Industry insights SPA DESIGN
“We will be working more with innovative futuristic materials” Marie Soliman & Albin Berglund, founders, Bergman interiors
■■ Albin Berglund has won awards for his work on the new Bjorn Spa in Norway
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Courtesy bjorn spa
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t is important to separate the temporary impact of COVID-19, such as heightened sanitation measures, social distancing and impact on travel, versus the longer-term impact on consumer attitudes and behaviour. We believe that the impact long-term will see people wanting to make an even greater investment in health and wellbeing. There are very strong push and pull factors that were accelerating the guest demand for health and wellbeing experiences before COVID, and these will only grow stronger. These push factors are the relentless pressures on our health – such as less physically active work, the prevalence of processed food, air quality concerns, light and noise pollution – all of which create malaise, illness and stress. COVID-19 has been a super-accelerator to these push factors globally, with a cross-generational embrace of the need to invest in one’s wellbeing and a clear reminder of the benefit of leading a preventative lifestyle. Then we have the pull factors; wellness is a highly appealing touch-point among consumers, a desirable draw that promises unique, enriching, relaxing experiences that help us define and express ourselves. In designing spas, we will be working more with innovative futuristic materials, such as air purifier tiles and antibacterial flooring, especially in the wet areas and spa environments. Bitter metal is a sleek material that can be used on walls and domestic floors, which has a silverbased substance mixed into the glaze before firing that
makes it antibacterial. Thermal Tile has all the qualities of conventional tile, but with significantly better insulation, an extremely high anti-slip factor, and antibacterial qualities. We have seen more interest in technology like automatic doors and facial recognition, and in offerings like infrared saunas, sensory deprivation pods, and salt chambers, which offer touchfree treatments as well as help with recovery and immunity. Zoning will be important in determining how to design a functional spa and organise the flow within the space, and things like HEPA air filters and UV sterilisers will help with disinfection. ■■ Marie Soliman and Albin Berglund are founders of Bergman Design House, a luxury interior and architectural design firm. www.bergmaninteriors.com SPA BUSINESS HANDBOOK 2020 – 2021 121