“What you think, you become. What you feel, you attract. What you imagine, you create.� -Buddha Dedicated to my loving mother who encourages me to think, feel and imagine every day
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Table of Contents 1
Project Introduction + Design Objectives
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2 Historiography + Contemporary Global Context
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3 Case Studies Juvenex Spa Amrita Yoga Studio Spa House Yoga Studio
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4 Design + Technical Criteria
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5 Topical Explorations
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6 Existing Site, Context, Climate + Zoning
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7 Program Development + Documentations
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8 Building Analysis, Code, Regulations + Standards
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9 Project Research Summary + Conclusion
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10 Bibliography + Appendix
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Section 1
Introduction + Design Objectives
“You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. What you’ll discover will be wonderful. What you’ll discover is yourself.” As society continues to pull citizens into corporate America, we begin to leave ourselves behind. With a constant focus on achieving the highest economical standards, today’s population is neglecting to achieve psychological balance. Restore Wellness Studio will provide a retreat for such people who have lost themselves in their work. With a design focused on restoring both the mind and body, the space will include yoga studios and classes, massage and spa treatments and a locally sourced, all-natural cafe. The design, while maintaining a soothing yet energetic environment, will incorporate various spaces for both private reflection and social interaction. Exploring psychological effects
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of the natural environment, the design of Restore will encourage interaction between interior and exterior both physically and conceptually. To best represent the facility as a restorative space, research will be conducted on the psychological effects of interior environment on relaxation and the practice of yoga. Because both mind and soul are fully conscious during meditative practice, psychological studies will best aid design decisions. Studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign show that following 20 minutes of yoga, “participants were better able to focus their mental resources, process information quickly, more accurately and also learn, hold and update pieces of information more effectively.”1 With an increase in cognitive activity, users will be emotionally and physically
effected by the atmosphere and design aesthetic of the studio. By investigating color, architectural style, materials, lighting and overall atmosphere, the design will encourage relaxation and rejuvenation though the consideration of both architectural and psychological literature. Three main sources of research include: Yoga, Karma and Rebirth by Stephen Phillips; Health Impacts of Yoga and Pranayama: A State-of-the-Art Review by Pallav Sengupta; and Time Saving Standards for Interior Design & Space Planning by Joseph DeChiara. In addition, ethnographic research will be conducted in spas, yoga studios, and meditative spaces in order to best evaluate the needs of this user group. With varying needs for each user of the space, it is best to conduct research first hand. Through site visits, a
stronger census can be developed regarding the necessities and amenities within the studio, which will in turn fortify the academic literature.
 With this research, the interior designer can create an educated design which both physically and emotionally pleases the user. By acknowledging psychological design, Restore Wellness Studio will provide varying spaces to best accommodate all users. With knowledge in way-finding, use of space, human behavior and interaction, an interior designer will not only help with space planning to better suit various users but aesthetics that will psychologically amplify a sense of relaxation in the space.
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Environmental consideration and sustainable design will be critical for the interior designer, as well. Because the space is striving to clear the mind of it’s users, materials and design concepts
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must parallel this cleansing notion. While efforts will be made to incorporate green systems within the existing building, the majority of the sustainable focus for the interior designer will be on finishes, materials and lighting. By creating a natural procession from interior to exterior with large spans of glass and open spaces, the design to feel cohesive with nature both physically and aesthetically. Because many yoga practitioners live a fully organic life, it will be critical to design in a manor that is both cost effective and natural. The client for this project is a yogi herself. She is a woman in her forties who has had enough of the high-stress working life in the city and wants to incorporate a slower pace lifestyle into the suburbs of Philadelphia. Her goal is to provide men and women of the area with a place of relaxation, a designated area where they can go to reconnect with the natural
world that is so often forgotten. This project will be well funded by the client’s family and her wealth earned from a past career. This client has a passion for the yoga lifestyle and wants to incorporate both the physical and spiritual aspects of the practice into the studio with large exercise areas contrasting mediation zones. Employees of Restore will have parallel goals to the clients. As yogis themselves, instructors wish to better the lives of others while maintaining a healthy balance of work, practice and play. While there will be full time managers and employees, the majority of instructors and masseuses will have part-time jobs. Many instructors will be teaching classes throughout the day but will have days off to encourage their own exploration of the natural world. As Restore Wellness Studio strives to extract over-worked Philadelphians from their full-time, autocratic
jobs and place them into a natural suburban environment, the mission of the company is to provide its own workers with a better quality of life and lowstress career. With part-time employees, it is crucial to have an organized workspace to limit confusion for people whom have not been in the facility in a few days. Instructors and massage therapists have specific requirements in order to carry out their day. Without creating specific areas for each branch of the facility, items will get lost and employees will be ill prepared for their day. In order to save time and stress, back of house way finding and proper storage become crucial to the design of this facility. Public users of the space, in addition, will require an organized space which minimizes stress. Because the studio is acting as their place of
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restoration and relaxation, it is critical to design in a manor that is both aesthetically calming and functionally pleasing. Both user groups will also require durable materials and sustainable design initiatives. The space should not be utilizing much visible technology as the design should be mostly connected to the natural world which it is surrounded by. The facility will be open to adults of all ranges; however, the target age to pursue in design aesthetics
is from 25-50. This is the range that will most likely be going to work everyday and will require a studio facility to help maintain a healthy lifestyle within this routine. This user group will stimulate a large population growth for the company by becoming a frequent visitors and inviting friends and coworkers. The studio will become a place for relaxation but also social interaction. Many people in this group are searching for a significant other or to expand their friend group. By creating
lounge spaces throughout the studio, the design will give users the opportunity to interact amongst each other. These lounge areas will help control traffic when visitors arrive early for classes and provide another moment of relaxation subsequent to a spa treatment before visitors commence their day. By creating various spaces similar to this, the design will accommodate all types of human behavior and social dispositions. These various spaces will help to create the desired sense of community within the facility.
“You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. What you’ll discover will be wonderful. What you’ll discover is yourself.” -Alan Alda 10
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The facility will strive to create an environment that is safe and healthy for stressed users. The space will provide ample relaxation spaces outside of studios and massage rooms for
interaction between visitors. The well funded design will provide high-end durable finishes and appliances while maintaining a cohesion with the natural world. Through environmentally
friendly and psychologically calming design, Restore Wellness Studio will provide a stress-free relaxation zone for the tireless workers of today’s corporate America.
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End Notes = 1 Neha Gothe, Matthew Pontifex, Charles Hillman, and Edward McAuley, “The Acute Effects of Yoga on Executive Function,” Journal of Physical Activity & Health, February 3, 2012, http://kch.illinois.edu/research/labs/neurocognitive-kinesiology/files/ Articles/Gothe_2013_TheEffectsOfA.pdf.
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Pictoral References IMG 1.1 http-//www.tributes.com/images/themes_2/Spiritual/Yoga IMG 1.2 http-//1.bp.blogspot.com/-TT6jfbONcBg/T_2jEeIwpvI/AAAAAAAAAU8/lA5wKd5HRtA/s1600/Yoga+in+pregnancy +Ready+Steady+Mums+DVD IMG 1.3 http-//ad009cdnb.archdaily.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/1560357389_1stloungesparoom IMG 1.4 https-//yoga.com/media/articles/src/08/081ff642ab7f3fe4ecb29d9eb82ac8af IMG 1.5 http-//nourishinglife.com/nlcon/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Bound-warrior-2
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Section 2
Historiography + Contemporary Global Context The Vedas | The Upanishads | Middle Ages | Modern Yoga
As Wellness Studio strives to combine the efforts of yoga, spa practices and a healthy diet to enhance the quality of life and lifestyle of its users, it is pivotal to review the origins of today’s methods of relaxation. While yoga is viewed as a popular trend and a common social activity today, its roots stem from ancient Indian beliefs. While the development of mental repose continues in the modern world, the origins of healing and relaxation are critical to the understanding of human psychology and design.
The Vedas While the origins of Yoga have been misconstrued and lost over
time, researchers continue to find evidence of yoga practices in some of the world’s earliest civilizations. The earliest literature of yoga is in Sanskrit, an Indo-European language derived from the Greeks. Sanskrit verses called the Vedas, or Revealed Knowledge, derived from the root vid, “to know,” were regarded as sacred by the ancient civilizations living in today’s Indian subcontinent.1 Circa fifteenth century BCE, Vedic scriptures used the term yoga to describe the yoke (yukta), or harness, placed on a draft animal, bullock or warhorse, to connect it to a plow or chariot.2 While the term began as solely
describing the harness itself, its meaning grew to reflect unity of man and animal through harness and chariot, eventually solely denominating the chariot. The earliest narrative of heroic chariot warriors is seen in the Mahābhārata, one of Ancient India’s two major Sanskirit epics dating from 200 BCE-400 BCE, which deals directly with Ancient battle. In these narratives, the warrior nearing his heroic death was said to become yogayukta, literally “yoked to yoga,” with yoga referring directly to the chariot. In this usage, the chariot, in other words yoga, carries the heroic warrior upward into the heaven of the gods.
“The person who is always involved in good deeds experiences incessant divine happiness.” 3
-The Rig Veda 16
Warriors’ chariots, however, were not the only Vedic symbolism of the word yoga. The Vedic gods were also said to have traveled between heaven and earth on yogas. Furthermore, Vedic poems and hymns relate a Vedic priests practice to the yoga of the warrior. Priests are “yoking” their minds to the poetic inspiration and pilgrimage connecting the mortal world with that of the gods.3 While the term yoga began as symbolism connecting animal’s strength with man’s intellect through the chariot, it progressed into the Vedic priests relationship with the divine. The alignment of mind and body developed in the Vedas later gave rise to various interpretations of the term yoga.
The Upanishads While the Vedas discuss religion in a particular culture and time, the universal self-discipline and connection that comes with today’s yoga comes from “secret
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doctrines” attached to the Vedas called Upanishads, foundational texts for both yoga practice and philosophy. Etymologically suggesting “sitting down near,” the Upanishads are designed to be told from illumined teacher to follower. The collection of over two hundred documents are meant to be expounded by the teacher and told from a basis of personal experience. Their purpose is rooted in inspiration rather than instruction. Although they are spoken of as a whole, each story is complete in itself, a snapshot of transcendent reality. Although the Upanishads are transcendent of the teachings of the Vedas, they seem to have juxtaposing ideas of yoga. The teachings make very little reference to the Vedic setting. The Vedic gods subtly appear throughout the scriptures as part of a greater underlying power, Brahman. This single godhead remains the essence of the Upanishads as a whole. In contrast to the majority of the Veda’s scriptures looking outward
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in awe of the phenomenal world, the Upanishads focus on self-reflection, looking inward at the mortal world in awe of the powers of the human consciousness, similarly to modern yoga practices.4 Although the exact origins of these writings remains a mystery, there are ten scriptures that revolutionized as the “Principal Upanishads.” Considered and discussed by Shankara, an “eighth-century mystic who reawakened India to its spiritual heritage,” these sacred writings became the foundation for Indian philosophy, religion and life.5 The term yoga first appears in the Katha Upanishad, the second of the ten principle scriptures, where it defines a steady control of the senses, leading to meditation and a supreme state. Yoga is revealed to a boy named Naciketas by Yama, god of death. Naciketas, the grandson of the sage Aruna, undergoes the lessons of purpose and significance of sacrifice. As his father struggles to release his
worldly possessions, Naciketas is informed of the importance of true immortality through meditation and connection of mind and body. Yama’s purpose was to demonstrate bequeath joy and healing, overcoming sorrow and death for the purpose of sacrifice.6 In addition to the Principle Upanishads, there are four scriptures, Tejobindu, Atma, Amritabindu, and Paramahamsa, that correlate directly with today’s exploration of yoga. Discussing matters of selfrealization, the omnipresent self, meditation and selflessness, these writings were the foundation for modern yoga practices. The Upanishads blur the line between otherwise black and white subject of mortality and immortality. While many religions lower man to just a tiny object in this cosmos, the teachings of the Upanishads give men and women the power to compel profound changes in the universe through “virtue of a power called tapas (“heat”) generated by extreme
austerity” and deep stages of meditation.7 By distancing from the phenomenal world and observing, the mind and body can create supreme destiny.
Middle Ages Subsequent to the Vedas and Upanishads, the term yoga is used in scriptures dating to the ninth-century. The Netra Tantra, a Hindu scripture from Kashmir, the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent, which became a center for Hinduism in the first millennium, reviews both subtle yoga and transcendent yoga. These yogas differ greatly from modern yoga in that posture and breath control are not discussed. However, both theory and practice of conscious meditation, directed towards god Krsna, focus practitioners of the Middle Ages on achieving human salvation through the healing of both mind and body.8 As the essence of yoga began to include godlike figures, the practice became more frequent in Hindu Temples.
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The architecture of the Hindu temples in Kashmir were characterized by “fluted pillars and peculiar trefoil arches.�9 The symmetry driven structure helps maintain a sense of consciousness throughout the space. The space is centered off the griha, or womb-chamber, where the deity is housed. Also situated at the center of the temple is the Purusa, the Supreme Principle, a hollow space null of decoration. This piece represents the sacred Universal which is present everywhere and connects everything. This piece is the essence of having the temple, connecting people through the Hindu culture. The design of these sacred structures attempts to condense the ideal tenets of Hindu way of life. By drawing from all factors of Hinduism, including the four natural elements, fire, water, earth and wind, as well as images of nature and deities, Hindu temples encourage interaction and visitors from
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all religions. Hinduism and the practice within their temples is extremely forgiving and rooted in acceptance. These temples are designed to stimulate all user groups. Because circulation paths happen on the perimeter of the griha, there is ample space for yoga practice around the temple. This connection created between user and space invigorates reflection and facilitates conscious purification through yoga.
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Lighting and materials both remained natural in the Hindu temples of the Middle Ages. Native Soapstones created a sense of belonging and purpose in the temples.10 Because the Soapstone is native to India and its surrounding areas, materiality linked most Hindu temples of the Middle Ages. The rugged terrain of Kashmir offered various climates ranging from the Himalayan subtropical pine forests to the northwestern thorn scrub forests which created assorted sites for the Hindu temples.
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Modern Yoga While yoga began as a practice for Eastern religions and civilizations, it wasn’t until the 1980‘s that its practices became common in the United States. With stress-rates rising, people were searching for new answers and a new meaning of life. Research was guiding the lost mind towards yoga, for both wellbeing and religious purposes. These new practitioners, ofter referred to as yogis, can be searching for something as simple as strength and flexibility training, or as discerning and perplexing as self-realization.
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There are many types of yoga studios today. Many are intimate spaces with only enough space for a teacher and ten students while other studios allow space for over one hundred students. This is also affected by the site conditions of the facility. Many suburban and urban studios provide outdoor space for classes as well as large indoor areas with ample room
to perform various poses in a group. Other the other hand, the majority of urban facilities have limited space and must provide a multitude of classes per day in order to accommodate their client-base. As these class sizes vary, the overall spatial qualities of the studios design are affected. While the overall forms of a yoga studio can vary greatly, the actual studio spaces require much more attention. There mustn’t be columns or other obtrusions blocking students from proper sight of the teacher. By allowing visual barriers, nooks and crannies, designers are providing students with the option of hiding. This will provoke a sense of anxiety in many students as some may choose to remain unseen. Yoga teachers at Yoga Baron explain that oddly shaped spaces make it difficult to carry out a productive and peaceful class as many students cannot see, hear or learn. The teachers note that a rectangular space is needed for the studio, the front should be on the long end as it is
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easier to observe further to the side than behind numerous rows of students. In order to create these open spaces, long span structural systems are important. While the spaces need not be more than 100 feet wide at its widest point, it is important to reduce vertical structure. Another consideration to be made for the structural design of the studios is ceiling height. While eight foot high ceilings are sufficient and will accommodate a six foot tall person with arms stretched over their head, it is not ideal in creating a relaxed open space for meditation. Practitioners often suggest loft style spaces that provide an opportunity for a free spirit. Paying homage to over-sized Medieval Hindu temples of historic yoga practice, these open spaces free the mind and provide similar effects to practicing yoga outdoors. Wall space must also be considered in studio design.
While many designers and decorators are adding artwork and accessories to walls, this must be minimal in studios. Many poses utilize the walls for support and these objects may interfere with proper yoga practice. With many yoga studios being built during an age of modern thinking, designs can vary greatly. While some studios push for breath taking modern design with curves, bright colors and high technology spaces, many studios rely on the original environments in which yoga was practiced for its inspiration. As yoga strives to reconnect the human body and mind, the association with outdoors and nature create a calming studio environment. Studio designers encourage natural flooring such as bamboo or cork that is relatively forgiving for feet and hands. Although yoga appears to be a meditative practice, it is also demanding on the body and proper flooring
is essential. These are also acceptable options because of their sustainable nature. While yogis are striving to minimize their impact on the world, they do not want their spaces to have chemicals and carbons that will release toxins into the air they breathe so consciously. Many yoga studios encourage the use of wood on the walls as well. This enhances the outdoor aesthetic and promotes healthy lifestyles. Many studios also use this as an opportunity for green walls, including ferns, spider plans and bamboo that help reduce air pollution. Again referencing the environmental influence on studio design, natural fenestration is functionally and psychologically more efficient than artificial. Allowing students to feel the warmth of the sun on their skin as they join body and soul will enhance the meditative quality of the practice. Working with the chemical balances of
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the human brain, natural lighting will reduce stress and calm the body. The only issue with natural lighting in a yoga setting is onlookers. For first floor studios, many students would opt out of natural lighting as they do not want people off of the street looking in on them. In any case, cool fluorescent lighting should be avoided in the studio spaces as it will resemble office lighting. Triggering this sense in the students will prevent them from fully releasing themselves to the practice. As the use of incandescent lighting is being minimized due to its carbon footprint, fluorescent light bulbs are coming in warmer tones. These bulbs would be most appropriate for the studio design as they are neither harsh on the eyes nor the environment. These bulbs should also be placed in a matter that creates ambient lighting. The ambient lighting will minimize glare as well as reduce the risk of a single person being under a spot light. This will enhance the overall quality of the class.
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Studio mirrors are also an option to enhance the lighting in the room. Many practitioners enjoy seeing themselves and perfecting their poses. A wall of mirrors will reflect and bounce lighting throughout the room. The only caution with this is being careful to reduce hotspots and glare. Another way to light the studio is candle light. Especially for nighttime classes this can be helpful to brighten the space without feeling artificial. Candles must be placed away from students and practice areas, above where they can be knocked over, for safety purposes. The purpose of yoga is to reconnect with yourself and a natural state of mind. This conscious thinking has greatly effected the environment of yoga. While yoga is best practiced outdoors, this natural state of mind has greatly effected the interior environments of the practice.
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End Notes 1 Stephen Phillips, Yoga, Karma, and Rebirth, A Brief History and Philosophy (New York: Columbia University Press, 2009), 2728. 2 Gordon David White, “Yoga, Brief History of an Idea,” Princeton University Press, (2011): 4, http://press.princeton.edu/ chapters/i9565.pdf. 3 White, 4. 4 Michael N. Nagler and Eknath Easwaran, The Upanishads (Tomales, CA: Nilgiri Press, 2007), http://web.a.ebscohost.com/ ehost/ebookviewer/ebook/bmxlYmtfXzQ4OTY3Ml9fQU41?sid=8369f388-adf7-459e-8c41-4ded164cd2d9@sessionmgr4002&vi d=0&format=EB&rid=1. 5 Mark Singleton, Yoga Body, The Origins of Modern Posture Practice, (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2010), 26. 6 Nagler and Easwaran, 301. 7 White, 3. 8 Michael W. Meister, Temples of the Inxdus: Studies in the Hindu Architecture of Ancient Pakistan, (Leiden: Brill’s Indological Library, 2010), http://ezproxy.philau.edu:5362/ehost/ebookviewer/ebook/bmxlYmtfXzM1MTA5MV9fQU41?sid=4003139bc53b-4457-a15b-9f2488c8fa8e@sessionmgr4005&vid=0&format=EB&rid=1. 10 “14 Yoga Studio Design Tips,” Yoga Baron, 2014, accessed September 8, 2014, http://www.yogabaron.com/yoga-studio-design. 11 “14 Yoga Studio Design Tips.” 12 Charity Ferreira, Victoria Klein, and Jeremy Lehrer, “How Green is Your Studio?,” Yoga Journal, October 29, 2009, accessed September 8, 2014, http://www.yogajournal.com/article/lifestyle/how-green-is-your-studio/. 13 “14 Yoga Studio Design Tips”
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Pictoral References IMG 2.1 https-//www.himalayanacademy.com/html/readlearn/basics/slider/T15-siva-soul IMG 2.2 http-//sriramgp.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/lakshmi IMG 2.3 http-//sophiaveda.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/upanishads IMG 2.4 http-//anotherheader.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/dsc_6855-edit IMG 2.5 http-//www.holidaymine.com/uploads/dilwara-temple-mount-abu IMG 2.6 http-//www.farhorizons.com/trips/Asia/South%20India/images/Mamallapuramtemple IMG 2.7 http-//www.republicofyoga.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/ROY-Studio-2 IMG 2.8 http-//www.luxuo.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/vertical-garden-and-green-wall-at-singapore-airport IMG 2.9 http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hacNsY1mPlQ/Txbxw8jopfI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/CdjiapcUgug/s640/Y029.jpg
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Section 3
Case Studies Juvenex Spa | Amrita Yoga Studio | Spa House | Yoga Studio
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Juvenex Spa Juvenex Spa, situated on a small street in New York City, is forced to combat the constant business question of quantity or quality throughout the design of their facility and therapeutic practices. Considering issues of size, budget, and over-all clientele, the facility provides an efficient design with moderate materials and spaces rather than copious amounts of individualized rooms that will rarely be utilized simultaneously.
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The Korea Town area of New York City is located just north of Madison Square Park and intersects with the popular 5th Avenue. The active location provides ample traffic moving around the spa and keeps clients engaged in the space. This is a similar location to the proposed Wellness Studio in the Washington Square area of Philadelphia. Contrasting
to the Philly spa, however, Juvenex is located in a lower socio-economic neighborhood and surrounded by upper-end areas. This will greatly effect later conditions of budgeting both financially and spatially. Moderate environmental conditions in New York City yield a simplistic design that has not been significantly altered since construction. The building shares parti walls with neighboring edifices, restricting the design to fit into four perpendicular walls. The building which houses the spa is publicly owned while each floor is property of it’s occupants. The building is relatively flexible in that it is currently used for a Korean Market on the second floor and a bar on the fourth. As of July 2014, Juvenex is undergoing expansion. The current design resides on the fifth floor of the building and more treatment areas are being added to the sixth floor. New York City’s high property cost must
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be taken into consideration to evaluate a probable construction budget. The middle-grade construction budget is forgiving enough to allow for high-end spa treatments and technology while maintaining middle-grade materials and finishes, in keeping up with mortgages of the space itself. There is an apparent discontinuity from the exterior to interior of Juvenex Spa. The concrete exterior is uninviting and often disguised by the scaffolding of the various space’s renovation projects, while various banners and advertisements of nearby amusement occupy the majority of the facade. The small sign depicting the spa is overpowered by the Hanahreum Asian Mart sign which occupies the entirety of the street level facade. Once inside, users experience a drastic change in serenity and aesthetic. The concept for the space holds a Far Eastern approach and focuses on the relaxation and rejuvenation of the body and soul.
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Encouraging an open concept and interactive design, the spaces within the spa are divided through architectural elements and spa features rather than walls. True walls are only used to separate private soaking rooms, employee preparation and laundry spaces, and rest rooms, visible in IMG 3.4. These private areas flank the parti walls and create balance in the public spaces. The “Jade Journey” that the spa has set for clients creates a hierarchy in the open room. As shown in IMG 3.5, anchored by a 10’ wide and 12’ tall domed structure, which is seen from all areas of the facility, this circulation path becomes a dominating feature guiding users in a natural progression around the perimeter of the curvilinear forms that create the JapaneseStyle soaking ponds. The steelframe construction allows for open circulation with little interruption. The few columns
within the space helps to divide the hierarchy and guide users around their first destination. By wrapping around the space, users are given viewpoints in which they can see their next destination. The juxtaposition of the rounded, igloo sauna and glass steam room resembling the forms of a diamond create a balance through this hierarchical space. The space was kept unobstructed by minimizing the use of true walls. The remainder of the building utilizes partitions in the form of furniture and screens to divide the space. By creating a homogeneous row of massage rooms flanked by private changing areas, the space is opened up for free circulation about the curvilinear divider and seating area. This space then opens into a hexagonal meditation space which mimics the glass steam room on the opposing periphery of the spa. The progressional circulation
path is employed to guide users back to the reception area, as shown in IMG 3.6. Using a soothing color palette of blues, greens, beige and natural wood and stone tones, the spa creates a relaxing and comforting experience. Overall, the material and finish selections are appropriate for the design but not extraordinary. The primary material used throughout the space is a turquoise and aqua mosaic tile. Used around the interior and exterior of the soaking tubs and shower areas, the porcelain and glass tiles protect the walls and tub bases from mildew while creating a delineation between wet and dry areas of the spa. Another finish where this segregation of space is recognized is flooring. The majority of the flooring is grey and beige slate tile. While the material is relatively water resist and will help keep
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the wet areas more slip resistant, this type of hard material does not promote the type of healing desired from a spa of this caliber. The dry areas of the facility are carpeted, reading more as an inviting and warm material; the padding under a carpet also keeps it more comfortable. Most other materials within the facility are natural materials, derived either from wood or stone. The starting point of the circulation path from the reception area is constructed of a wood plank floor that wraps up and around the stone igloo. The convex side of the curved ramp is encased with wooden cubbies extruded from the flooring and utilized as a secondary separation between the reception and open seating area. Continuing the natural elements and bringing in sustainable practices, the rear of the wet area is home to various ferns and succulents while the interior of the steam room is lined with herbs like eucalyptus and lavender.
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Much of the design was kept uncluttered by furniture pieces. Throughout the open spaces, many seating arrangements were extruded from visual partitions. Each massage room houses one or two massage tables, a small shelf, and a cabinet for storage. By keeping furniture minimal, each room gets smaller, optimizing the number of spaces that could be placed along the perimeter walls. Decor was also limited throughout the facility. Vases and botanicals were placed on shelves to add texture and color to the walls. Lotions and creams used by the massage therapists are often used as decor pieces to set the tone for the spaces. While the reception area housed press-releases on the walls, the remainder of the facility had bare walls, decorated only with tiles that rose to protect from damage due to water. While much of the furniture and decor were minimal, equipment became critical to the proper functionality of the spa.
Public v Private
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Hierarchy
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Circulation
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Waterlines become extremely significant in the planning of many showers, tubs and steam rooms. While the massage rooms do not require direct usage of water, almost every other room within the facility does, including employee prep and laundry spaces. By building private soaking rooms behind the public versus private wall line, the designer kept many waterlines from entering into the main space. From there, pipes were run through the ceiling in order to supply water to each shower throughout the spa and as well as the center tubs. By allowing a copious water supply, the design gives users the opportunity to disperse throughout the wet area rather than condensing and cramming the space. Another critical design consideration is lighting. The reception areas are kept bright and welcoming with cove and pendant lighting. However, the remainder of the facility
is relatively dark, keeping a soothing feeling throughout the client’s experience. The natural lighting entering through the front of the building is diffused with roller shades and lights most of the open area. The rear of the design, which houses the sauna, soaker tubs and steam room are lit mainly with cove lighting. The warm incandescent lighting helped maintain a feeling of serenity throughout the design without over exposing the space.
Post Occupancy Survey The clients of Juvenex Spa are typically younger, working woman. The spa is closed to men during the hours of 7am until 5pm in order to provide the females with a relaxing zone in the city. This limits the number of users per day; however, it also provides a comfortable environment for the spa’s users. Being a 24 hour spa, Juvenex strives to keep it’s various clientele happy. One of their strongest client basses is
Broadway performers who are referred by both doctor’s and friends to the spa. These clients keep the business busy during the later hours of the night, postshow and allow for this unique 24 hour experience. There are roughly twenty employees at the spa and about 5 working per shift. Jobs vary from manager, to receptionist and masseuse. Each masseuse is trained in each package that is offered by the spa to help maintain a properly functioning facility and uniform experience. This allows any service to be provided at any time. On average, there are 30-40 clients coming to the spa on a typical weekend day and 20-30 during the week. Because the program does not allow for a multitude of users at any given time, these numbers keep the spa occupied throughout the day and evenings without overcrowding. The nonstop service allows for many uses of the space. While some visitors may plan a day
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at the spa to relax in an aloof setting, manager Nadia explains that the spa is often visited late at night for leg and foot massages after a long night in the city. The spa is often visited prior to engagement and bridal parties as well as a post-honeymoon retreat for couples in the evenings.
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For many visitors, the open concept design of Juvenex Spa is a big change from the individualized and secluded spaces in many wellness facilities. While the open room with minimal separation is a notable tool to enhance interaction within the space, a destination of this nature does not need to facilitate open communication. Because the operation hours are continuous, clients have the opportunity to visit at their convenience, this allows for a less crowded facility during the day. In order to maintain the privacy and intimacy within the facility, most hours are open solely to women, while the later hours of 5pm-7am are opened to both men and women.
Single sex hours are crucial to the function of the spa because of the open concept design. If clients purchase the base level packages, their soaking experience occurs in the center of the facility in a location that has a direct line of site to almost any destination within the spa. Privacy is also presented as an issue in the changing areas. Low walls, which adhere to the rear of a curved bench create the only visual barrier from changing area to open spa. Many visitors do not feel comfortable changing in these areas. While alternatives are provided, they are not advertised as typical use within the spa. The lack of privacy within the space creates conflict within the guests and may result in lower occupancy rates. Aside from privacy issues, spagoers are overall pleased with the relaxing and soothing design. Users were at ease with the clear circulation paths which directed them to a specific zone of the spa based on their specific treatment.
IMG 3.8
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The clear delineation between public circulation, separate from the peripheral private spaces, helped keep visitors within the boundaries of their usable area of the spa. The meandering pathways, outside of typical circulation, allowed clients to experience the entirety of the spa without purchasing expensive packages. This method also creates a business opportunity, giving visitors a glimpse of the treatments they could receive at their next appointment. Another element that induces the serene atmosphere is the diffused lighting found throughout the design. Overall both clients and employees are pleased with the lighting effects. The dim quality provides a tranquil rhythm within the building. The diffused natural light is accented with cove lighting which brings architectural forms to the ceiling. The conclusive design wraps the user, making her feel as though she is one with this elusive space.
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Evaluation While Juvenex Spa does not meet the quality and efficiency standards that I would like to create in a wellness center, the overall design is inspiring. The facility is challenged to create a resort feeling with minimal square footage, buried in one of the busiest cities in the world. The design addresses the topics of adjacencies, circulation and privacy. The articulation of these three dynamics of design help to create functional spaces by directing both public and private users. I enjoyed the functionality within such a small footprint. The spaces are melded together to make groupings rather than individualized spaces throughout the spa. The large soaking tubs create a community within the center of the design. While I do not believe such a personal task should be placed in the center of the space, I appreciate the designer’s intent of creating congregation areas within the design.
As a visitor to the spa, I was guided up the ramp, into the wet area before being brought down to the changing area. While it is understandable that these changing rooms are further away, due to the lack of privacy, I believe a stronger entry sequence that invites users to get comfortable quickly will allow for a more relaxing stay at the spa. The space lacks a direct path and adjacency from reception to the changing area which creates confusion for guests. Juvenex Spa completed the difficulty task of creating an oasis within a hectic city. While many factors including material and finishes are not of luxurious standards, the space reads as a collective, relaxing environment. I believe the owners balanced the use of high quality, efficient equipment with medium-grade materials. The budget for the project was focused on the experience with the healing rather than the aesthetic of the facilities.
Spaces + Adjacencies Space
Square Footage
Adjacencies
Reception
160 s.f.
Private Changing Area
Private Changing Area Open Changing Area
200 s.f. (2 Spaces) 290 s.f
Public Changing/Locker Area, Massage Rooms Massage Rooms, Wet Spa
Double Massage Rooms
140 s.f.
Single Massage Rooms
100 s.f. (2 Spaces)
Meditation Room
150 s.f.
Single Massage Rooms, Changing Areas Double Massage Rooms, Changing Areas Locker Area
Soaking Tub
120 s.f.
Showers, Sauna, Steam Room
Steam Room
160 s.f.
Soaking Tubs, Showers
Sauna
85 s.f.
Soaking Tubs
Open Showers
155 s.f. (7 Showers)
Wet Spa Amenities
Private Soaking Room
170 s.f.
Wet Spa Amenities
Kitchen
120 s.f.
Locker Area
Restrooms
90 s.f. (2 Spaces)
Kitchen
Laundry + Maintenance
190 s.f.
Wet Spa Amenities, Reception
Storage
160 s.f.
Laundry + Maintenance
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Pictoral References IMG 3.1 http-//yogasuite.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/yoga.jpg IMG 3.2-9 Madeline Hill
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Amrita Yoga
IMG 3.12
Amrita Yoga and Wellness is a roughly 40,000 square foot yoga studio and wellness facility in the Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. While the designer for the space is unknown, it is apparent that the project had an adequate budget. While the design and finishes are not the highest grade, the majority of the budgeting went to the functionality and efficiency of the space as a yoga studio. Known as one of the most relaxing yoga studios in the Philadelphia Area, according to the 20140 Best of Philly article in Philadelphia Magazine, Amrita proves to provide a mecca and oasis for its clients. With similar clientele to Wellness Studio, Amrita’s analysis and inspiration will drive adjacency and efficiency choices.
The owner and lead instructor, Emile Sorger, Amrita Yoga invites yogis of all experience levels and abilities into her studio. The typical client is roughly 25-40 years of age, female and working. This is not to say that men are not clients of the studio as well. Many clients travel from the surrounding suburban areas to practice at Amrita. While the studio is technically in Philadelphia County, it’s distance from center city creates a separation from the city’s daily commuters. Many visitors wishing to practice at Amrita utilize the SEPTA bus system which will drop them off about a block from the studio. This public transportation creates a connection from both suburban areas and center city, drawing new users into the space. This urban location is a growing spot for young professionals, making it a sufficient place for a yoga studio. The nearby bars and restaurants
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attract new visitors into the area and the elegant, natural design of the studio’s facade then sparks an interest, drawing people back for a class. While Fishtown is not the most financially stable area, the cultural life is raising interest for the area. The studio’s natural design emanates on both interior and exterior. Lined with planks of reclaimed wood, adorned with clean metal lettering calling out the studios name, the facade boasts a rather simple design. The simple design calms the mind from the very entrance of the building, helping to create a soothing experience from the beginning of the user experience. Drawing from the historical inspiration of outdoor yoga practice, the studio continues to use reclaimed, natural woods for both functional and decorative purposes. The holistic approach to this natural design creates a continuous flow throughout the studio.
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Users are greeted at the entrance by a large reclaimed wood desk, where they are asked to removed their shoes. Flanking the desk is a small boutique in which the studio sells yoga mats and blocks as well as water bottles, books and clothing. Adjacent to this space in a small waiting area. The stairs wrap behind the desk and invite users to the studio spaces. Ahead are the two smaller studios and an office while the large studio and locker areas are behind another small waiting area. This separation helps to control circulation and keeps visitors from wandering around the space. There is a subtle hierarchy between the two smaller studios and the larger studio. The larger studio, facing the main entrance and busy street, is much more brightly lit from natural fenestration. Many users find this studio more beneficial to practice in because of it’s open space and higher ceiling.
While most spaces in a yoga studio are considered private, Amrita divides the larger studio from the two smaller ones, creating a more private experience in the rear of the building. However, the main divider of public versus private space is verticality. The entry level of the studio is mostly public while the upper level subdivided and private. The systems within the building are efficient for the space. The steel structure allows for the long span and open spaces necessary to practice yoga. The large studio is anchored by a 10’ wide span of almost 15’ ceilings, making arial yoga possible. Amrita is well known for its infrared hot yoga system. Sorger boasts that her studio is the only studio in the Philadelphia area which uses infrared heating in their studio. This green solution to hot yoga requires little mechanical space and provides immense benefits. Heating the room with the same
infrared rays of the sun, the studio resonates an even heating rather than the hot and cold pockets developed through blowing air. There is a small mechanical room next to the hot yoga studio which contains the systems for this studio.
Public v Private
Hierarchy
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IMG 3.14
IMG 3.15
Adding to their green materials and systems, the studio uses natural fenestration to light the studio. While artificial lighting is needed, the reliance on natural light reduces the space’s environmental impact. Other eco-friendly considerations include plant life within the studios, tankless water heaters and high efficiency HVAC systems. The overall interior design of the studio is typical of yoga studios. Including natural wood finishes on both flooring and accents and glass panels, the studio creates a warm and inviting aesthetic. The design is inviting to users and creates
a connection to natural within the urban context. Industrial accents of steel and iron combine the natural aesthetic with the urbanization of the Philadelphia area. While most of the color palette within the studio came from the building materials, any painted walls were cream. This helped to balance the energy within the space and kept a calm environment for a peaceful yoga practice. The color green was introduced through foliage, however, most of the space was brown or beige. Most of the space was anchored with dark engineered hardwood floors which brought comfort into the space, both aesthetically on the eyes and physically on the feet. In contrast, the entrance had a polished concrete floor which was softened with the reclaimed wood shelving of the boutique. The lower level seating area was constructed of reclaimed wood
benches and cubbies, while the upper level was more comfortable with club chairs and upholstered furniture. The plain white upholstery was clean and simple, keeping the focus of the design on the natural wood within the spaces. The upper level seating area is more often utilized by clients waiting for their classes to begin while the lower level is rarely used for more than a few minutes to remove shoes. Amrita’s focus on simplicity and the natural environment drove the decision on many design elements. Fixtures in the space were kept minimal. Locker room showers were built into the space, tiles and given clean chrome fixtures. Similar fixtures were used in the rest rooms.
ample lighting. The sunlight activates the studio and creates a positive energy for the students and instructors. Artificial lighting is used throughout the space but is rarely switched on during the day. Sorger explains that the natural light is most beneficial to the calming atmosphere the studio wishes to create. Artificial lighting is used for night classes and in office and restroom spaces. Circulation
IMG 3.16
Entry Plan
IMG 3.17
While the art within the space in minimal, accessories are used to help transport visitors into a relaxing state. Candles and small statues of Buddha help to create a tranquil environment that brings yogis to the root of yoga. Post Occupancy Survey
The daylighting in the studio spaces is controlled with rolling shades. Each studio is also lit from above with skylights and clear stories which provide
With about ten classes per day holding up to twenty students, one would expect a studio space without about 200 occupants
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per day to be high energy and disruptive to yoga. However, Amrita’s functionality is elevated by having the studio spaces on the second floor of the space. This cuts back on foot traffic outside the studios as well as noise from street traffic. Typical users find it extremely beneficial to go upstairs into the studio spaces to create a journey into relaxation. While some spaces throughout the studio, including hallways and changing areas, users find the space to be large enough
to utilize. While an occasional line by form by the changing areas during times of high volume, the seating area just outside provides enough space to disperse, making the volume feel thinner. The separate wings and multiple storage areas for students also creates various destination points throughout the studio, which helps make for a less crowded space. Users are instructed upon entry as to which studio they will be practicing in; they are
then sent in that direction, keeping wayfinding simple and minimizing wandering. The rustic, natural design is praised by users. One student mentions that she enjoys the reclaimed nature of many of the materials, including the woods used for storage spaces. She finds the reuse of materials energizing for the space and creates a eco-friendly and meditative aesthetic within the spaces. There is a very respectful culture throughout the studio.
“Fishtown yoga mecca: skylights in every classroom. An in-studio waterfall. Gorgeous locker rooms with showers.” -Philadelphia Magazine 50
Visitors are greeted with a smile at the door and often don’t have to be prompted to remove their shoes. This practice is common in yoga studios, reducing noise from foot traffic as well as a sign of respect for the facilities. Students are also invited to continue their postyoga meditative practices in the studios after their classes. By promoting a peaceful environment, the studio feels light and inviting. Evaluation I agree with the consensus of most of the users of the space. Amrita Yoga and Wellness creates a relaxing and inviting space for the practice of yoga. The overall environment feels very deeply rooted in nature which I find extremely beneficial in a relaxation space. The natural woods and reclaimed materials help visitors to feel as though, by leaving the city street, they
IMG 3.18
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are entering a space that has a stronger connection with earth and the body. This connection helps to drive the yoga practice and create a beneficial experience within the studio. One thing that I believe could help create a more relaxing and person experience for the students of Amrita would be to better distinguish the changing areas. Although they are divided, they are open to the hall way on one side. This hallway then leads to the large yoga studio. I believe that this area could been switched with the rear office to better accommodate users and create more privacy. Although the overall experience was welcoming, the entry sequence in the space felt detached from the rest of the space. The entry was the only space which had a concrete floor. Upon entering, I was concerned that the entirety of the studio
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which be such, making the completion of yoga very difficult, even with a proper mat. I think this concern could cause anxiety in some visitors, before proceeding upstairs to the proper flooring. An element of the entry that I did find beneficial, however, was the small boutique. Many yoga students would benefit from being able to purchase equipment and clothing directly from their studio. This also gives instructors a chance to communicate with their students which products they find most helpful. I believe that the overall design of the studio provides ample space, lighting and functionality for its users. While the building is small, it holds everything that it needs in order to create a comfortable experience for its visitors.
IMG 3.19
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Spaces + Adjacencies Space
Square Footage
Adjacencies
Reception
90 s.f.
Boutique, Waiting Area
Boutique
Reception, Waiting Area
Waiting Area
70 s.f. 100 s.f
Upper Level Waiting Area
60 s.f.
Reception, Changing Areas, Studio
Changing Areas
120 s.f. (2 Spaces)
Waiting Area, Studios
Massage Room
90 s.f.
Waiting Area
Cubby Area
100 s.f.
Changing Area, Studios
Office
160 s.f.
Studios
Pilates Studio
700 s.f.
Cubby Area, Waiting Area
Infrared Hot Yoga Studio
700 s.f.
Electrical Room, Cubby Area
Infrared Electrical Room
60 s.f.
Infrared Hot Yoga Studio, Storage
Storage
300 s.f.
Studios, Electrical Room
Main Studio
900 s.f.
Changing Area
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Reception, Boutique
Pictoral References IMG 3.12 http-//g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ember/deals/ db7ee0810d26c3fddabb05cb45ca616ff1255ebb1420dabb80b834defa3a926e.jpg IMG 3.13 http-//fishtownspotlights.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/dsc_0276.jpg IMG 3.14-18 18 Madeline Hill IMG 3.19 http-//amritayogawellness.com/wp-content/gallery/gallery-page/1202-frankford-ave-0028
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Spa House Spa House, a residential retreat, was designed and built by architects at Metropolis Design into the hillside of Hout Bay, a coastal suburb of Cape Town, South Africa. This almost 7,000 square foot, two-story split level residence was built in 2010 for client’s from Brooklyn, New York seeking an expensive vacation home including vast views, resort swimming pools and a luxury spa.1
IMG 3.23
The project is linked to another construction on the site which is the main residence for the couple. Spa House is used primarily as a spa and is rented out as a vacation home. Although the resort has three king-sized bedrooms it is unclear if the rooms are rented individually or the spa as a whole.2 Utilized for both residential and recreational purposes, the buildings users are often temporary. The design captures the users for their short
stay. Repeat users include the owners and spa workers. Much of the spa is self accessible with steam rooms and saunas, however, massage therapists are required in the massage rooms located on the upper level. The budget for this project greatly increased it’s potential and made underground views and rooms possible. While Spa House has conflicting ideas to Wellness Studio, being a residence, it’s attention to site and the interaction between interior and exterior will greatly influence the yoga studio and spa design. Without creating excessive disturbance to the site, Spa House creates a constant communication between the natural world and the relaxation state achieved within the building, as well as the built environment on the exterior of the edifice. Overlooking the bay and harbor, the quiet suburban location is ideal for an oasis get-away. Cape
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Town is one of the most sought after vacation spots in South Africa. With expensive realty and high vacation demand, the city draws clients to Spa House. The Mediterranean climate allows for the pools to stay open most of the year and in return encouraging visitors year round. With the design objective being the cohesion of site and edifice, the rocky terrain becomes critical to the outcome of the composition.3 The holistic approach combines interior and exterior, “as a hovering set of abstract sculptural elements, lighting suspended
over a large waterscape, which forms an extended terrance on the mountainside.”4 Despite the abstraction, the transparency and “apparent lack of structural support,” creates a cohesion with nature throughout the design.5 Providing an open concept allows for users to interact with the outside world while the play of solid and void creates privacy and intimacy in necessary areas. Divided into three floors, the space is used differently at each level. The basement level is used as the spa. The majority of this level is open and designated the relaxation room. With glass walls which look into the deep
swimming pool, the space has a mystic and unique atmosphere, tinted a relaxing blue from the water’s reflection. From this central area, visitors can access the floatation tub, sauna and steam room. On the opposing side of the basement level is a bedroom with an adjacent bathroom and plant room. While this side is divided by the deep swimming pool, there is no line of site from the spa to this private area. As shown in IMG 3.28, this level, although disrupted by the water, shows the geometry utilized throughout the building. The ground level of Spa House is primarily public spaces. From
“Water as a rejuvenative element, constitutes the primary experience of the building and provides its symbolic language.”
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-Metropolis Design
this level, users enter adjacent to the kitchen and through the dining area. This establishes a clear datum within the space, dividing solid and void spaces, as shown in IMG 3.25 and 3.26. Stairs lead to both the upper and lower levels while the living room lies just beyond, providing views of three sides of the swimming pools and Jacuzzis. The living room also provides access points to the floating timber decks. The first is just off the living area, attached to the main edifice, which looks out over the pools and into the harbor. The next viewing deck is reached through stone pathway. It is smaller and more intimate with step leading into a shallow pool. Hovering dramatically over the waterscape and into the mountainside, the upper level, known as the Accommodation block, houses two bedrooms with views to either the mountain side or the harbor, each has an attached bathroom.6 In between
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Hierarchy - Ground Floor
Datum - Ground Floor
IMG 3.25
IMG 3.26
the two suites is the massage room and a lounge area while the remainder of the floor looks over into the ground level living room. As shown in IMG 3.27, this level has a solid core which is surrounding by void space and open concept living.
Solid and Void -Top Floor
Geometry - Lower Floor
IMG 3.27
IMG 3.28
Once visitors have reached the level of their choice most circulation is horizontal. With the priority of the design being views the nature, the ground level is most often utilized. Vertical circulation is minimal throughout the day excluding the use of spa facilities. The open spaces allow for easier way finding with clear sight lines into various public spaces. While nature and the site were greatly considered during construction, creating a feeling of lightness and minimal impact on the environment, there is no notation of sustainable consideration throughout the project.
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Creating a juxtaposition between natural considerations and modern living, Metropolis Designs combined wood and stone with glass and steel throughout the interior and exterior of the design. In addition to building materials, the expansive waterscape lends itself to becoming a building material, acting as both a divider between spaces and becoming partition between the exterior and the basement level. Creating a solid mass on the basement level, the spa walls are cladded with soapstone and penetrated with glass, where the water becomes a wall. While wood paneling is used on the ceiling of the spa area, it is carried throughout the residence on almost any surface including floors, walls and decorative elements. This continuity of materiality creates a cohesive feel throughout the design while wide spans of glass continue the connection between spaces. Much of the color in the design is derived from the materials and
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surroundings. Colors include a light brown from the wood, grey from the stone, blue from the waterscape and green from the mountainside. Any color not derived from materiality is white, as seen in furniture and drywall ceilings. The minimal color palette allows for the natural surroundings to create the atmosphere within the building.
IMG 3.29
Large, comfortable furniture is used in the lounge areas to create an inviting environment amongst the hard materiality. Sofa, chairs and lounge seating are provided throughout the design to allow for various sight lines into the building’s surroundings. A large dining table continuous the inviting feel. Equipment within the Spa House is minimal. With a small kitchen and three bathrooms being the majority of the function driven spaces, typical appliances and equipment are required.
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During the day the majority of the building is lit naturally. With wide expanses of glass and open spaces, the natural light travels into the building from all sides. Overhead lighting is provided for nighttime use while accent and task lighting is minimal. Decorative wooden panels on the exterior facades create shading from the bright sun, however there appears to be minimal restriction of light through blinds and shades. The majority of the light in the lower level shines through the pools and glass penetrations. The blue tint is counteracted by overhead lighting that is typically switched on during the day as well as night.
IMG 3.30
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While there is no art hanging on the walls, accessories throughout the retreat include flowers and reading material. These additions to the minimalistic design enhance the feeling of relaxation and encourage users to rest during their stay.
Evaluation Spa House creates an oasis for it’s visitors. The majority of the design is cohesive and easily accessible. I enjoy the abstract spaces that are created through the hovering planes of the building. Having spaces that are outside, yet covered by upstairs planes creates a gradual movement from interior to exterior that invites users to the outdoor environment. I think the exterior spaces are divided nicely and the walking paths from each timber deck creates a movement through the exterior space.
The only issue that I have with space planning within the design is the massage room location. I am unsure exactly why the massage room is not adjacent to the remainder of the spa facilities including the floating tub, sauna and steam room. Users have to travel from the facilities on the bottom floor through two levels in order to reach the massage area. This circulation is a disturbance to the relaxation the building is trying to encourage in its guests. While three bedrooms is a sufficient amount for a resort of this size, I believe that the third bedroom suite should have been
located on the third level with the other two bedrooms. The lounge and massage room should have moved to the lower level. This change would create a clear division between semiprivate areas on the lowest level, private areas on the highest level with public space in between them. Overall, I think Spa House achieved it’s goal of creating a visitable residence that provides relaxation and ample interaction with the environment. The glass creates a division that keeps users feeling secure within the edicide, however, it also allows cohesion from the land and see into the design.
“The inter-penetration of two simple forms, in combination with the staggering of the floorplane, allows a surprising amount of volumetric complexity and spatial interplay in and around the building.” -Metropolis Design 65
End Notes 1 MMK, “Spa House by Metropolis Design,” Architecture and Design, July 12, 2014, accessed October 3, 2014, http://www. architecturendesign.net/spa-house-by-metropolis-design/. 2 Giovanni Nostro, “The Spa House,” Cape Dream Stay, accessed October 3, 2014, http://www.capedreamstay.co.za/the-spahouse. 3 Karen Small, “Demographic and Socio-Economic Trends for Capetown: 1996-2007,” Strategic Development Information and GIS Department, December 2008, accessed October 5, 2014, https://www.capetown.gov.za/en/ stats/CityReports/Documents/2007%20Community%20Survey%20Summary.pdf. 4 Metropolis Design, “Spa House,” Metropolis Design, 2010, accessed October 1, 2014, http://www.metropolisdesign.
co.za/#project:4.
5 Metropolis Design. 6 Metropolis Design.
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Pictoral References IMG 3.23 http-//static.squarespace.com/static/51dec58be4b08840dcfbf4cd/51e8187ee4b007a9206a9bf2/53fe0171e4b0b801964 c944c/1409155453289/HS0514TOC06.jpg?format=1500w IMG 3.24 http-//www.capeluxuryresidences.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/11 IMG 3.25-28 http-//1.bp.blogspot.com/-gNDvAaiJH2A/UrC6adJwDZI/AAAAAAAAdho/JyNbeoo1fYg/s1600/Stunning_Spa_ House_in_Cape_Town_South_Africa_on_world_of_architecture_12, edited by Madeline Hill IMG 3.29 http-//www.luxurystnd.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/1327326872-spa-house-05-1280-pixels IMG 3.30 http-//casualsociety.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Spa-House10
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Yoga Studio
IMG 3.31
Yoga Studio, designed and built by SHKS Architects, sits surrounded by nature and evergreens outside of Seattle, Washington. The approximately 1,500 square foot A-frame building is believed to have been built on a moderate budget considering size in comparison to materiality and detail work. While the owner remains unknown, it can be assumed that their are few daily visitors to the space. However, the users are presumably extremely passionate about their purpose with in this space as they must travel out of their typical routine to find this studio. The rustic yet clean modernism of Yoga Studio will help to provide a stimulus for Wellness Studio. The articulation of organic detailing creates a homogeneous design. The natural simplicity of the design will inspire and help express a modern vernacular.
The woodland site provides both difficulties and inspiration for Yoga Studio’s design. Surrounded by wildlife, the building is raised off of the forest floor to leave a nominal footprint on the natural world. The shell of the building is constructed of a Western Red Cedar which has been stained a rich green in along the longitudinal siding of the building which helps to camouflage it’s erection in the natural environment. This organic integration continues to the timber construction visible on the interior. The A-frame is connected at the joints with exposed steel bolts while the wood remains the same as the exterior. This exposed structure and wood finish “provide visual warmth and enrich the quality of the space” by providing a holistic approach.1 The open concept provides simple way finding and an elegant connection through the long and narrow space. The interior finishes in the Yoga Studio are wood and plaster. While the wood is typical of yoga
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studio design, the plaster draws a historical influence of the Buddhist stupa which had once been constructed of the material. By adding a slight texture to what would be flat walls, the designer creates another layer of interest within the simple space. The designer uses the equipment needed for the studios functionality to double as space dividers. This continuity simplifies the design are allows for elegant cohesion between void and functional spaces. Cubbies used to store yoga mats and visitors belongings create a division between entrance and main studio space. Another division is created with a free
standing yoga wall which is used for standing and inverted poses. The homogenous organizational system minimizes added construction and materials, keeping the small space minimal and elegant. The color palette for the studio is derived from the materials and context of the building. Because both the walls and floors are wood, the warm tones create a monochromatic sophistication to the design. The open fenestration allows for the vegetation on the exterior of the building to provide an accent of bright green without creating artificial coloration and design. Other accent colors are brought into the design through
equipment such as mats and blocks which are displayed in the cubby dividers at the entrance. With all accessories in the space being purely functional, the simplification of color palette allows for the allure and organic lines of the wood grain to create a natural interest within the space. Light is provided in the space mainly through windows and skylights. However, windows are carefully placed to provide light while preserving privacy. The mirrors on the walls below the windows reflect the light and exterior views without providing eye-level sight lines to the exterior. The rear of the
“When nature inspires design so thoroughly and so beautifully, it’s an affair to remember.� 3
-John Hill 70
studio is home to large glass double-doors which provide ample lighting and views while also acting as an entrance to the back patio and a physical connection between interior and exterior. The skylights flank the peak of the a-frame structure. The architects note that they are by “Crystal Light, raised curb with lashing, and no issues with waterproofing.”2 By creating centrality in the space with natural light, the designer creates a datum line through the space which helps balance users and provide an meditative yoga experience. Artificial lighting, by designer George Nelson, are added to the studio spaces to provide extra lighting for nighttime use. While the studio has many windows to allow light in, it’s natural environment also leaves it often shaded by the tall trees of which it is surrounded. The artificial lighting releases a diffused light with reduces hot spots. IMG 3.32
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Evaluation I believe that the design of SHKS Architects’ Yoga Studio is extremely successful in creating a graciously modern space that combines the relaxed environment of yoga with the natural world. The structure compliments it’s site with simple forms and native materials, leaving a feeling of minimal impact on the habitat of the studio. The studio utilizes open spaces both horizontally and vertically which helps to create an inviting and natural environment to practice yoga. The long rectangular space is divided visually without being separated, encouraging visitors to feel a sense of belonging, enhancing their yoga experience. Mimicking the body’s elongation during practice, the yoga studio’s stretched composition encourages movement throughout the space with the partitions helping to create circulation paths.
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IMG 3.33
With wood and plaster as the main interior materials, the space has warm textures that embrace the yogis within the space. The fenestration along the perimeter of the space and in the ridge of the room provide glimpses into the natural world, energizing the users and encouraging further contemplation. I think the contrast of warm nature and cool
outdoor spaces create a dynamic yoga studio that is inspiring to practicing yogis. When traveling through the space, users are guided to the large glass doors which lead outside. While this path is forced, it feels as though it is not because it would be second nature for a yogi to want to go to this outdoor space, freeing themselves.
I am inspired by the buildings minimal environmental and dynamic psychological impact. The clean lines are contrasted with detailed woods and connection joints, flanked by the natural world through the glass. I believe this is the type of yoga studio users of Restore Wellness Studio would like to practice in.
IMG 3.34
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End Notes 1 “Yoga Studio.” SHKS Architects. 2011. Accessed October 10, 2014. http://www.shksarchitects.com/projects/houses/ remodel/#!/projects/houses/rural/yoga-studio/?context=dialog. 2 SHKS Architects01. “Yoga Studio - by SHKS Architects.” Houzz. May 01, 2013. Accessed October 15, 2014. http://www.houzz. com/photos/3636962/Yoga-Studio-contemporary-home-gym-seattle#spaceQuestions. 3 Hill, John. “3 Wondrously Wood-Loving Modern Structures.” Houzz. August 21, 2012. Accessed October 10, 2014. http://www. houzz.com/ideabooks/3766822/list/3-wondrously-wood-loving-modern-structures.
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Pictoral References IMG 3.31-35 Ben Benschneider, SHKS Architects
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Section 4
Design + Technical Criteria
Furniture, Finishes + Equipment While space must be provided to store yoga mats, blocks and stretching straps, traditional yoga studios do not require permanent equipment and furniture. A Bikram yoga studio, on the other hand, will require a small mechanical room nearby to house power supply and controls for the radiant panels.1 A high quality sound system should also be utilized in the space.
Furniture and equipment requirements for the spa areas are divided between wet and dry areas. The dry treatment areas are used for massages and facials, these rooms must have massage tables, which around typically 30” wide by 73” long, with a 12” additional head cradle, storage, and counter space with a sink.2 Storage should vary in construction. While items should be stored in lockable cabinets, others items, such as lotions and oils that will be used during
IMG 4.2
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the session, should be neatly displayed and easily reachable. A comfortable chair should be placed in the room to give patients a place to sit while they remove their clothes and prepared for their massage. Clothing hooks should also be provided on the walls above the chair.3 Proper ventilation equipment is needed for both the sauna and steam rooms in the wet areas of the spa. It is critical to provide dry storage within this area, as well as nonslip flooring.
IMG 4.3
The locker room and changing areas will provide restrooms, private shower areas, private changing rooms, and storage for the studio’s visitors. Benches will be provided throughout the changing areas as well as hairdryers in the women’s area. While flooring is raised to discourage pooling and puddling, 4” deep gutters of about 8” to 10” wide should also be constructed around the perimeter of the shower room. Lastly, the “water feeding into the shower heads should be 120 degrees F, controlled by means of a mixing chamber rather than individual control.”4 The self-service juice bar and mini cafe will require a prep counter with space for appliances such as a juicer, blender, microwave, tea and coffee pots. There should also be a small refrigerator and sink. A small back-of-house area will
include a dishwasher and a larger refrigerator to store extra food. Various seating arrangements should be provided nearby, giving users the option so sit at a table or on a lounge chair. The retail area should have various displays for merchandise while providing a space for users to try on garments. The cash wrap for the retail space will share a desk with the front reception. This area must have computers, printers, and a minimum of one cash register while also providing storage for office supplies.
Ergonomics, Anthropometrics + Proximetrics Each yoga studio space should provide 28 to 30 square feet per student. This gives each student 7’ by 4’ to engage in their practice without coming in contact with students beside them. Classroom
sizes vary based on the number of classrooms as well as desired class size. 10’ ceiling heights or higher are idea for a yoga studio; however, the minimum is 8’ providing just enough space for a 6’4” person to stand with their arms extended overhead.5 Massage rooms should be a minimum of 120 square feet, providing at least 3’ of work space surrounding the table. Space should also be provided for the door to swing inwards.6 The spa area will also include a sauna. Benches, both upper and lower, should be placed along the perimeter of the sauna, factoring a minimum of 2’ of bench space per user. Ceiling height should be no less than 6’5”, however, it is recommended that the height is 7’ or higher to reduce cramped feeling. The steam room will require similar spacing for it’s users.7
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Shown in image 4.4, shower stalls
be utilized in the restrooms, with
The retail space, which will
shall be a minimum of 36” by 36”
open space below for wheelchair
double as the entry to the studio,
while at least one ADA compliant
accessibility.
should include both display and
10
stall will be provided for both
out-stock. Merchandise should
men and women with minimum
The self service counter must
dimensions of 60” by 30”. These
also consider efficient use of prep
stalls will also include a bench
space with 3’ counter heights
for
Vandalproof
as well as recessed spaces for
shower heads for male showers
wheelchair accessibility. There
should be placed at 6’ AFF, while
must be a minimum of 3’ clear
women’s should be 4’6” AFF.9
space before another wall or
obstruction to account for both
Typical sink heights of 2’7” should
obstruction.
circulation and activity space.11
8
accessibility.
IMG 4.4
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be stocked for purchase no higher than 48” AFF; however, display shelving should not exceed 6’. Displays should be no closer than 6’ to another display or
IMG 4.5
IMG 4.6
Materials Resilient flooring should be provided in the yoga studios. While rubber exercise flooring is acceptable, it does not carry the same feeling of tranquility as a natural hardwood, cork or bamboo flooring. Floorings to avoid include carpet, tile, laminate, vinyl and concrete.12 Walls and ceilings in the Bikram
IMG 4.7
yoga studio should be a moisture resistant Gypsum wall board. It is critical that the resilient flooring is continued into the spa spaces as well to provide a comfortable working environment for the massage therapists. All other materials in the massage rooms should be of a typical commercial grade. The wet areas of the spa, however, should
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have impermeable flooring such as a tile. Other materials to be used in the wet spa area include glass, moisture resistant dry wall and Cedar wood in the sauna.13 A similar flooring should be utilized in the locker rooms. “Carborundum-impregnated ceramic tile, or its equal” will provide a nonslip surface.14 The remainder of the materials should be highly scrubbable and antimicrobial. Durable, commercial grade materials should be used in both the self service juice bar as well as the retail space.
Lighting Studio lighting should be warm and diffused. Hot spots, overly bright lights and mirror reflections should be avoided. The majority of the light in the
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studio space should be provided through natural lighting. However, translucent window covers should be provided for privacy. Avoid pendant lighting within the studio as it can cause a distraction and an obstruction during certain poses.15 All lighting in the spa areas should be on dimmers to allow for total relaxation. Lighting sources should be conceiled, shown in IMG 4.9, to minimize hot spots. The massage rooms do not need to be provided with natural light; however, if there are windows, black-out shades should be utilized. While the locker rooms should be provided with bright lights and sconces at 22” above the sink, as sown in IMG 4.10. The remainder of the building requires typical lighting levels and a combination of both natural and artificial lighting.
IMG 4.8
IMG 4.9
IMG 4.10
Sustainable Design With a focus on organic healing and natural living, a yoga studio and spa requires sustainable practices. While many yoga studios are not certified as LEED buildings, due to budgeting reasons, most buildings of this type have a focus on sustainable design. All materials throughout the studio and spa should be green. While many studios utilize reclaimed woods and other materials, there is also a focus on larger sustainable practices. With the integration of tankless hot water heaters, low flow plumbing systems, and geothermal heating
and cooling, studios can minimize their environmental impact.
Acoustic Control Acoustics should always be considered in a yoga studio and spa environment. With relaxation and rejuvenation being the priorities of the space, it is critical to minimize sound travel throughout the building. The most critical rooms for acoustical absorption are the studios and massage rooms. The remainder of the building can have moderate acoustical considerations, provided that the noise levels are generally low.
Visual Control Moderate visual control should be provided in the yoga studios to maintain comfortability for users during their practice. This can be provided through translucent screens or solid walls.16 Visual continuity is critical in classrooms to allow all students to see the instructor. Visual control becomes critical in the spa area. This intimate area must be separate from common circulation paths to maintain a level of privacy. Visual control must be provided between each massage room in addition to privacy from the outdoors.
“Yoga is, in essence, a green movement.�
17
-Bethany Eanes 83
The locker rooms and changing areas will also need to maintain a level of privacy from the typical circulation of the building. By providing visual barriers with walls and doorways, the changing areas can be kept separate from shower areas. Each shower will have a separate stall with a changing area to maintain a strong sense of privacy. Privacy is not an issue for the self service cafe or retail store.
Wayfinding + Signage Wayfinding and signage should be provided throughout the space as a range of 60� to 66� AFF. Overhead signage should hang no lower than 7’ AFF.18 Signage will become prominent in the private areas of the spa to direct users to their destination. Signage can also help workers to determine which massage rooms are occupied and which are
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available. In order to direct users from the yoga studios, to the spas and cafe, wayfinding signage will be useful as well as signage based on building code.
Thermal Comfort Criteria The entirety of the building should be kept slightly warm to encourage relaxation and body healing. The traditional yoga studio, however, should be the coolest of all of the space. An aerobics classroom should never exceed 68 degrees F with 50% humidity.19 This being said, the yoga studio could be slightly warmer, at 70 degrees. The Bikram yoga studio, on the other hand, should be kept above 105 degrees F. This is to be regulated with radiant or infrared heating systems. The facility can be heated and cooled either passively or actively.
Interior Construction + Building Systems The majority of the building can be simply constructed with moisture resistant Gypsum wall board on metal studs. Commercial grade insulation should be provided in all walls, specifically surrounding the studio and spa areas. The majority of the structure will be constructed on-site, however, spa amenities like the sauna are typically prefabricated and brought to the facility. The sauna must be surrounded with R12 insulation in the walls and R16 in the ceiling.20
Universal Design, ADA + Code Wellness Studio will be designed to accommodate any person with any disability. All ADA and building code standards will be followed to provide the best experience for each client.
End Notes 1 Therma-Ray, “SmartRooms Thermal Comfort System, Architectural Series System,” Therma-Ray, accessed October 20, 2014, http://www.thermaray.com/images/pdfs/Architectural-Series/architectural-series-installation-guide.pdf. 2 ”Spa Design,” SPATrade Library Knowledge Base, accessed October 20, 2014, http://www.sld.cu/galerias/pdf/sitios/ rehabilitacion-bal/spa_design.pdf. 3 “Spa Design.” 4 Joseph DeChiara et. al., Time Saving Standards for Building Types (New York: McGraw-Hill Inc, 1990), 803. 5 Yoga Baron, “Yoga Studio Design Guide,” Yoga Baron, 2012, accessed October 21, 2014, http://www.yogabaron.com/wpcontent/uploads/2010/07/Yoga-Baron-Yoga-Studio-Design-Guide.pdf. 6 Anne Roberts, “How To Design a Massage Room,” Homes Guides, accessed October 21, 2014, http://homeguides.sfgate.com/ design-massage-room-52680.html. 7 Finnleo Pure Sauna, “Designing and Building Your Sauna,” Finnleo, 2014, accessed October 22, 2014, http://www.finnleo.com/ pages/construction.aspx. 8 International Code Council, “Chapter 4 - Fixtures, Faucets and Fixture Fittings,” International Code Council, 2007, accessed October 21, 2014, http://publicecodes.cyberregs.com/st/fl/st/b900v07/st_fl_st_b900v07_4_sec004_par038.htm. 9 “Spa Design.” 10 Joseph DeChiara, et. al, Time Saving Standards for Interior Design & Space Planning (New York: McGraw Hill Inc, 1991), 427. 11 DeChiara, Time Saving Standards for Interior Design & Space Planning, 389. 12 Yoga Baron. 13 Roberts. 14 DeChiara, Time Saving Standards for Building Types, 803. 15 Yoga Baron. 16 Yoga Baron 17 Bethany Eanes, “6 Tips to Make Your Yoga Studio Greener,” Mind Body Green, APril 13, 2011, accessed October 22, 2014, http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-2270/6-Tips-to-Make-Your-Yoga-Studio-Greener.html. 18 DeChiara, Time Saving Standards for Interior Design & Space Planning, 936. 19 International Fitness Association, “Gym Temperature and Noise Limits,” International Fitness Association, 2014, accessed October 21, 2014, http://www.ifafitness.com/health/temperature.htm. 19 Finnleo Pure Sauna.
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Pictoral References IMG 4.1 http-//lumeriamaui.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/bg-yoga.jpg IMG 4.2 DeChiara, Time Saving Standards for Interior Design & Space Planning, 330. IMGA 4.3 DeChiara, Time Saving Standards for Interior Design & Space Planning, 330. IMG 4.4 http-//publicecodes.cyberregs.com/st/fl/st/b900v07/images/STA2009120815390718255 IMG 4.5 http-//abadiaccess.com/files/2011/05/fig31 IMG 4.6 DeChiara, Time Saving Standards for Interior Design & Space Planning, 389. IMG 4.7 DeChiara, Time Saving Standards for Interior Design & Space Planning, 389. IMG 4.8 http-//www.learner.org/teacherslab/science/light/lawslight/funhouse/images/background1 IMG 4.9 DeChiara, Time Saving Standards for Interior Design & Space Planning,750. IMG 4.10 DeChiara, Time Saving Standards for Interior Design & Space Planning, 744. IMG 4.11 http-//www.danielleorner.com/files/wp-content/themes/danielleorner/galleria/photos/danielleorner6
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Section 5
Topical Explorations Restorative Spaces | Color Theory | Medicinal Yoga
Restorative Spaces For many practitioners, yoga is not just an activity it becomes a lifestyle. The goal of Restore Wellness Studio is to create a restorative environment to release mental fatigue. While so much of our day is consumed with direct attention and prolonged focus, the human brain requires periods of soft fascination and effortless reflection. This period of reflection is enhanced through the restorative environment. According to the studies of Kaplan & Kaplan, there are three qualities that an environment must possess in order to encourage natural healing. The first of which is a feeling of “getting away.� This feeling can come from physical or conceptual displacement, freeing the brain from activities that require direct attention. This displacement is typically associated with natural environments: the seaside, a meadow, a lake shore or hilltop.
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IMG 5.2
While interacting with new surroundings, the brain can more easily free itself, however, it is not required for the body to be moved in order to reach this free state.
IMG 5.3
The environment then must “be rich and coherent enough so that it constitutes a whole other world.”1 Referred to as extent, their must be an endless stream of stimuli. The space must posses a sufficient scope to occupy a substantial portion of the brain, preventing the user from allowing outside stresses into the environment. Nature typically stimulates the brain with soft fascinations: “clouds, sunsets, snow patterns, the motion of leaves in the breeze.”2 This fascination can be created spatially using renewable materials such as wood and water; natural fibers like raw silk and linen; as well as providing artwork, calming music and varying levels of lighting, both natural and artificial. By giving
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studio-goers another stimuli, besides their stressors, they can free their body and mind into their yoga practices. The third goal of the restorative environment is to coordinate with the users intention. Yoga students begin their practice determining an intention, a focus for the entirety of their session. While the space must provide enough information for the user to meet their purpose, the user’s purpose must meet the demands of the environment. This compatibility allows for open interaction between user and surroundings without hesitation, doubt or struggle. An aesthetically calming environment will facilitate a
student’s restorative intention during yoga and meditation. This calming motif within a space can be referred to as therapeutic design. While therapeutic design is often used in hospitals and post-op facilities, similar principles can be utilized in yoga studios and spas, allowing a natural relationship between user and space. “Therapeutic Environmental theory stems from the fields of environmental psychology (the psychosocial effects of environment), psychoneuroimmunology (the effects of environment on the immune system), and neuroscience (how the brain perceives architecture).”4
Architects, designers and researches have identified four key factors which help to create a regenerative environment, ultimately improving human experience within the space: reducing or eliminating environmental stressors; providing positive distractions, enabling social support and giving a sense of control.4 Just by entering the studio, users are beginning to eliminate their environmental stressors. Other ways that the facility can minimize stressors is by reducing unwanted noise from the office areas or outside; creating visual barriers in private spaces; providing clear
“The human spirit needs places where nature has not been rearranged by the hand of man.” 3
-Anonymous 92
wayfinding signage and visual cues; and maintaining good indoor air quality.5 Overcrowding also causes stress in an interior environment. By providing ample space in all studios and lobbies as well as limiting class sizes, the facility can begin to coordinate with the student’s intentions of relaxation. By eliminating potential stressors within the studio, the design can encourage a soothing and tranquil environment, allowing users to relax and recuperate.
IMG 5.4
In addition to reducing stressors, the environment should create positive distractions that can act as soft fascinations for students within the studio. Some distractions include views and access to nature, artwork, and calming music. These subtle moments of distraction will channel the brain away from stressors and into a meditative state. Social support will become a large part of the studio in terms of the cafe and lounge
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areas. By providing the users with additional space to reflect on their yoga practice amongst their peers, the design facilitates social interaction and support. This will aid in creating a positive and encouraging environment within the studio, satisfying the users sociological needs. Lounge areas should vary in intimacy, allowing for both private and group reflections. By providing the users with a sense of control, the design allows the ability connect with the space. Simple interactions, such as providing each student with their own storage space or the ability to dim particular lights, allow the students to develop in tandem with the space, encouraging cooperation of user and environment as outline by Kaplan and Kaplan.6 By perceiving the yoga and spa environment as therapeutic, users will be more likely to fully participate in their practices. By
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allowing the brain to settle into a state of ‘getting away,’ users will begin to feel relaxed and rejuvenated within the space.
Color Theory Countless studies have shown the effects of color on the human brain; this theory remains true when discussing the topic of yoga. The calming nature of yoga is characterized by the alignment of seven Chakras within the body. Each of these energy centers correspond with emotions and physical body parts as well as a specific color. In yoga theory, these colors are used to drive each person’s intention in their practice. Beginning at the top of the body is the Crown Chakra. Associated with the color purple, the crown aligns spirituality, peace, consciousness and thoughts. The color purple is used in studios, as well as worn by students, who are trying to reach a meditative state. However, too much purple can
limit the meditative state, causing mental fatigue and stagnation. Purple accents are often used in restorative spaces to ease the mind without over-powering.7 The Third Eye Chakra, linked to indigo, encompasses longterm vision, intuition and imagination. Indigo is used to calm the nervous system and eyes, as well as encourage a vision into the future. This rich color is inspiring to the practice of yoga; however, it can cause a feeling of depression in it’s dark nature. Blue represents the Throat Chakra which corresponds with communication, openness, expression and ideas. Used as a healing color for the respiratory system and sinuses, the color blue is often perceived as a healing color. While the color eases stress, it calms the brain. This practice is not ideal in yoga as practitioners are trying to activate the body. Aligning with love, sharing, trust and coping, the Heart
IMG 5.4
Chakra characterizes physical connections. The green color promotes honesty, harmony and balance. Used to ease pain and relieve stress, the color green is often utilized in yoga studio design. Green is used to bring nature within, a calming yet prosperous color, good for meditation and therapy.8 Using the colors of the top four Chakras, purple, indigo, blue and green, can help to release anxiety in a user. All representing cool colors, the space begins to adopt a soothing atmosphere with a lesser chance of over-stimulating the users’ brains.
IMG 5.6
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The Solar Plexus Chakra embodies power, purpose, efficiency and passion. While it’s color, yellow, can sometimes bring about anger. Its purpose is to govern the nervous system, metabolism and emotions. Used properly, yellows can lighten a space and bring happiness. Owner of Flow Yoga Center in Washington, D.C. explains that the choice of yellow in her studio seems to “glow from the
IMG 5.7
reflection of the sun.�9 Similar to the color of the sun, yellow can act as a natural color, bringing the outside world within the studio. Orange emanates the Sacral Chakra. Associated with intimacy, desire and letting go,
the Sacral Chakra combines the grounded feeling of the Root Chakra with the passion of the Solar Plexus. While the energizing color is stimulating to the mind’s creativity and ambition, it is not suggested for
yoga restorative spaces. While use in small flowers and accents warms the space, pulling from a color reminiscent of yoga’s historic Indian roots, orange can cause irresponsible behavior, nervousness and restlessness.10
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Lastly, the Root Chakra, encompassed by the color red, promotes a feeling of security. Aligning the lower body, from hips to feet, the Root embodies vigor and healthfulness. While quick exposures to the color red gives the human mind an energy boost, over use of the powerful color can create exhaustion, fear, aggression and anger. The lower three chakras are used to combat a feeling of low energy. They are particularly stimulating to action and movement. While their effect on human energy may be a positive, their intensity can be over-stimulating in a restorative environment such as a yoga studio or spa. While color selection for a restorative and relaxing space is critical, the design must also consider color palette. Color palettes can be a range of monochromatic, analogous and complementary. Typically, analogous palettes, which utilize “hues that are close to one another on the color wheel,� are best for
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IMG 5.8
tranquil spaces.11 Similar hues in a space will create subtle changes in color, and subsequently mood, of an interior without over bearing it’s users with high contrast color changes.
to emerge as a topic of clinical research. The meditative undertaking is currently being utilized for purposes ranging from stress reduction to cancer treatment.
In yoga studios and spas, designers often utilize cool toned hues that relate directly to nature. Blues and greens work will together to create cohesion between interior an exterior. Other colors that are often added to this palette are purples and dusty teals.
Research from Pallav Sengupta of the International Journal of Preventive Medicine discusses yoga’s impact on the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis. The HPA axis is a complex set of direct influences and feedback interactions among three endocrine glands located just above the kidneys. This axis acts as a major component in the neuroendocrine system which controls reactions to stress and regulates body processes such as digestion, the immune system, mood, emotions, sexuality 12 and energy storage. The HPA axis responds specifically to physical and psychophysical demands, “leading to a cascade of physiological, behavioral, and psychological effects, primarily as a result of the release of cortisol and catecholamines.”13 Overtime, constant activity in the
Medicinal Yoga As perviously discussed, yoga was founded on the ancient principles of Hindu and Buddhist belief. However, modern yogis have transcended the practice from spiritual to medicinal. While yoga has immediate psychological effects on decreasing anxiety, and increasing feelings of emotional, social, and spiritual wellbeing, the practices long term health benefits are beginning
HPA axis leads to deregulation of the system and eventually diseases such as obesity, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, depression, substance abuse and cardiovascular disease. However, through meditative breathing, known as Pranayama, yoga has been proven to “down regulate” and minimize the psychological effects of the HPA axis on the human body, in return reducing the risk of stress related disease.14 It is currently hypothesized that the axis is quieted through a “shift toward parasympathetic nervous system dominance” during meditation.15 An eight week yoga intervention helps to further this research. Conducted by Doctor David Shapiro, on patients diagnosed with “unipolar major depression in partial remission” underwent a sixty class yoga regimen led by senior Iyengar yoga teachers.16 Iyengar yoga, consisting of sitting and standing poses, inversions, breathing exercises and meditation, combines both
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internal presence with physical exercise. With sensitivity to psychological and biological variables, tests were conducted on patients prior to their participation in the intervention. The study revealed yoga as an effective complementary or alternative medicine, lowering blood pressure, resting heart rate, heart rate variability and baroreflex sensitivity, each of which have a direct impact on the HPA axis.17 The body’s ability to flexibly adapt to stressors is derived from signals sent from the HPA axis. Stress response and the HPA axis can be tested in terms of pain tolerance. A 2008 study at the University of Utah “showed that among control subjects and yoga practitioners, by functional MRIs, that yoga practitioner had the highest pain tolerance and lower pain-related brain activity during the MRI. The study underscores the value of techniques, such as yoga,
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that can help a person regulate their stress and, therefore, pain responses.”18
and plasma rennin which help maintain a healthy blood stream through the body.
Even short practices of yoga have been proven to normalize “the function of the autonomic nervous system by deviating both sympathetic and parasympathetic indices toward more normal middle region of the reference values.”19 These indices eliminate excess brain activity and centralize thought during the yoga practice. Yoga practitioners have shown decreased levels of salivary cortisol, blood glucose
While yoga has been proved to release stress, it’s benefits do not stop at the physically healthy. People were cancer have been “managing symptoms of fatigue, insomnia, mood disturbances … and improving quality of life” through the practice of yoga and Pranayama.20 According to Doctor JW Carson, patients with metastatic breast cancer who practiced yoga during the day were much less likely to
experience pain and fatigue at night. A greater invigoration in acceptable and relaxation was also experience by patients of the study.21 Another small clinical trial reported patients with lymphoma having “fewer sleep disturbances, [falling] asleep more quickly, and [sleeping] longer after a seven-week yoga program, compared to patients who did not participate in yoga.”22 While there is limited research on yoga’s physical impact on cancer patients, the psychological impact is parallel to those yogis without cancer.
“The evidence is growing that yoga practice is a relatively low-risk, high-yield approach to improving overall health.” 23
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End Notes 1 Stephen Kaplan, “The Restorative Benefits of Nature: Toward an Integrative Framework,” Journal of Environmental Psychology, no. 15 (1995): 173. 2 Kaplan, 174. 3 “Wuotable Wit and Wisdom,” World Cultural Pictorial, May 2009, accessed October 28, 2014, http://www.worldculturepictorial.com/blog/ content/the-human-spirit-needs-places-where-nature-has-not-been-rearranged-hand-man-author-unknown. 4 Ron Smith and Nicholas Watkins, “Therapeutic Environments,” National Institute of Building Sciences, June 18, 2010, accessed October 24, 2014, http://www.wbdg.org/resources/therapeutic.php#desc. 5 Smith and Watkins. 6 Kaplan, 174. 7-8 “Color Theory,” One Earth One Design, 2007, accessed November 1, 2014, http://www.1earth1design.com/design/information/colortheory. 9 “Feng Shui for Studios,” Yoga Journal, August 2007, accessed November 1, 2014, http://www.yogajournal.com/article/teach/soothingspaces-feng-shui-for-studios/. 10 “Color Theory.” 11 Chelsea Fullerton and Emma Robertson, “Design Guide,” Emmadime, September 4, 2012, accessed November 3, 2014, http://emmadime. com/2012/09/design-guide-color/. 12 Sean M. Smith and Wylie W. Vale, “The Role of the Hypothalamic Pipuitary Adrenal Axis in Neuroendocrine Responses to Stress,” Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, December 2006, accessed November 4, 2014, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3181830/. 13-15 Pallav Sengupta, “Health Impacts of Yoga and Pranayama: A State-of-the-Art Review,” International Journal of Preventive Medicine, July 2012, accessed November 1, 2014, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3415184/. 16-17 David Shapiro, Ian Cook, Dmitry Davydov, Christina Ottaviani, Andrew Leuchter and Michelle Abrams, “Yoga as a Complementary Treatment of Depression: Effects of Traits and Moods on Treatment Outcome, Evidence-Based Complementary Alternative Medicine, February 2007, accessed November 1, 2014, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2176141/. 18-20 Sengupta. 21 J.W. Carson, K.M. Carson, L.S. Porter, F.J. Keefe, H. Shaw, J.M. Miller, “Yoga for Women with Metastatic Breast Cancer: Results from a Pilot Study,” US National Library of Medicine, March 2007. 22 “Yoga,” The American Cancer Society, November 1, 2008, accessed November 5, 2014, http://www.cancer.org/treatment/ treatmentsandsideeffects/omplementaryandalternativemedicine/mindbodyandspirit/yoga. 23 Sengupta. 104
Pictoral References IMG 5.1 http-//www.theyogimovement.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/AdventureYogi-SnowYogi-Yoga IMG 5.2 http://www.furniturehomedesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/home-yoga-studio1.jpg IMG 5.3 http-//spareviewmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Dromoland-3-SPA-CR-whirlpool-moving_DSC0640lower3001 IMG 5.4 http-//leizaclarkinsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/meditation11 IMG 5.5 https-//www.flickr.com/photos/-verve-/6803475097/sizes/o/ IMG 5.6 http://www.fitengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/OF_Aerial-Circus-Bootcamp-177x168.jpg IMG 5.7 http-//101thingstodosw.com/phoenix/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Antigravity-Yoga1 IMG 5.8 http://bedroomkitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Spa-Interior-Design-441.jpg IMG 5.9 http-//sprouthealthlifestyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/SkylorCookingYoga_130523_0584-as-Smart-Object-1 IMG 5.10 http-//i.imgur.com/XgB5te8
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Section 6
Existing Site Context, Climate + Zoning Delaware County | Media | Palmers Mill Road | Analysis
Delaware County The proposed site for Restore Wellness Studio is in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. As a south-west suburb of Philadelphia County, the area becomes home to many business men and women working in the city. Healthcare industries and the Boeing Rotorcraft Division are two major industries that helped develop the economic standards in the area. As of a 2012 study, the population of Delaware Country is 560,011. While socioeconomic status differ greatly throughout the area, the average household income in around $50,000 per year. With lower income areas such as Chester and Darby balanced by areas like Radnor and Newtown, the county is subject to a substantial range of socioeconomic standings. The racially diverse and economically balanced population provides a myriad of cultures within Delaware County.
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Originally settled by the LenniLenape tribe on American India, the land was later granted to William Penn. Settlement began in Chester in the early 1680’s. In 1682, the General Assembly of Pennsylvania adopted Penn’s “Great Law of Pennsylvania,” granting the right to vote, citizenship, freedom of religion and trial by jury to all settlers. Emphasizing the fair treatment of
American Indians, development began on the opposite site of Delaware County in Marcus Hook, Upland, Chester, Tinicum and Darby. A large contribution to the development was the areas proximity to it’s namesake, the Delaware River. Shipbuilding began under the Swedes and the area became an active coastal trade zone.
During the American Revolution, the area became a major battleground. The largest land battle of the revolution was fought on September 11, 1777 along the Brandywine River. At this time, the political seat for the county moved from Chester to Media. Development began as many landowners sold off their farms and purchased property by the new seat, thus opening up the
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river front for further industrial development. Industry continued to develop in the middle of the 1800’s when the Pennsylvania Railroad’s Main Line was built through Radnor Township, in the northern part of Delaware County. With the construction of the 69th Street Terminal in eastern DelCo, the country began to flourish with trollies running from Philadelphia through West Chester, Sharon Hill, Ardmore and Media. Substantial residential development began after the First World War in areas such as Upper Darby, Drexel Hill, Havertown and Springfield, later moving into Westbrook Park and Marple Township.1 The colonial style homes, with large dormers, columns and symmetrical facades, can still be seen throughout much of the area today. The pitched roofs helped to relieve some of the snow and rain that is typical of the area. The climate of the area is mild. Temperatures range from an average summer high of 86
degrees Fahrenheit to and average winter low of 25. On average Delaware County gets about 43 inches of rain per year and 16 inches of snowfall. Winds are typically from the northwest in the winter and southwest in the summer.2
Media The current National Land’s Trust Headquaters is located on Hildacy Farm outside of the Borough of Media. The neighborhood, known as the first fair-trade town, is a small grid of streets consisting of a courthouse, post office, business districts, shopping areas and residential neighborhoods. Home to landmarks like the Media Presbyterian Church, designed by John McArthur, architect of Philadelphia City Hall in a Classic Greek Revival style and the Media Armory, a two-story Tutor Revival which is
now home to the Pennsylvania Veteran’s Museum and Trader Joe’s market, the neighborhood holds a sense of community and nostalgia.3 The area currently holds on the the Rose Tree Inn and Tavern on the major corner of Providence Road and Ridley Creek Road. The two and a half story, Colonial style fieldstone building was built in 1809 on the side of a frame structure that had been building in 1739. Said to have housed George Washington for a period of time.4 IMG 6.2 displays the original Palmers Mill, the namesake for the proposed site. The majority of Media’s population is white, working class individuals. However, the neighborhood is home to African Americans, Asians, Hispanics and American Indian’s as well. The area is compiled of ancestors of Irish (22.9%), German (13.4%), English (10.9%), Italian (8.9%), Polish (3.0%) and Welsh (2.5%) immigrants. In comparison to Pennsylvania’s
111
IMG 6.5
112
median household income of $51,230, Media’s median income is $54,218, according to the 2012 census.5
the proposed building, which is currently the currators’ residence. The other edifice on the site is a small stone and stucco barn.
Palmers Mill Road
The surrounding houses are of a colonial style while nearby attractions, such as the Paxon Hallow Country Club and Springton Tennis Club, boast a slightly more modern aesthetic. Route 252, just to the west of the preserve, is a busy road which will drive traffic to the area. However there are not any public transportation stops nearby.
Although Hildacy Farm Preserve is reguarded as part of the Media community, Palmers Mill Road is split between Upper Providence Township (Media) and Marple Township. The site is considered in the planning and zoning of Marple, as shown in IMG 6.4. Located of the south side of Palmers Mill Road, the building is just east of Springton Reservoir.
Analysis
With the exception of a few one and two story homes nearby, the closest neighbors are Eastern Bluebirds and white-tailed deer. Located on the 55-acre Hildacy Farms, land which is preserved by the National Land’s Trust, the site is left relatively untouched by the hands of man. There is a small house on the current land preserve just to the south east of
Traffic can access the site from any direction as all surrounding roads are two-way. All traffic traveling to the site is vehicular, with the exception of visitors living within walking or biking distance. Public transportation is not available directly to Palmers Mill Road or the site. There is a large parking lot at the forefront
IMG 6.6
113
of the site, just off the main road and a smaller lot adjacent to the building. It is encouraged for visitors to use the large lot and they can then experience the site as a journey.
IMG 6.7
Surrounded by a land preserve, most views within the building are positive. The most ideal view is to the south west of the building, looking into wetlands which is home to a multitude of wildlife. The view north west of the building, looking towards the small parking lot, is the least attractive as it houses both
“The air clean and sweet, the springs plentiful and provisions good and easy to come at; an innumerable quality of water fowl and ďŹ sh.â€? 6
-William Penn 114
vehicles and small dumpsters for the site. This is also the direction in which most on-street traffic and passer-by’s can see the building. The indigenous foliage of the site acts as a barrier against both sunlight and wind patterns. Currently there are large two story windows on the eastern and western corners of the building which may require supplemental interior shading. Most sounds around the site emanate from the wildlife which
surround it. Sound from the busy Route 252 is mostly blocked by the trees and barn on the western side of the site. Noise may also travel from Palmers Mill Road on the northern sides of the building, however, it is minimal as the speed limit on the road is twenty-five miles per hour. Currently, accessibility does not pose an issue on site because of the small parking lot closest to the building. However, accessibility will need to be considered in all proposed outdoor yoga and meditation spaces as the
southern side of the building is on a large hill. As is, the site acts as a hiking trail for many visitors. While there are few paved pathways leading up to the building specifically, there are dirt and gravel pathways which meander throughout the site. Adjacent to the building there is a small picnic area with benches and tables, while the western corner of the building houses a patio for current users. The surrounding site is rich with foliage and wildlife, ideal for meditation and restoration.
IMG 6.8
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End Notes 1 “The History of Delaware County,” Delaware County Historical Society, accessed November 10, 2014, http://www.delcohistory. com/delaware-county/the-history-of-delaware-county/. 2 “Climate in Delaware County, Pennsylvania,” Sperling’s Best Places, 2014, accessed November 10, 2014, http://www.bestplaces. net/climate/county/pennsylvania/delaware. 3 “Media History,” Media, Pennsylvania, 2014, accessed November 10, 2014, http://visitmediapa.com/history. 4 Ralph Vigoda and Christian Davenport, “Search for Clues Continues In Slaying At Inn,” Philly.com, December 29, 1996, accessed November 10, 2014, http://articles.philly.com/1996-12-29/news/25641341_1_keenan-james-e-webb-delaware-county. 5 “Media, Pennsylvania,” City Data, 2014, accessed November 10, 2014, http://www.city-data.com/city/Media-Pennsylvania. html#top. 6 “Hildacy Farm Preserve,” Visit Philadelphia, 2014, accessed November 10, 2014, http://www.visitphilly.com/outdooractivities/philadelphia/hildacy-farm-preserve/.
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Pictoral References IMG 6.1 Madeline Hill IMG 6.2 http-//www.delawarecountyhistory.com/upperprovidencetownship/images/Up.ProvidenceTwp.PalmerMillc.1900 IMG 6.3 Madeline Hill IMG 6.4 http-//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fa/State_St_Media_PA IMG 6.5 http://maps.stamen.com/m2i/image/20141112/toner_qvn0zSEmy98 IMG 6.6 Madeline Hill IMG 6.7 http://www.marpletwp.com/ZoningMap_2.pdf IMG 6.8 Madeline Hill
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Section 7
Program Development + Documentation
Name Qty. ft2 Σ ft2 Vestibule Lobby
1 1
100 200
100 200
Store
1
300
300
Store Storage Waiting Lounge
1
100
100
1
140
Locker Rooms
2
Changing
Adj.
Privacy Light
Equip. Finishes Acoustic Perception Remarks
Lobby Private Nat. + Art. Security Store + Private Nat. + Art. Desk + Lockers Computer Lobby + Limit Visual Nat. + Art. Lockers Privacy Store Private Art. -
Durable Warm + Durable Mirrors
-
Welcoming Welcoming
Coat Room
-
Organized
-
Moderate
-
Share Comp. w/ Lobby -
140
Lobby + Lockers
Semi Private
Nat.
-
Durable
-
Welcoming
545
1090
Spa + Studios
Private
Art.
-
Antimicrobial
High
Clean
2
250
500
Showers
-
-
20 Lockers
-
-
-
-
Showers
2
275
550
Changing
-
-
10 Showers
-
-
-
ADA Showers
Lavatories
2
120
240
-
-
-
5 Lavs
-
-
-
ADA Stalls
Yoga Studio
1
750
750
Lobby + Outdoors
Semi Private
Nat.
-
Resilient Floor
High
Calming
Min 8’ CLG 30 ft2/student
Hot Yoga Studio
1
550
550
Showers + Outdoors
Semi Private
Nat.
Radiant Heat
Highly Insulated
High
Calming
Min 8’ CLG 30 ft2/student
Aerial Yoga Studio
1
750
750
Outdoors
Semi Private
Nat.
CLG Support
Resilient Floor
High
Energizing
Min 10’ CLG 30 ft2/student
Lounge
1
280
280
Studios
Public
-
Moderate
Relaxing
-
Massage Rooms
3
150
450
Lockers
Private
Art.
Table + Sink
Antimicrobial
High
Relaxing
3’ Circ Around Table
Facial Rooms
2
80
160
Massage Rooms
Private
Art.
Chair + Sink
Antimicrobial
High
Relaxing
-
Sauna
1
80
80
Showers
Private
Art.
Radiant Heat
Highly Insulated
High
Rejuvenating
-
Steam Room Meditation
1
80
80
Showers
Private
Art.
Refreshing
-
200
200
Studios
Private
High
Tranquil
Juice Bar
1
60
60
Central
Public
Antimicrobial Nat. +Art. Nat. + Art. Kitchenette Hard
High
1
Shower Heads -
-
Fresh
120
Nat. + Art. Seating
Seating for 6 min
Dimmable Self Serve
Name Qty. ft2 Σ ft2
Adj.
Privacy Light
Equip. Finishes Acoustic Perception Remarks
Cafe Seating
1
300
300
Central
Public
Nat. + Art.
Seating
Food Storage Classroom
1
200
200
Juice Bar
Private
Art.
Walk in Fridge
1
500
500
Admin Offices Employee Break Room
3
150
1
500
Meeting Room
1
300
300
Offices + Classroom
Semi Private
Storage
1
250
250
-
Private
Art.
Janitor Closet Mechanical Room
1
50
50
Restrooms
Private
1
200
200
Hot Yoga
Electrical Room
1
50
50
Data Closet
1
50
Laundry
1
150
Moderate
Inviting
Multiple Seating Styles
-
-
-
Moderate
Energizing
Moderate
Functional
Moderate
Relaxing
Movable Tables + Seating Managers’ Offices Vending Machines
-
Moderate
Collaborative
Movable Tables + Seating
-
-
-
-
-
Art.
Sink
-
-
-
-
Private
Art.
-
-
-
-
-
Mech. Room
Private
Art.
-
-
-
50
Elec. Room
Private
Art.
-
-
-
-
-
150
Spa + Lockers
Private
Art.
Laundry
Cleanable
-
-
-
300
Central
Public
-
-
-
Inviting
-
Lobby + Lounge 450 Lobby + Classroom 500 Offices + Classroom
Public Semi Private Semi Private
Hard
Durable + Cleanable Nat + Art. Kitchenette Durable + Cleanable Nat. + Art. Desks + Computers Kitchenette Art. Nat. + Art. Projector
-
-
Restrooms Circulation 40% 6600 7580 Public Stair 1/floor 100
Nat. + Art.
Fire Stair
2
300
600
Remote
Public
Art.
-
2 Hr Rated
-
-
Existing Available
Elevator + Mech Room
1
80
80
Central
Public
Art.
Mech Room.
-
-
-
-
Total
15870
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Vestibule Lobby Store Store Storage Waiting Lounge Locker Rooms Yoga Studio Hot Yoga Studio Aerial Yoga Studio Lounge Massage Rooms Facial Rooms Sauna Steam Room Meditation Juice Bar Cafe Seating Food Storage Classroom Admin Offices Employee Break Room Meeting Room Storage Janitor Closet Mech. Room Elec. Room Data Closet Laundry Public Stair Fire Stair Elevator Vestibule Lobby Store Store Storage Waiting Lounge Locker Rooms Yoga Studio Hot Yoga Studio Aerial Yoga Studio Lounge Massage Rooms Facial Rooms Sauna Steam Room Meditation Juice Bar Cafe Seating Food Storage Classroom Admin Offices Employee Break Room Meeting Room Storage Janitor Closet Mech. Room Elec. Room Data Closet Laundry Public Stair Fire Stair Elevator
D D C C C C C C C C C C C C C C N C N N C N N N N N N C C C C
D D D D C D D D C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C N N C C C N N N C C N N N N N N N N N N N N C C C C C C C C
D D C C D D C C D D C C N N N C C N N C D N C D N C D C N C D C N C C D N C D C N C D C N C D C N C D C N C D C N C C C N C C C N N N N N C N C N C N C N N N N N N N N C N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N C N C N C C C C C C C C C C C C C C N C
C C C N C D C C D C C C C C C C N C C N N N N C C N N C C C C
C C C N C D C C D C C C C C C C N C C N N N N N N N N C C C C
C C C N C C D D D C C C C C C C N C N N N N N N N N N C C C C
C C C N C D C C C C D D D C C C N N N N N N N N N N C C C C C
C C C N C D C C C C D C C C C C N N N N N N N N N N C C C C C
C C C N C D C C C C D C C C C C N N N N N N N N N N C C C C C
C C C N C D C C C C D C C C C C N N N N N N N N N N C C C C C
Key: D - Direct Access; C - Convenient Access; N - Access Not Necessary
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C C C N C D C C C C C C C C C C N N N N N N N N N N N C C C C
C C C N C C C C C C C C C C C D D C C C C N C N N N N C C C C
C C C N C C C C C C C C C C C D D C C C C N C N N N N C C C C
N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N D D D C C N N C N N N N C C C C
C C C N C N C C C C N N N N N C C D C C C N N N N N N C C C C
N C N N C N C C C N N N N N N C C C C D D N N N N C N C C C C
N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N C C C C D C C N N N N N C C C C
C C C N N N N N N N N N N N N C C N C D C C C N N N N C C C C
N N N C N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N C C C C C C C N C C C
N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N C C C N N N C C N N N D N C C C
N N N N N N N C N N N N N N N N N N N N N N C N C N N N C C C
N N N N N N N C N N N N N N N N N N N N N N C N C N N N C C C
N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N C N N C N N N N N C C C
N N N C N C N N N N C C C C N N N N N N N N N D N N N
C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C N N N N N N
C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C N
C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C D N
N C N C D N C C C C
C C C C C N C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C
6.6
Wet Spa
Spa
Locker Rooms
Locker Rooms
Lower Level Test Fit Plan
Ancillary Admin
Entry Sequence Yoga Studios Juice Bar + Seating
Ground Level Test Fit Plan
124
Admin Offices
Mezzanine Level Test Fit
Ancillary + Mechanical Spaces
Attic Level Test Fit Plan
125
End Notes Program Created with Consideration from: Joan Whaley Gallup. Wellness Centers: A Guide for the Design Professional. ( New York: John Wiley and Sons, 1999) 172-175.
126
Pictoral References IMG 7.1 http-//thegoldensecrets.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/w_yoga_jesse_120420b IMG 7.2 http-//tikibarsoap.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/shutterstock_1370028921
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Section 8 Building Analysis, Code, Regulations + Standards
The current Natural Lands Trust Headquarters is a 16,00 square foot, two story building. The holistic design, completed in 2001 by Susan Maxman + Partners, architectural firm, holds high energy efficiency and sustainability standards. The building “evokes the agricultural vernacular of the existing complex while the cement-board siding and standing-seam metal roof reference tradition wood siding and tin roofs.”1 The comprehensive approach to sustainability includes energy efficiency, recycled and recyclable materials, water and waste management, as well as construction waste recycling and construction erosion control. “The east-west linear building footprint is sited along a southfacing slope to take advantage of daylighting and passive solar gain.”2 Large expanses of energyefficient windows and window walls help to brighten the entirety of the space, including nonperimeter spaces. The northern
130
Structural Diagram - Plan facade utilizes small windows and more building mass to counteract its vulnerability to energy loss. In tandem with a daylighting approach, the interior and exterior of the facility are fitted with energyefficient light fixtures equipped with automatic, daylight-sensing dimmers, occupancy sensors, and timers.
IMG 8.2
Set into a hillside, the building takes advantage of the earth’s thermal protection A groundsource heating and cooling system harbors heat from the earth in the winter and returns the heat to the earth in the summer while operable windows throughout, including in the clerestory, help to cut down cooling costs during the spring and fall.
Hierarchy Diagram - Section
IMG 8.3
Solid + Void Diagram - Section
IMG 8.5
Hierarchy Diagram - Plan
IMG 8.4
Solid + Void Diagram - Plan
IMG 8.6
The A-frame construction uses metal studs. With slight variation, columns are placed about 20’ on center throughout the construction. The structural analysis also provides information on the load bearing stone walls of the original farm house which is connected to the new construction. The structure
starts to define both solid and void spaces as well as a visual hierarchy in both plan and section. These distinctions within the facility can be seen on IMG 8.2 through IMG 8.6. Restore Studio and Spa will utilize the building in its entirety.
Spaces for yoga and meditation will be added to the exterior of the building in forms of patios. Existing fire stair, restrooms and mechanical rooms will be considered for reuse. Current offices will likely be utilized as studio space to take advantage of natural light and positive views.
131
Lower Level Floor Plan
132
IMG 8.7
Lower Level Floor Plan
IMG 8.8
133
Mezzanine Floor Plan
134
IMG 8.9
Attic Floor Plan
IMG 8.10
135
North Elevation
IMG 8.11
West Elevation
IMG 8.12
Partial West Elevation
IMG 8.13
136
South Elevation
IMG 8.14
East Elevation
IMG 8.15
137
Cross Section Looking South-West
IMG 8.16
Cross Section Looking South-West
IMG 8.17
138
Cross Section Looking South-West
Cross Section Looking South-West
IMG 8.18
IMG 8.19
139
Longitudinal Section Looking South-East South-West
IMG 8.20
“The building design was shaped by a respect for the preserve and for the existing farmhouse complex; it strives to balance the relationships between new and existing, interior and exterior, and natural and artificial.”3 -U.S. Department of Energy 140
2.8
Project Data Project Name: Restore Yoga Studio + Spa Address: 1031 Palmers Mill Road Media, PA 19063 Date of Completion of Original and Additions: Farm House Completion Date Unknown Addition Completion: December 2001 Number of Stories: 2 Total Gross Square Footage: 16,500
Applicable Building Code Information Zoning Ordinance: Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code Fire Code: Fire Suppression Systems Section 1002.0 of 1987 National Building Code as amended on 3/13/1989 Building Code: BOCA Basic Building Code Elevator Code: North American Vertical Datum of 1988 Energy Code: National Electrical Code, 1999 Edition
Use Group Classification Current: Business (B) Proposed: Business (B) Accessory Occupancy: Yoga Studios - Assembly (A-3) Apparel + Equipment Shop - Mercantile (M) Storage - Low-Hazard Storage (S-2) Laundry - Moderate-Hazard Factory Industrial (F-1)
142
Means of Egress Assume All Areas Sprinklered
Business
Low-Hazard Storage
Gross Square Footage: 4890 Square Footage/Occupant: 100 gross Number of Occupants: 48.9
Gross Square Footage: 550 Square Footage/Occupant: 300 gross Number of Occupants: 1.83
Assembly
Moderate-Hazard Factory Industrial
Gross Square Footage: 2050 Square Footage/Occupant: 50 gross Number of Occupants: 41
Mercantile
Gross Square Footage: 300 Square Footage/Occupant: 60 gross Number of Occupants: 5 Number of Occupants: 41
Gross Square Footage: 150 Square Footage/Occupant: 300 gross Number of Occupants: .5
Minimum Corridor Width: 44� Number of Exits: 2 per Story Exit Access Travel Distance: Business - 300 ft Assembly - 300 ft Mercantile - 250 ft Low-Hazard Storage - 250 ft Moderate-Hazard Factory Industrial - 250 ft
143
Sanitation Male/Female % Split: 50/50 WC Male: 1 WC Female: 2 Urinals Male: 1 Lavatories Male: 1 Lavatories Female: 1 Drinking Fountains: 1 Service Sinks: 1
Fire Protection Requirements Fire Exit Enclosures: 2 Hours Shafts and Elevator Hoistways: 2 Hours Tenant Space Separations: 2 Hours Smoke Barriers: 30 Minutes Corridor Fire-Resistance Rating:
Building Limitations Freestanding structures, buildings and retaining walls, with the exception of flood retention dams, culverts and bridges must be approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. As a result of the site being on a preserve owned by Natural Lands’ Trust, sustainability and environmentally friendly design is to be highly considered.
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End Notes 1 “Natural Lands Trust Headquarters,” U.S. Department of Energy Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, 2005, accessed November 20, 2014, http://eere.buildinggreen.com//materials.cfm?ProjectID=261. 2 “National Lands Trust Headquarters.” 3 “National Lands Trust Headquarters.”
Pictorial References IMG 8.1 Madeline Hill IMG 8.2-8.6 Susan Maxman + Partners, Edited by Madeline Hill IMG 8.7-8.20 Susan Maxman + Partners IMG 8.21 Madeline Hill
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Section 9 Research Summary + Conclusions
Although design development is beginning for Restore Yoga Studio and Spa, the research will never quite end. The constant accumulation of knowledge on studios and spas will further drive both inspiration and concept for the completed project. I began this research knowing little about yoga’s physicality, only slightly understanding the integrity of the postures from my own practice. However, with a passion to acquire more knowledge and understanding of the connection between mind and body, my research flourished. The original concept for a wellness studio was a downtown oasis acting as a relaxing day spa and yoga center for stressed businessmen and women working in the city. As a result of my research, the design has developed into a suburban refuge. The project became a destination outside of the city focusing on
the restoration of the mind and body through a connection with nature and the unaltered world. The historiography laid a background for the purpose of yoga and restoration. Beginning as a religious endeavor of horse and chariot and transforming into a meditative practice in the Upanishads, yoga, ultimately meaning connection, has deep roots in Hindu and Buddhist belief. Today’s yoga, on the other hand, does not draw specifically from religious theory but rather the interdependence of mind, body and spirit. This deeper understanding helped to drive my connection with a healing lifestyle. Through visited and non-visited case studies, I was able to develop programatic expectations for Restore. Both visited case studies were in city locations, like the original design concept, and
required efficient space planning in order to accommodate their guests. The New York City spa offered multiple amenities in a single room while the Philadelphia yoga studio minimized ancillary spaces to allow for larger classrooms. After visiting these facilities, however, I began to reevaluate the purpose of my proposed project. While the studio and spa efficiently concealed unwanted street noise and disruption from within, the thought of returning to a busy life directly after a restorative experience did not seem beneficial. For my space, I desired a stronger connection with the natural world. The non-visited case studies focused on this connection with nature, creating restorative environments by providing direct access to green space outside and utilizing sustainable materials inside. This coupling with nature
“I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.” -John Burroughs 148
aligns with the yogic connection of mind and body, offering visitors the ability to regenerate with the natural world. Because of nature’s strong impact on the human mind, as discussed in the Topical Explorations section of this book, the only logical location for this type of restorative environment is on a site connected to nature. The proposed site for Restore is particularly important to me because I have been visiting this place for years. The rolling hills and trickling water of Hildacy Land Preserve create a idyllic backdrop for meditative practices and self exploration. This research has helped me to develop exactly what I would like to see in a yoga studio and spa. Transforming my space from an urban oasis to a nature infused sanctuary, I am able to revitalize my user group and fortify their desire to unite both mind and body through yoga. By analyzing various building types and furthering my own practice, I am able to develop a restorative space that will link interior space with the natural world, providing a place of strength and healing for today’s stressed individuals.
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IMG 7.1
Section 10 Bibliography + Appendix
Bibliography “Chapter 4 - Fixtures, Faucets and Fixture Fittings.” International Code Council. 2007, accessed October 21, 2014. http:/publicecodes.cyberregs.com/st/fl/st/b900v07/st_fl_st_b900v07_4_sec004_par038.htm. “Climate in Delaware County, Pennsylvania.” Sperling’s Best Places. 2014, accessed November 10, 2014. http:/www.bestplaces. net/climate/county/pennsylvania/delaware. DeChiara, Joseph, et. al. Time Saving Standards for Building Types. New York: McGraw-Hill Inc, 1990. DeChiara, Joseph et. al. Time Saving Standards for Interior Design & Space Planning. New York: McGraw Hill Inc, 1991. “Designing and Building Your Sauna.” Finnleo Pure Sauna. 2014, accessed October 22, 2014. http:/www. finnleo.com/ pages/construction.aspx. Eanes, Bethany. “6 Tips to Make Your Yoga Studio Greener.” Mind Body Green. April 13, 2011, accessed October 22, 2014. http:/www.mindbodygreen.com/0-2270/6-Tips-to-Make-Your-Yoga-Studio-Greener. html. Ferreira, Charity, Victoria Klein, and Jeremy Lehrer. “How Green is Your Studio?” Yoga Journal. October 29, 2009, accessed September 8, 2014. http:/www.yogajournal.com/article/lifestyle/how-green-is-yourstudio/. “Gym Temperature and Noise Limits.” International Fitness Association. 2014, accessed October 21, 2014. http:/www.ifafitness.com/health/temperature.htm. Hill, John. “3 Wondrously Wood-Loving Modern Structures.” Houzz. August 21, 2012, accessed October 10, 2014. http:/www. houzz.com/ideabooks/3766822/list/3-wondrously-wood-loving-modern-structures.
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Kaplan, Stephen. “The Restorative Benefits of Nature: Toward an Integrative Framework.” Journal of Environmental Psychology, no. 15 (1995). “Media History.” Media, Pennsylvania. 2014, accessed November 10, 2014. http:/visitmediapa.com/history. Meister, Michael W. Temples of the Inxdus: Studies in the Hindu Architecture of Ancient Pakistan. Leiden: Brill’s Indological Library, 2010. http:/ezproxy.philau.edu:5362/ehost/ebookviewer/ebook/bmxlYmtfXzM 1MTA5MV9fQU41?sid=4003139b- c53b-4457-a15b-9f2488c8fa8e@sessionmgr4005&vid=0&format=EB&r id=1. Nagler, Michael N., and Eknath Easwaran, The Upanishads. Tomales, CA: Nilgiri Press, 2007. http:/ web.a.ebscohost.com/ ehost/ebookviewer/ebook bmxlYmtfXzQ4OTY3Ml9fQU41?sid=8369f388 adf7459e-8c41-4ded164cd2d9@sessionmgr4002&vi d=0&format=EB&rid=1. Nostro, Giovanni. “The Spa House,” Cape Dream Stay, accessed October 3, 2014, http:/www. capedreamstay.co.za/the-spa- house. Phillips, Stephen. Yoga, Karma, and Rebirth, A Brief History and Philosophy. New York: Columbia University Press, 2009. “Quotable Wit and Wisdom.” World Cultural Pictorial. May 2009, accessed October 28, 2014. http:/www. worldculturepictorial.com/blog/content/the-human-spirit-needs-places-where-nature-has-not-beenrearranged-hand-man- author-unknown. Roberts, Anne. “How To Design a Massage Room.” Homes Guides. Accessed October 21, 2014. http:/ homeguides.sfgate.com/ design-massage-room-52680.html. Singleton, Mark. Yoga Body, The Origins of Modern Posture Practice. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2010.
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Vigoda, Ralph and Christian Davenport. “Search for Clues Continues In Slaying At Inn.” Philly.com. December 29, 1996, accessed November 10, 2014. http:/articles.philly.com/1996-12-29/news/25641341_1_ keenan-james-e-webb-delaware-county. White, Gordon David. “Yoga, Brief History of an Idea.” Princeton University Press, 2011. http:/press. princeton.edu/ chapters/i9565.pdf. “Yoga Studio.” SHKS Architects. 2011, accessed October 10, 2014. http:/www.shksarchitects.com/projects/ houses/ remodel/#!/projects/houses/rural/yoga-studio/?context=dialog. “Yoga Studio Design Guide.” Yoga Baron. 2012, accessed October 21, 2014. http:/www.yogabaron.com/wpcontent/uploads/2010/07/Yoga-Baron-Yoga-Studio-Design-Guide.pdf. “Yoga Studio - by SHKS Architects.” Houzz. May 01, 2013, accessed October 15, 2014. http:/www.houzz. com/photos/3636962/Yoga-Studio-contemporary-home-gym-seattle#spaceQuestions.“14 Yoga Studio Design Tips.” Yoga Baron. 2014, accessed September 8, 2014. http:/www.yogabaron.com/yogastudio-design.
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Appendix E-Mail Corresponence with Therma-Ray Representative, Janet Kilbride “You have come to the right place. :-) Hot Yoga Studios are an out of the box build. Done properly you will not need a separate electrical room. Our Distribution panel would go in the mechanical room near the breaker panel and the low voltage thermostat would go in the room connected with cat 5 network cable. If this is an existing space there may not be enough breakers available for heating, so a sub panel may be required. (There is no ball park for a hot room heat. Every single studio has different requirements. I recently did an estimate for two rooms at the same location. The only difference between the rooms was one had one exterior wall, the other had 2. The single exterior wall room needed 11 watts per square foot and the 2 exterior wall room needed 17 watts per square foot. )
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Yoga is not only an exercise, it is a way of life. Yogis are all about health, physical, mental and spiritual, as well as a low impact on the environment. They need a calm and quiet environment in which to practice. Hot Yoga takes yoga to an extreme. Not only does it tone your body and increase flexibility, the added heat improves cardiac response, sweats toxins out of the system, regulates bowels, burns more calories, as well as improves soft tissue injury and much more. You will want to design the room like a self contained thermos. It cannot share heat or air with other rooms. Hot yoga rooms are typically kept at anywhere between 90°F and 110°F depending on the type of yoga practice, and they need to be silent. They are also maintained at 40-50% humidity (although some are higher). Because heat goes to cold (rather than heat rising (it is air that when heated
has the hot air rising as it is lighter than the cooler air)), insulation is critical. You will never want to use an air system for Hot Yoga. All of the heat is trapped at the ceiling, noisy fans are required to push the hot air to the floor where people are practicing, every time they open doors or windows they lose heat and duct work allows dust to collect and blow around, not to mention that bacteria love a dark damp place to grow and what better than duct work in a hot room? A hot air system would definitely need humidity added and blowing hot air makes it harder to breathe, as well as making eyes dry out. Another factor is a hot air system has moving parts and more maintenance as well, and if you use a gas/oil fired system, you also need to worry about air filtration and carbon monoxide poisoning. In normal construction interior walls, floors over heated space, and ceilings that have a heated space above are not insulated.
In normal construction these rooms would be kept at approximately 70°F and since both sides of the surfaces are the same temperature, no heat would be lost. A hot room is much different. In a hot room running as high as 110°F, there is now a 40°F temperature differential on those surfaces, and if there is no insulation to stop the transfer of heat, it will leak out. Not only will the hot room not stay hot, the other rooms will get free heat in the winter and have to run their air conditioning more in the summer (lots more $ spent on power bills for everyone especially with air constantly on and heat constantly on creating a war of systems). The cocktail of insulation I have come up with that works best for most studios is R12 for interior walls (regular 2”x4’ wall cavity), R20 for exterior walls (2”x6” exterior wall), R20 for the ceiling if there is a heated space above, R40 for the ceiling if it is roof or unheated storage above and R5 for the
floor (higher if the floor is over an unheated space like a garage). The most common flooring used in Hot Yoga Rooms is cork or zebra mat that gives you R3.3, which unless you want a higher threshold to get R5 in the floor, is what most decide to do. An uninsulated Hot Yoga room floor will lose approximately 50% of the rooms heat through the floor! All exposed pipes or beams must be insulated or they will act like a wick pulling the heat to other rooms in the building. This will make the pipe or beam cooler, and since the humidity is high, water can condense on these metals and make it rain in the room. (It has happened!) Keep in mind when sourcing insulation, not all are equal. Sound insulation does not equal insulation for heat, so make sure you choose insulation that will do both. All interior doors and windows must be sealed as if they are exterior. For the air handling, with a radiant system that neither adds or removes humidity, all hot rooms will need to dehumidify.
You will want the air handling on manual control rather than sensors. I recommend changing the air at the cool down phase or between classes as moving air evaporates perspiration, which is the body’s natural cooling mechanism and in hot yoga this is counter productive. The perspiration must stay on the skin to sweat the toxins out. Humidity may also be required depending on the season, relative humidity for the area and how humid they want the room to be. I have a local hot room that initially did nothing for removing humidity, starting at 30% relative humidity. However, by the end of the day, after many bodies sweat on the floor and gallons of water were applied to the floor as they are washed between classes, the humidity at the end of the day was 99% and it was raining in the room. I have a studio that built their room so well all they need to do is mop the floor once before the first class and they go
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from 30% to “tropical rain forest” status in the winter. Because the humidity needs to be kept tight, you cannot share the air equipment or controls with other rooms like reception, or locker rooms. Most studios can manange with an ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator). Because of the high humidity and heat, you will want to make sure all components going into the space are protected from mold and rot, so vapor barrier is a must (you will not want to use carpet as you cannot clean it enough to get rid of the dirty gym bag smell and it will never dry leading to rot. Laminate flooring will cup right away creating a trip hazard as well as allowing water under the floor. Depending on the insulation chosen, the vapor barrier will also protect the R value. A regular fiberglass batt when wet loses it’s R value and acts like it is not even there. I even recommend using a mold resistant paint like you would for bathrooms and kitchens.”
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IMG 10.2
Pictoral References IMG 9.1 http-//fluidyoga.com/wp-content/uploads/DSC_9464 IMG 9.2 http-//michellemayblog.com/wp-content/uploads/inversion-swing-01 IMG 10.1 http-//1.bp.blogspot.com/-4lkxYz_Pt1A/U07teCQg6VI/AAAAAAAAFLA/YGgEoGiatk8/s1600/ find+my+yoga+2 IMG 10.2 http-//2.bp.blogspot.com/-ObYhe7lDdgg/TbBB8NWIWeI/AAAAAAAAAok/XZyDlAnv6cc/s1600/ Xinalani-2670a
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Capstone Committee Lisa Phillips Professor Philadelphia University CABE 215.518.3535 phillipsl@philau.edu Alexander Messinger Professor Philadelphia University CABE 215.951.5345 messingera@philau.edu Kathryn Moroz Senior Management Consultant Spa Advisors, Inc. 602.793.3899 kay@spaadvisors.com Janet Kilbride Interior Designer ThermaRay, Inc. 506.457.4600 janetk@thermaray.com
“In a gentle way, you can shake the world.� -Mahatma Gandhi
Thank you to all of my family and friends who helped me through this incredible journey