eco-environmental considerations in terms of pollution they create buffer zone
must be created.
- Roadway system must accommodate movement of large vehicles and equipments.
- Site zoning according to activities must be clearly established like administrative
zone, danger / offensive / prohibited zones, etc...
- Site utilities like powerhouse, transformer vault, water storage, effluent
containment, waste management, fire protection, STP, and the like must be
integrated showing their appropriate location and possible capacities they serve
- Safety features must be included

Factories:
- Internal zoning of spaces are required. Color coding of areas (floor finish) are
preferred to monitor movement of personnel.
- Catwalks can be provided for easy monitoring. System supervisors must be
provided with work stations/areas
- Clinic must be near the production areas as accidents occur mostly here.
- Loading/unloading zones for finished products and raw materials must be properly
located in relation to storage facilities.
- Pollutants must be checked by providing features to treat them.

Shipyards:
- Stockyard must be large enough to accommodate volume of materials.
- Tidal basin must be deep enough to accommodate large vessels.

- Dry and wet docks must be so located to be oriented towards the waterfront.
- Slipway must be provided
- Boatshed for boat repair must be provided.

Mixed Industrial:
- Vegetative zone between the two major areas must be provided.
- Confinement of each areas to a prospective spot defining certain treatments about
their atmosphere.
- Eco-environmental features
- Promotion of facilities for industrial peace and harmony.
- Provide recreational areas and mandatory communal facilities.

Posted by RSG at 12:19 AM No comments: Labels: Architectural Design, Design

Review
Friday, May 30, 2008
Spa Design Part 3

COMPONENTS OF A SPA FACILITY

a. THE BASICS
Reception Desk and Welcome area
Reservations and Scheduling
Retail/Spa Boutique

Mens and Womens Locker Rooms

Dry Treatment Rooms
Wet Treatment Rooms
European Hydro-Massage
Treatment Showers and Baths
Treatment Waiting Area
Treatment Lab

b. OPTIONAL
Private Relaxation/Meditation Areas
Mens and Womens Wet Areas
Common Wet Areas
Movement Studio
Fitness Equipment Studio
Swimming Pools and Aquatics
Administrative Offices
Staff Lounge
Storage Areas
Laundry Room
Spa Caf and Juice Bar
Beauty Salon

FACILITY PLANNING AND DESIGN

A. ENTRY / RECEPTION
Entry and Reception should provide a residential not institutional feeling

B. LOCKER ROOM / CHANGING / VANITY AREA

Provide for appropriate number of half size lockers (two per full size locker banks)
on each side
Utilize movable benches or Ottomans on casters for seating by lockers
Provide make-up lights around vanity mirrors on womens side
Provide wall mounted magnified shaving mirrors at vanity on mens side
Provide wall mounted hair dryer units at vanities on both sides
Provide for electrical outlets above vanities
Flooring in locker and changing area should be carpeted, all other areas tiled
Provide for clean and soiled linen storage

C. WET FLOOR
Provide wall mounted soap, shampoo & conditioner dispensers in showers
Accommodate Sauna, Steam, Whirlpool and Cold Pool (if applicable)
Provide lounge with water proof seating near each wet area
Provide clothing hooks throughout area
Flooring should be non-slip easily cleanable tileProvide for non-corrosive
ventilation ducts in this area
Outflow of HVAC should be provided for 25 air changes per hour
Provide for ozone water purification system for whirlpools. (No smell!)
Provide a self service water station
Provide for clean and soiled linen storage
Ceiling shall be waterproofed material or no ceiling, sloped ceiling. Note moisture
from hot water.

D. TREATMENT ROOMS

1. WET TREATMENT
A wet area treatment room should be near the wet area; Access to these treatment
areas should be from both the mens and womens locker rooms through a hallway
The area should include:
- treatment tables
- floor drain
- where required the following: sink, counter space, clean and soiled linen storage
- overhead showers or treatment shower or soak tubs
- infra-red heat lamps recessed into ceiling over each table
easy to clean moisture resistant materials
2. DRY TREATMENT
Rooms need to be sound insulated.
Keep treatment areas as flexible as possible. Rooms to change when program
changes
located in dry therapy area. Tip: should have access to laundry storage and drop
off
Flooring can be vinyl tile, wood, or cushioned recreational surface. Tip: avoid tile,
marble, or granite (too hard for the therapist to stand on
Massage table: 1.8m x 0.75m (72x30) with an adjustable face cradle attached to
the end of the table adding another 12. Table can be longer 2m x 0.75 if face hole
is provided. Table upholstery should be made from Naugahyde with a smooth
surface with medium firm padding. Table can have built-in shelves.
Allow 0.8m-1m workspace around the massage table for therapist.
Individual room, couples room, or common rooms. Room size: 3m x 4m
washable wall paper or paint.
Allow doors to open comfortably. use lever-type hardware for door knobs
(therapists have oil on their hands). Doors for individual rooms must have visual
access from hallway

 Indirect lighting with dimmer control on walls or overhead (not directly above
massage table)
windows lighting preferred with vertical, horizontal, or roman blinds.
provide wall outlets at foot and sides of table, and a counter-height outlet for and
essential oil diffuser. Tip: In-house phone with intercom in rooms is advised in larger
facilities.
One centrally located sound system, with speakers in each room that have an
individual volume control knob.
smaller rooms can have tables with built-in storage space for linens, towels, oils,
bolsters etc.
If room is too small to provide storage inside, storage directly outside room is
necessary
massage rooms scan have a small sink and linen cabinet. Tip: provide storage
above and below sink; sink and cabinet should be in corner at an angle; sinks should
have hot and cold water
provide robe hooks

3. FEET & FACIALS

located in dry therapy area with massage rooms, or in the Beauty Salon area.
lounge and wait area should be within close proximity to the treatment rooms
( this minimizes traffic in between treatments).
sink should be located behind lounge or to the side. (both hot and cold running
water is necessary)
floor must be non-porous, surface, smooth and washable
laundry drop directly outside of rooms, preferably dropping into chute or carts
millwork for cabinets must washable
provide extra sound proofing in between rooms and hallways
indirect lighting with dimmer control on wall or overhead at edge of ceiling, not
directly over facial lounge; task lighting at counter surface. Tip: Provide separate
overhead lighting for waxing, on separate switch. Mount items like mag and infra
red lamps on walls to lessen wear and tear on equipment. Room does not require
daylight.

 Wall outlet at foot and sides of table or facial seat; counter-height outlet for
sterilizer, waxing unit, essential oil diffuser; in-house intercom in each room.
Same sound system as for massage rooms-centrally located sound system with
speakers in each room. Tip: each room needs individual volume control knob.
Space requirement: 2.5m x 3m or 3m x 3m for each cubicle / room
provide stool on rollers, with adjustable height and back support
provide storage cabinet for professional products with locks and drawers for small
tools; countertop for small sterilizer

E. CAF/JUICE BAR

F. SALON
related services such as nails, hair, and make-up can be integrated into the spa
environment, and some are best offered in a separate salon area.
Floors should be of a material that is easy to clean (ie. Vinyl tile)
Lighting should be flattering to hair and Skin
Include a separate small reception counter which also acts as the retail point of
sale
Clients must be able to directly access the salon from the womens locker room

G. BACK OF THE HOUSE

STAFF LOUNGE
Incorporated centrally near the treatment area
Staff lounge facilities a mix of men and women
Provide a lavatory and shower if space permits and quarter-size lockers along one
wall (# depends on number of providers/therapists)

ATTENDANT STATIONS

 Add attendant stations (2.5m x 4m) at entrance to each locker room

Provide provisions for safe deposit boxes (optional)
Provide desk with locked drawers, key board, bulletin board, telephone, music
control and linen storage

STORAGE
Strategically place one or two inventory storage rooms
Number and location depends on space limitations and facility usage
Storage space should be accessible from mens and womens locker rooms,
laundry and refuse areas

LAUNDRY
Provide direct access for laundry dispersal and retrieval
Provide a ramp into the laundry room through back of house passage
Provide for in house storage of a minimum of two (1m x 1.5m) laundry carts
Provide for in house storage of clean linens and towels in a centrally located area

DESIGN TIPS:

Materials: Non-corrosive materials should be used in all high moisture areas (Vents,
ducts, drains, ceiling & wall cover); Easy to clean moisture resistant materials
should be used in all high moisture areas; Consider using local materials and
integrating cultural and artistic traditions

Create Texture: Use wall hangings, pillows, rugs and unique bed coverings to create
texture and contrast in your spa. Locally made textiles embody a return to folkloric
ideals and handmade crafts. Balance a combination of elements, such as reclaimed
woods and other recyclables, textured glass, and metals such as copper and bronze.

Bring the Outdoors In: Create a sense of the outdoors indoors by using with
waterfalls, bamboo, and stone. Natural elements such as calming waters and
meditative gardens intrigue spa visitors as they experience the environment along
with their treatments.

Dont Forget Dramatic Doors: Pay attention to doors and entryways: they signify a
crossing-over to a place where people can leave their everyday lives behind.
People are focusing on the client transition from the street to the spa interior, says
Clodagh. Water features, plants, and specialized lighting can liven up a plain looking
door.

Choose Colors that Stimulate the Senses: Flat color is out, and color with depth and
character is in. The design philosophy is to create environments that engage the
senses. Splashes of color enliven our spirits; luxurious textures engage our touch;
aromas tantalize our sense of smell. All aspects of design contribute to the overall
experience and ultimately the success of a spa.

see www.sanctuario.com.ph and

http://www.metrolifestyledavao.com/bahia/index.html

Posted by RSG at 12:24 AM No comments: Labels: Architectural Design

Spa Design Part 2
DEFINITION OF SPA

There are various stories about the origin of the name.

The term is derived from the name of the town of Spa, Belgium, where since
medieval times illnesses caused by iron deficiency were treated by drinking
chalybeate (iron bearing) spring water.

A Belgian spring of iron bearing water was called Espa for "fountain", and was used
in 1326 as a cure by an iron master with such success that he founded a health
resort which developed into the town.It is also suggested that the term Espa may be
derived from the name of the resort, and that its source could be the Latin word
"spagere" meaning to scatter, sprinkle or moisten.

It is often suggested, with little evidence, that the word is an acronym of various
Latin phrases such as "Salus Per Aquam or "Sanitas Per Aquam" meaning "health
through water", all of which seem to have modern sources.

According to the International Spa Association:

Spa - an entity devoted to enhancing overall well-being through a variety of
professional services that encourage the renewal of mind, body and spirit.

TYPES OF SPAS:

Different kinds of spas serve different purposes.

A. according to treatment and services:

1) Day Spa facilities have no overnight accommodations, offering beauty, wellness

and relaxation programs that may last an hour. Many also offer salon services.

2) Destination Spa - Its sole purpose is to help you lead a healthier lifestyle through
spa treatments, exercise, and educational programming like exercise classes, body
treatments, mind-enrichment & stress-reduction activities, spa cuisine. You stay at
least two nights. Some have minimum stays of three or seven nights. Spa cuisine is
served exclusively

3) Medical Spa - A facility offering treatments that require a doctors supervision

whose primary purpose is to provide comprehensive medical and wellness care in
an environment that integrates spa services, as well as traditional, complimentary

and/or alternative therapies and treatments. The facility operates within the scope
of practice of its staff, which can include both Aesthetic/Cosmetic and
Prevention/Wellness procedures and services

4)Holistic Spa - Spas focusing on alternative healing methods and nutrition, mainly
vegetarian or macrobiotic holistic healing seeks "high level of wellness" integrating
body and mind in a higher consciousness

5)Structured Spa - Spas with a strict set of rules whose entire facility is geared
towards the achievement of a particular goal such as weight loss, or fitness.

6) Sports/Adventure Spa - Hotel or resort providing therapeutic baths and body

treatment and that offer special sports and outdoor adventure programs that
include anything from golf to skiing, fly-fishing to marathon conditioning.

B. according to location:

1) Club Spa - A day spa located in a fitness facility or health club whose primary
purpose is fitness and which offers a variety of professionally administered spa
services on a day-use basis.

2) Cruise ship spa A spa aboard a cruise ship providing professionally administered
spa services, fitness and wellness components and spa cuisine menu choices.

3)Mineral springs spa - A spa offering an on-site source of natural mineral, thermal
or seawater used in hydrotherapy treatments.

4) Resort/hotel spa - Usually located in beautiful environments providing

professionally administered spa services, fitness and wellness components and spa
cuisine menu choices. In addition to the leisure guest, this is a great place for
business travelers who wish to take advantage of the spa experience while away
from home.

5) Airport Spa - It is located in an airport and specializes in short treatments aimed

at the traveler, like 15-minute chair massage and oxygen therapy. Some also offer
longer treatments.

To understand and organize this overwhelming variety of spa offerings, the

International Spa Association (ISPA) has defined the "ten domains of SPA" or
segments of the industry as:
1. "The Waters"
2. Food, Nourishment, Diet and Nutrition
3. Movement, Exercise and Fitness
4. Touch, Massage, and Bodywork
5. Mind/Body/Spirit
6. Aesthetics, Skin Care, Natural Beauty Agents
7. Physical Space, Climatology, Global Ecology
8. Social/Cultural Arts and Values, Spa Culture
9. Management, Marketing, and Operations10. Time, Rhythm, and Cycles

Not every spa includes every domain.

Spa- goers are drawn to indigenous treatments and products, especially when
traveling. New textures, aromas and sounds with meaningful story-telling help forge
connections to people, places and traditions.

see www.sanctuario.com.ph and

http://www.metrolifestyledavao.com/bahia/index.html

Posted by RSG at 12:13 AM No comments: Labels: Architectural Design

Spa Design Part 1
INTRODUCTION

A business traveler wants to minimize jet lag. A mother of three wants some time to
herself. A group of friends plans a birthday celebration. A man with back pain seeks
relief. A teenager is troubled by acne. A weekend warrior is sore from overexertion.
A man decides to stop smoking. A busy executive wants to rediscover spirituality. A
woman wants help establishing a safe and effective exercise regimen. An obese
man needs help controlling his weight. A pregnant woman wants to feel more
comfortable. A couple wants to reconnect. Where can all these people go for help?

A spa.

Todays spa is a center for healing and nourishing mind, body, and spirit. People go
to spas for fitness, stress management, peace of mind, pampering and pleasure,
and health and wellness. Spas offer a wide variety of techniques and services traditional and modern, from the East and from the West - to meet the diverse

needs of their clients: Swedish, Japanese Shiatsu, and Thai massage, European
facials, acupuncture, Dead Sea salt scrubs, Moor mud wraps, thalassotherapy,
aromatherapy, reflexology, microdermabrasion, endermologie, reiki, aura imaging,
watsu, rasul, hypnotherapy, classes in nutrition, meditation, journaling, yoga and Tai
Chi, state-of-the-art fitness centers with personal trainers, and much more.

Spas come in many shapes, sizes, and focuses - from day spas where you can get a
single treatment to destination spas where you can stay for a week or more to
medical spas that treat cosmetic and chronic health problems. Spas are
everywhere. The number of spas in the U.S. grew at an annual rate of 21% from
1995-1999 and continues to show strong growth. Aggregate industry revenues grew
by 114 percent between 1999 and 2001.The size of the United States spa industry
in 2001 was estimated at 9,632 locations; in 2000, that number was 5,689.

Although spas seem to have sprung up overnight, thats not the case. The Waters
can be traced back to early civilizations. Like water, spa popularity has come in
waves throughout history. Popularity of spas has accompanied cultures with leisure
time. Social bathing was an important cultural process practiced by Mesopotamians,
Egyptians, Minoans, Greeks, and Romans whenever they sought health and relief
from their pain and disease. From the small Greek laconica grew the Roman
balneum and finally the extravagant Roman thermae (Greek word for heat).

As the Roman Empire fell, the Roman thermae fell into disrepair and disuse. The
bath gained and lost popularity in different parts of the world Asia, Europe, Africa,
and North America through the present day. Baths were often built near natural
hot or mineral springs. Towns like Spa, Belgium, Baden-Baden, Germany, and Bath,
England, grew up around natural thermal waters considered to have healing
properties. The use of saunas and steam baths also emerged. As these springs and
spas were discovered, forgotten, and rediscovered, the healing power of the water
was often enhanced and formalized.

With the medical discoveries of the early 20th century, scientific clinics and public
hospitals replaced the spa. Existing spas responded by offering luxury
accommodations, and many eventually turned into vacation locations or clinics that
concentrated on weight loss, catering to the wealthy, with the spa origins obscured.
In recent years, the value of prevention, healthy lifestyles, and relaxation has been
rediscovered and the spa is again finding its place in modern society as a place

uniquely qualified to address these needs. The wealthy no longer have exclusive
use of spas. Spas now appeal to and are accessible to a much broader population.

Todays spa is an interesting combination of ancient traditions and modern

mechanical wonders. However, the heart of the modern spa, just as the ancient spa,
is water and the rituals that evolve around it. The proper sequence of the typical
spa ritual is cleaning, heating, treatment, and rest. The first step, cleaning, should
be a visit to the shower to purify the body. The second step is to heat the body.
Many spas offer heated whirlpools, saunas, and steam rooms. A short visit to each
or any combination can heat the body (caution: this step should be eliminated for
people with certain medical conditions). The third step is the treatment such as a
body scrub and massage. The last and equally important step is rest. Todays ritual
is very similar to the spa ritual used at the Roman thermae.

There have been many recent additions to spa water therapies in recent times. The
Jacuzzi whirlpool, a central fixture in many modern spas, was invented in the 1950s,
followed by Hydrotherapy Tubs, Swiss Showers, Scotch Hoses, and Vichy Showers. In
addition to these mechanical inventions, new therapeutic ways to use still water
have been discovered: Floatation Therapy, Watsu, Wassertanzen, Water Dance,
Liquid Sound, and Dreams and Rituals in Healing Waters have been developed. The
spa today embraces and celebrates its origins in water and is constantly looking for
new ways to express it.