Designing Wellness: A conversation with Alessandra Barilaro

Working in two such different contexts as Italy and the United Arab Emirates offers a unique perspective on design and the architectural approach. In Italy, design is deeply rooted in history, urban context, and craftsmanship, with great attention to detail and traditional materials. In the Emirates, on the other hand, design is often characterized by a more ambitious and futuristic vision, driven by innovation and the use of cutting-edge technologies and materials. Additionally, construction timelines tend to be much faster compared to Europe.

When it comes to spas, cultural context plays a fundamental role. In the Middle East, the wellness experience is deeply rooted in the tradition of Arab hospitality and the ritual bathing culture, such as the hammam. This translates into larger spaces, often gender-segregated, with a strong focus on privacy and sensory ambiance. Luxurious materials like marble and brass, combined with sophisticated lighting, help create welcoming and scenic environments.
In Europe, however, the concept of the spa is more connected to psychophysical well-being and a bond with nature. Rougher, more sustainable materials like wood and natural stone are preferred, with a design that emphasizes minimalism and a relationship with the surrounding landscape.

My first experience designing a spa was for Cayan Tower in Dubai, with the operator Liv Nordic. It was there that I "learned" how crucial gender separation is in Arab culture. The project had a strong Nordic imprint, featuring minimalist design and natural materials, and we focused heavily on the connection with nature. This approach became a guiding thread in all the spas we designed in the Emirates, influencing our conception of these spaces.

However, other spas I’ve worked on in the UAE followed a different direction, with a strong Oriental influence. This demonstrates how cultural context is pivotal in design. Adapting to these differences is one of the most stimulating challenges of our work because it allows us to create spaces that respect local traditions while maintaining a contemporary vision. Each project thus becomes an opportunity to interpret wellness through different lenses, finding a balance between innovation and cultural identity.

The concept of wellness in architecture is not absolute but rather a balance of physical, sensory, and emotional elements shaped by cultural and functional contexts. In the hospitality sector, design plays a crucial role in crafting environments that promote relaxation and comfort through a thoughtful combination of materials, lighting, proportions, and spatial flow.
Biophilic design is central to this process, restoring the innate connection between humans and nature by integrating natural light, greenery, water, and organic materials. Air quality, acoustics, and a sense of openness to the outdoors further enhance the authenticity of the wellness experience.

While certain principles are universal — such as the pursuit of harmony with the surrounding environment — the interpretation of wellness varies across different cultures. In Europe, it’s often linked to intimacy and sustainability, with minimalist spaces and natural materials. In the United Arab Emirates, luxury, dramatic design, and privacy are key, though the connection to nature is becoming increasingly significant, expressed through elements like water, fire, and tactile materials that evoke the local landscape.

Ultimately, the true aim of design is to interpret and adapt these elements to the unique needs of each place and its people, creating spaces that resonate with authenticity and harmony.

Designing a spa requires close collaboration between various professionals, each with specific needs. The client, often a hotel chain, has a clear vision of the brand and guest expectations; the SPA Consultant brings essential technical expertise, while the general contractor turns the project into reality, ensuring timelines and budgets are met.

As architects, our role is to mediate between these different demands, balancing aesthetics, functionality, and feasibility. One of the main challenges is maintaining the coherence of the architectural concept while integrating the technical requirements that arise along the way, without compromising the sensory and spatial experience. Managing expectations is also crucial: the client often has a clear idea of the desired outcome but may not be aware of technical or regulatory challenges.

A prime example is the project for the Eforea and Saray SPA on Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. Starting from nearly identical floor plans, as they are located in twin buildings, we created two distinct environments that reflect each brand’s identity, thanks to ongoing dialogue between all parties involved.

The key to success lies in the ability to listen and adapt: each spa has different requirements, and our task is to transform them into a harmonious project where aesthetics, functionality, and well-being blend seamlessly.

Designing a spa is a complex process, but the most critical phase is the initial one, where the functional layout and internal flows are defined. This is when the balance between operational, aesthetic, and technical needs must be struck, ensuring spaces offer a smooth, comfortable experience for guests while remaining efficient for staff.

A key challenge is organizing the pathways: SPAs require clear separation between wet and dry areas, relaxation and operational zones, and often gender-specific spaces, especially in the Middle East. Mistakes at this stage can compromise functionality, making later corrections difficult.

Another challenge lies in integrating technical systems to maintain comfort without disrupting the design. Humidity and temperature, for example, must be constantly controlled to avoid condensation and material deterioration. Collaboration with specialized engineers and consultants is crucial to preserving the design concept while ensuring performance.

Material selection is equally delicate: they must resist humidity, be easy to maintain, and enhance the sensory atmosphere. Often, finding finishes that meet both technical and aesthetic requirements requires thorough research.

To tackle these challenges, we adopt a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach, involving technical consultants, operators, and builders from the start. We use 3D models and simulations to test solutions before execution, reducing errors and ensuring every element is perfectly integrated. This allows us to turn technical complexities into opportunities to enhance the spa experience.

The starting point for designing a SPA is understanding the context and the client’s needs. Each SPA has its own identity, born from the balance between aesthetic vision and functional requirements.

For example, at the Taj Exotica Resort spa in Dubai, the concept draws inspiration from the desert’s natural landscape: the fluid lines of the corridors and the use of natural materials like travertine and wood create a sensory journey that guides guests through each stage of their wellness experience. Treatment rooms, with enveloping shapes and wooden details, foster an intimate atmosphere, while golden Turkish baths, saunas, and ice fountains blend seamlessly into a harmonious flow.

Every project arises from the dialogue between context, client, and design, creating experiences that go beyond aesthetics, transforming into true wellness journeys.

One of the most common mistakes I've encountered in SPAs relates to the layout. Poorly designed pathways can compromise the guest's experience, who should feel immersed in a harmonious and fluid environment, free from distractions or disorientation.

For example, I once entered a SPA where the entire locker room was visible from the corridor, which immediately compromises privacy and the sense of intimacy. The separation between public and private areas must be carefully managed, creating gradual and discreet transitions between spaces.

Another mistake I’ve noticed concerns the arrangement of pathways. In some cases, I had to walk long and winding routes that combined different functions to reach the wet or relaxation areas. This not only slows down the flow of guests but also reduces their comfort level.

During the design phase, it's essential to pay close attention to the distribution of spaces, considering both the practical needs of the guests and their emotional and sensory experience.

In the construction of a SPA, one of the biggest areas for potential waste is the choice of materials and finishes. High-end or expensive materials are often selected for aesthetic value, but they may not be suitable for a spa’s specific needs, such as humidity and easy maintenance. This leads to overspending on materials that require costly upkeep or don’t provide the best long-term value.

Another potential waste occurs in managing technical systems like HVAC, dehumidification, and lighting. It's important to invest in energy-efficient technologies, but often, not enough attention is given to optimizing energy use or reducing long-term operating costs. Proper sizing and integration of heating and cooling systems is key to avoiding inefficiencies.

Water use, central to any SPA, must also be managed carefully to avoid waste. For example, Kneipp paths, emotional showers, or Sky Rain systems must be designed to maximize efficiency without sacrificing the guest experience. Inefficient water systems that consume more than necessary can be avoided with modern technologies that regulate flow and temperature.

If I had the opportunity to design a SPA without budget or regulatory limits, I would imagine a place where nature and technology blend harmoniously, creating a unique sensory and emotional experience. The journey would begin outdoors, immersed in a natural landscape, moving through different environments, from the silence of the mountain to the serenity of a secret garden.

The interiors, inspired by nature, would combine forms, materials, and lights to create a fluid atmosphere. Light, as a tool for interaction with the rhythm of day and night, would enhance the experience. A visionary element I would include is "smart" plants, capable of interacting with guests and changing the environment based on emotions and physical parameters, adapting to individual well-being.

This concept is inspired by the philosophy of Emanuele Coccia, who views every space as a living organism in continuous transformation. A spa designed this way would become an interactive experience where nature and technology combine to offer a journey of care and reflection.

The detail that can make a big difference in a well-designed SPA is that small gesture that transforms an environment into an extraordinary experience, something that surprises and captivates. Imagine entering a SPA and, as soon as you step through the door, feeling enveloped by an atmosphere that changes in real-time, tailored to your preferences: the temperature, the soft lighting, the scent of natural essences welcoming you, and the water that, in its flow, seems to respond to your body. It’s the meeting of advanced technology and a design created to evoke emotions, a personalized experience that begins from the very first moment, guided by an operator who knows the guest's needs before they even express them.

Another key aspect is the element of surprise. Every corner of the SPA should be designed to enchant: a path that reveals unexpected spaces where nature and technology blend, like a waterfall transforming into an interactive "rain room," a Kneipp path playing with light and water to stimulate the senses, a sauna that, with a single gesture, leads you into a completely new world.

These small, invisible yet powerful details are what leave a lasting impression. Because a SPA, when designed with passion and attention, is not just a place to relax, but an experience that awakens every sensation, every emotion, leaving you with the desire to return and discover something new.

What strikes me most about this question is the immediate thought I had: there are SPAs that have left a very positive impression on me, but I hardly remember their aesthetic details, or perhaps they didn’t even have a predominant aesthetic focus. What stays with me are the emotions they evoked. In recent years, I’ve become more and more focused on the emotions that spaces, interiors, and architecture provoke. I study the impact that color has on people, explore the concept of biophilia, and try to understand how to improve work and healthcare spaces, for example.

Of the SPAs I’ve visited, some have stayed with me precisely because of their emotional impact. For me, it’s crucial that a space, rather than being visually perfect, creates an atmosphere that engages the senses. The emotion it evokes, the serenity, the feeling of well-being it transmits, are what matter most. In some cases, it’s not the ‘classic’ aesthetics that impress me, but the way the environment manages to connect with the guest, to create a deep bond. This is what I would like to bring to the SPAs I design, striving to create experiences that remain in people’s hearts.