RESEARCHMETHODSIND 6639
HOSPITALITYDESIGN
FIGURE 1
SPA & WELLNESSCENTRE RESEARCHMASTER THESIS PROJECT
ANNELISE FIAD | MICHELLE VAZQUEZ | DANIELLA RUGGERO
TABLE OFCONTENTS
INTRODUCTION - INTENTION OF STUDY LITERATURE REVIEW RATIONALE & MOTIVATION
RESEARCH METHOD 1- CASE STUDY METHOD INTRODUCTION HISTORY & REGIONAL UNIQUENESS COMMUNITY & CLIENT DATA ORGANIZATIONAL & USER HIERARCHY SUMMARY & CONCLUSION
RESEARCH METHOD 2- PARTICIPANT OBSERVATION INTRODUCTION BEHAVIOR MAPPING COGNITIVE MAPPING ACTIVITY MAPPING TRACE OVSERVATIONS MAP BEHAVIOR TRACES ATTRIBUTES FINDINGS & CONCLUSIONS
RESEARCH METHOD 3- QUANTITATIVE MEASUREMENT INTRODUCTION SCALE & MEASURES SAMPLING DATA & INTERPRETATION FINDINGS & CONCLUSIONS
RESEARCH METHOD 4- QUALITATIVE MEASUREMENT INTRODUCTION SCALE & MEASURES SAMPLING DATA & INTERPRETATION FINDINGS & CONCLUSIONS
SYNTHESIS- MAJOR FINDINGS
APPENDIX REFERENCES SURVEY SAMPLE INTERVIEW PROTOCOL INTERVIEW RESPONSES
INTRODUCTIONINTENTION OF STUDY & BRIEF OVERVIEW OF METHODS USED
The purpose of this study is to infrom our thesis research question regarding Spa and Wellness Center Clubs and how their design can bring a better quality of life to its users. Through methods of gathering, organizing, assessing, analyzing, and interpreting data researched we will be able to use our findings in guiding us through our design project.
We began our research with two case studies: The Standard Hotel Spa in Miami Beach, FL and Midtown Athletic Club in Weston, FL. We conducted in-depth analysis of the history, legacy, concept, demographics, owner, and users of both case studies.
We conducted several behavioral, cognitive,
LITERATURE REVIEW SYNTHESIS
What is spa therapy. How to create spaces with design elements that make one feel a disconnect from the outside world. How to develop designs and activities that integrate all age groups, such as the way athletic clubs have activities for all ages. How to design to encourage all to visit spas on a regular basis. How to successfully integrate nature within the spa.
Health benefits from spa treatments prove to be the most natural way of healing the body both physically and emotionally no matter what age one may be. These therapies consist of:
Back, Thai, and abdominal massages to relieve chronic pain and tension Traditional bathing to treat pain intensity of fibromyalgia syndrome Health education Physical therapy for those with pain, such as injury related pain or arthritis.
Pampering one’s self, in a spa, evokes the feeling of self-empowerment by being in control of your body and health, it also reduces stress levels making all aspects of life more enjoyable. The goal for our thesis project is to create a spa and wellness center for all age groups to enjoy.This is beneficial to children because they can learn about healthy living, they can have more quality
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time with their family, and have fun activities that improve their lifestyle. Adults and the elderly will also benefit from this experience because, with these treatments, they will be relieved from inflammation and soreness, they will have improved circulation, and muscle relaxation. A wellness center will be included into our design because being active is the key to a healthy life. This will also provide areas for physical therapy to take place, improving functional health and cardiovascular health. Studies researched also proves that spas are beneficial to pregnant women for them and for theirbabies because reduced stress in a pregnancy can lead to a healthier birth and a more cognitively active infant. The goal for our thesis project is to create a spa and wellness center for all age groups to enjoy. This is beneficial to children because they can learn about healthy living, they can have more quality time with their family, and have fun activities that improve their lifestyle.
Our research also focused on design strategies that can be implemented into our design to develop a healing therapeutic environment. Design requires two things to be successful: a fitting response to the design problem and its skillful execution.The interior environment is strongly affected by the exterior environment, therefore paying attention to what is happening around the building is crucial n designing a successful space. Taking the seven categories based on self-identity and well-being: contemplation, autonomy, rejuvenation, creativity, recovery, catharsis, and concealment will allow us to create a space that will allow the users to feel as if they are a part of the space and not just in the space. Integrating natural elements into the space will allow the user to feel more energized and will also help with reducing their stress levels. We went into detail explaining the importance and difference between public spaces and private spaces. We focused on the following aspects throughout our literature review:
Materiality Touch and temperature color Acoustics Integration of natural elements Sustainability Lighting
Taking the research from these aspects into account during our design process is how we will make this spa and wellness center more of a common destination, rather than an occasional elite outing.
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There are certain design and programmatic strategies necessary in order to break the elite-social stereotype existing in spas today that will improve everyone’s lifestyle both physically and emotionally through the integration of natural elements.
As students, we have been mostly exposed to the lifestyle of the middle class, and we want to strategize a way to make spa and wellness available and accessible to those who are not as economically fortunate as the higher economic class. As of now, most spa and wellness centers only cater to the social and economic elite. Our mission is to break the elite stereotype existing today in spa design and transform it into a more casual and common destination for all, including families. We believe that everybody deserves the chance to improve their physical and emotional lifestyle through healing and therapy, no matter the age. Creating a spa club membership, makes it significantly more affordable compared to high-end exclusive spas.
Most spas do give people the opportunity to pamper themselves, however, we want to go far beyond that, and dive into the root of physical and mental health of people visiting the facility.
RATIONALE MOTIVATION
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Contemplation: serves many purposes including self-discovery and the ability to plan future social interactions in environments where we feel free to express ourselves.
Autonomy: provides the opportunity for self-discovery and to experiment with new behaviors without judgment of others.
Rejuvenation: provides the opportunity to recover from social injury or injustice or loss of self-esteem and to make plans for the future social interactions.
Creativity: allows us to explore possibilities of expression and mental process that lead to the formulation of solutions,, ideas, theories, conceptualization, and artistic expression.
Recovery: is similar to rejuvenation but has a stronger sense of refuge and relaxation.
Catharsis: is an emotional release of tension and anxiety.Concealment: allows us to control social interaction by withholding personal information” (Stewart-Pollack, & Menconi, 2005).
In other countries, such as Europe and the Middle East, spa therapy has become a popular complementary alternative option to medicine. Exposing people to spa therapy has been proven to relieve people of chronic pains, stress, certain conditions, and certain diseases, and improve people’s health-related quality of life.
The facility will be integrated with treatments and therapy for pain relief, chronic headache and tension relief, and chronic back pain relief. All of these benefits will be provided for kids and adolescents, as well as adults, pregnant women, and the elderly. These experiences lead to self-identity and well-being, contemplation, autonomy, rejuvenation, catharsis, and concealment, which are all explained in the following:
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HISTORY OF
MIAMI
7FIGURE 10
1866Miami was founded after the end of the Spanish rule in Florida.
1870William and Mary Brickell established
themselves as successful Indian traders
in Miami.
1891Julia Tuttle settled in
Miami.Prophesized that Miami
would one day be a great city that would be a center of trade with South America
and a gateway to the Americas.
1870Henry and Charles Lum came to South Beach
to purchase land and to plant and harvest coconuts. They
purchased 165 acres for 75 cents a piece.
1894The coconut business was not very profitable for the Lums so they
gave their plantation to John Collins and left
South Beach.
1896Motivated by a vision of Miami's future potential
or by the desire for more civilization, Henry Flagler completed a
railroad to link Miami to Northern Florida and the East Coast of the United
States.
1907John Collins extended his
land on Miami Beach and discovered fresh
water, allowing him to plant avocados, fruits,
and vegetables.
1903A project that was
started by the Army Corps of Engineers,
which cut through the mangrove swamps of
Government Cut, made the first opening to the Atlantic Ocean possible. It also allowed safer and more direct
access to the port.
1910Miami 's population
soared to 5,500.African Americans comprised 25-40
percent of population
7 FIGURE 11
1912The Lummus Brothers, Miami businessmen, established an Ocean
Beach Reality Company, which
envisioned a city fronting the ocean made up of modest single families.
1926Population boom
comes to a halt and Miami suffers from 1st
severe hurricane.
1920Miami Herald marveled
at the astounding growth of Miami as a
tourist center.Miami was known as a tropical paradise for tourists.
1941U.S. entered World War.Parts of Dade County
(ex. Homestead) became training bases for the armed services.
Many members of these armed services
returned as permanent citizens, revitalizing
population.Miami became the most noted winter
vacation resort. Soon after, more northerners were being attracted to
Miami 's service-oriented and
paradise atmosphere.
1950City of Miami
population hit 172,000.A prominent Jewish
community and a large annual tourist
population developed.
1959The Cuban Revolution
and other issues in Latin American economies
shifted Miami's economy from one that was based on tourism to one that
prioritized providing for �Latin Americans with
financial services.
1958Direct Air Service to the Caribbean undermined the tourism in Miami and caused a major
drought in its economy.
BEFORE 1960sMiami's population consisted largely of
black and white southern migrants and
their descendants, which included Jews,
Bahamians, and other Caribbean blacks.
8 FIGURE 12
1960Miami surpassed New Orleans as the United States' principle trade
outlet with Latin America.
SINCE 1960Miami had a
demographic shift from having virtually no
immigrants to a plurality of immigrants by the 1980s. On top of this,
there was an economic reorientation from
domestic tourism of the past to a more
service- and finance-oriented
economy that includes significant Latin
American trade.
LATE 1980sMiami 's economy was
based on services, wholesale trade,
finance, insurance, and real estate, which was similar to many other
cities around the country. Miami was
more successful than any other city due to
the many Latino immigrants who
headed the import and export companies, banks, and smaller transportation and service companies.
SINCE 1980sThere are 25,000
Hispanic businesses in Dade County, and they are considered the most
powerful economic corporations. (10)
�The Hispanic enclave economy in Miami provided not only a
source of employment and economic
development for the community, but also a
resource for political empowerment and a sphere of cultural and linguistic maintenance
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CONCLUSION
All of these events resulted in Miami’s soaring population,
creating a city fronting ocean made up of families. The Cuban
revolution transformed Miami from a tourist
city to a city full of Latin American trade service families. Today, there are many existing spas that cater to wealthy
tourists, but not enough to accommodate
middle class families who reside in this lovely
city.
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Calle Ocho Festival ,Carnaval MiamiAdrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts,Gusman Center for the Performing Arts, Coconut Grove Playhouse, Colony Theatre, Lincoln Theatre, New World Center, Actor's Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre, Jackie Gleason Theatre, Manuel Artime Theater, Ring Theatre, Playground Theatre, Wertheim Performing Arts Center, the Fair Expo Center and the Bayfront Park Amphitheater for outdoor music events.
Frost Art Museum, HistoryMiami, Miami Art Museum, Miami Children's Museum, Miami Science Museum, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, and the Miami-Dade Cultural Center, home of the Miami Main Library.
REGIONAL UNIQUENESSOF MIAMI
Cubans brought the conga and rumba.Miami is also considered a "hot spot" for dance music. Miami is the home to a vibrant techno and dance scene and hosts the Winter Music Conference. Rap and hip hop artists from Miami: Trick Daddy, Rick Ross, Trina, Pitbull, Pretty Ricky, and the Miami Bass group 2 Live Crew.
Heavy influence from Caribbean cuisine and from Latin American cuisine. Cuban immigrants in the 1960s brought the Cuban sandwich, medianoche, Cuban espresso, and croquetas, all of which have grown in popular.
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CULTURE
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FIGURE 14
CASE STUDIES
The Standard is a modern spa experience. A hydrotherapy paradise, complimentary to hotel guests, there’s a Turkish-style hamam, aroma steam room, Roman waterfall hot tub, Finnish sauna, arctic plunge, treatment baths, mud lounge, and a salt-water infinity pool. They also hold classes taught by world-class yogis and instructors, from yoga and fitness to meditation and integrated wellness. Guests are invited to partake in treatments from experts specializing in everything from nails and skincare to massage and acupuncture.We want to make people feel as if they are at a spa such as the standard, and make it more affordable by offering spa family memberships, and having areas and activities that all members of the family to enjoy, no matter the age.
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We want to create a spa that invites family members of all ages. Midtown athletics club offers a variety of amenities including tennis, fitness and training, mind body, aquatics, kids, spa, bistro, boutique, and locker rooms. We want to study this space to explore the way this place is successfully appealing to all age groups, affordable to the middle class, and a carefree environment where parents do not have to worry about the safety of their children.
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FIGURE 19
FIGURE 20
65,672POPULATION
IMPLICATIONS
THE CITY OF WESTON HISTORY
The City of Weston shows to be one of the most desirables communities, both residental and corportate in South Florida. It is the most western developmental boundary of Broward County, and its entire wes side is next to the Everglades.
Counting with a multicultiral population, Weston, 45% of the population is identified as Hispanic, 44% non-hispanic white, and the other 11% varies between Black, Indian, Asian, and other races. However, 62% of the population speaks English at home.
According to 2017 U.S Census Bureau the population of the City of Weston is of 65,672. Weston shows to be a pretty family oriented suburbian city because of the unbalace showed in age groups. Most than half of the population is younger than 18 years old and just the 30% is 18 or older. Having one of the best public schools in the Nation (A-Rated), almost 100% of Weston residents have received a High School Diploma.
Only 2.3% of the population is below poverty line. Males have a median income of $63,135 and males $38,119.
The now 16,539 acre city of Weston is located on the eastern coast of South Florida. It is a man-made suburban city gathered by Arthur Vining Davis, the original owner of Weston’s primary developer, ARVIDA. The development started in 1978 as Indian Trace and was later changed to Weston in 1984. By 1991, it had over 5,000 residents and officially became its own city on May 5, 1996.
The city has gained popularity amongst wealthy families, ranking as the city with the largest job growth in Florida in 2006 and the 19th in America in the “Biggest Earners” category with a high median family income in 2010.
FAMILIESWEALTHY
SCHOOLSA-RATED
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FIGURE 21
DEMOGRAPHICS
ADDRESSRoyal Palm Blvd, Weston, FL 33326
CITY
Weston
COUNTY
Broward
2300
POPULATION
2,597PER SQ. MILE
RACE POPULATION
WHITE ONLY
BLACK ONLY
AM. INDIAN ONLY
ASIAN ONLY PAC. ISLANDER ONLY
HISPANIC (ALL RACES)
NON- HISPANIC WHITE
OTHER
85%
4,38%
0.13%
4.6%0.04%
45%
44%
2.7%
POPULATION AGES
18+>18
69.7%
30.6%
EDUCATION
HIGH SCHOOL GRAD,BACHELOR +
97%
58.5%
AVG. INCOME
$93,000
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49%
51%
MALE
FEMALE
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Midtown Athletic Club
FIGURE 22
HISTORY CONCEPT
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Midtown Athletic Club is a family-owned club that made its debut as a single tennis club in Chicago and now has eight clubs throughout the U.S. and Canada. It has considerably grown to become an upscale tennis and fitness club focusing on health and wellness with community and personal attention.
Midtown’s promise is “To inspire you through movement, community, and personal attention.” They strive to create an athletic club that is not a place for a quick workout but a place its users can consider a home away from home.
Midtown is more than just a club, it offers tennis, fitness & training, mind body, aquatics, spa, sports & fitness for kids, along with a bistro and boutique.
The club also holds weekly events such as health classes, cooking classes, movie nights, wine tastings, parties, food truck stands, all while giving back to the community by doating 10% of their profits to
“Food, spa services, and �tness center are all top of
the line. Not to mention the facility is beautiful. You get access to yoga, pilates,
strength training, cardio, and core classes every
single week! Worth every penny.”
- Catalina B.
“The facility is beautiful and the variety of things
the club has to o�er is amazing. The cafe is great.
The spa is great.”- Brenda M.
OWNER ARCHITECT
Schwartz graduated with his Bachelor’s of Science from Cornell University and is now living in the Chicago area and is the current president and CEO of Midtown Athletic Club, the family business.
STEVEN SCHWARTZ1918 - 2008
OWNER
EXPERIENCE:
PRESIDENT & CEO OF:Tennis Corporation of America
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT:Hyatt Hotels
SIAMAK MOSTOUFI
ARCHITECT
Design Smak Owner & Architect
OUTSTANDING WORK:
OLD FIFTH WHISKEY BARChicago, ILMIDTOWN ATHLETIC CLUBChicago, ILMIDTOWN ATHLETIC CLUBWeston, FLMIDTOWN ATHLETIC CLUBBannockburn, ILCOFFEE SPOTDes Plaines, IL
Mostoufi graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago and worked from 2003-2004 as project manager for high-end residential and salon projects.
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FIGURE 23
FIGURE 24
Olympic + recrational
pools
Yoga +Zumbastudio
Gym
Outdoorstairs
Bistro
Publicrestrooms
Loungearea
Reception /check in area
Ex.offices
Retail Store
Stairs + elevators
Tennis courts
Lounge areaOffices
Back entry
Boot-camp TRex Exercise
area
Recuperationzone
Gym
Spa + Nails Salon
Women’slocker room + sauna+ steam + jacuzzi +
bathroom
Men’slocker room + sauna+ steam + jacuzzi +
bathroom
Spinning StudioKids Club
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BUBBLE DIAGRAM
“Great place to work at when someone really enjoys what they do.
Management was not the best and things are often done last second, but at the end of the
day things end up working out.”
- Swim Coach
“I have learned that people can have great determination when it comes to working out,,
staying active and staying fit.”
- Camp Director/ Fitness Instructor
“Great place to advance your career in the
health/fitness industry. Lots of talented
professionals on staff and great teamwork. Management team is
good and lots of benefits for full time
employees. Fun events and lots always going
on!”
- Customer Service Representative
EMPLOYEE REVIEWS
POPULATION91,564
IMPLICATIONS
MIAMI BEACH HISTORY + LEGACY
Created by men, the island of Miami Beach is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay and is known asthe “Billion Dollar Sandbar.” The city began as a 165-acre plot of land that was initially intended for planting and harvesting coconuts. On 1870, the city was sold to John S. Collins and Thomas Pancoast, who changed the destiny of the island.
In 1913, the first wooden wagon bridge from Miami to Miami beach was developed by John Collins, who envisioned to develop the beach front land as an oceanfront jewel.
Many entrepreneurs migrated to this seaside city, recognizing the potential of Miami Beach as a hotel boomtown. It was integrated to the Miami Dade County on March 26,1915, ensuring years of boom for the City of Miami.
Rapidly, various restaurants and venues opened its doors to customers from all around the world that started to go to enjoy the sunny and sandy beaches of South Beach and Biscayne.
DISTRICTART DECO
In 1920, enormous growth and mansions were built, now known as the “Millionaire Row.” Almost 50 yeaars later, the Art Deco District was founded. Recognized and visited from every part of the world, the Art Deco District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Now, the Art Deco District is the largest collection of Art Deco architecture in the world and compromises hundreds of apartments, hotels, and venues built between 1923 and 1943.
ISLANDSTAR
CULTURESMIX OF
Miami Beach is a city that belongs to the Miami-Dade County, with a population of 91,564. There are 58,354 male residents and 54,977 female residents living in the Miami Beach area. Being that confirmed, Miami Beach seems to be a hotspot for single males because of the nightlife, beaches, dining and dating opportunities environment.
According to 2014 U.S Census Bureau, the residents of Miami Beach is very diverse with approximate half (53.2%) of the population identified as Hispanic, 39% identified as white only, and the remeining percentage varies: Asian, Black, Indian, others. These findings show that Hispanic immigrantds are drawn to the City of Miami beach because it is considered to have an international culture.
Miami Beach sale taxe rate is 7.00% beign one of the most expensive cities in the US. The unemployment rate in Miami Beach is 3.90%, with job growth of 1.66%. To support this, an analysis conducted by The New York Times showerd that the rent is not affordable. Residents of Miami Beach spend more than 30% of their monthly household income on rent.
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MIAMI BEACH DEMOGRAPHICS
ADDRESSCollins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33140
CITY
Miami Beach
COUNTY
4441
POVERTY RATE
17,7% $44,342AVG. INCOME
RACE POPULATION
WHITE ONLY
BLACK ONLY
AM. INDIAN ONLY
ASIAN ONLY HISPANIC (ALL RACES)
MULTIRACIAL
OTHER
39%
3,4%
0.2%
1.5%53.2%
1.7%
1%
MARITAL STATUS
33.3%
42.4%
MARRIED
NEVER MARRIED
POPULATION AGE
11.%
88%
<18
18+
Miami-Dade
52%
48%
MALE
FEMALE
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The StandardFIGURE 25
HISTORY CONCEPT
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The Standard Spa is considered to be a recovery center, a new-age ashram, and a hydrotherapy playgrond for the young residents and turists of Miami Beach.
Complimentary to the hotel, there is a Turkish-style hamam, aroma steam room, roman waterfall hot tub, sauna, artict plunge, treatment baths, mud lounge, and salt water infinity pool. It also offers a hub for classes taught by world class intructors, including everything from yoga and fitness meditation and integrated wellness.
"What's most interesting about the hotel is that it
sits on an island — the only natural island," says Paul George, resident historian
at HistoryMiami. "Everything else around it
is manmade."
1953The property was first
known as the Monterrey Hotel
1960The property was expanded and it
changed its name to Lido Hotel
NOWThe Hotel + Spa now is known world wide for
hosting the Miami Book fair, for having one of the best hair and nails
salon, hosting and pamering models for the swim week, artists
concerts for the Art Basel, and showcasing exciting and funcy art
installations,
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OWNER ARCHITECT
NORMAN GILLER1918 - 2008
ARCHITECT
Was born in Jacksonville and graduated from the University of Florida in 1945. He is known as one of the Floridian’s mort prolific and influencial architects of the Post-War Modern style.
EARLY MOTEL DESIGNPIONEER OF AIR CONDITIONER
OUTSTANDING WORK:
DIPLOMAT HOTELHollywood FLOCEAN PALMSunny Isles Beach FLTHUNDERBIRDSunny Isles Beach FLCARILLON HOTELNorth Beach FLNORTH SHORE BANDSHELL North Beach FLLIDO - STANDARD HOTELMiami Beach FL
Andre Balazs
OWNER
Was born in Boston, Massachusetts and graduated from Cornell University in New York as a college scholar and earned a master’s degree in business and journalism from Columbia University.
His properties currently consists of eight hotels across the U.S and the Euroope.
HOSPITALITY BUSINESSINNOVATIVE + TIMELESS
MOST OUTSTANDINGPROPERTIES:
MERCER HOTELNew York City, NYCHATEAU MARMONTHollywood, CASUNSET BEACHNew York City, NYFIREHOUSELondon, UKTHE STANDARD HOTELMiami Beach, fl
FIGURE 26
FIGURE 27
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CLIENTS
TURISTS AND RESIDENTS +18 ARTISTS AND MODELS PEOPLE SEEKING RELAXATION
“This place feels sexy and warm all at once,
and could not be better for art lovers- the
Whitney is next door and every major
Chelsea gallery is in walking distance. We will
absolutely be staying there again.”
-Daniella D.
“ A perfect day is relaxing at the
overlooking bay pool and the SPA. I would recommend that all future customers .”
- Cesar C.
“This is a no-miss hotel. It is once in a lifetime couple getaway. The
pool is just by the water and has great
underwater music. The Spa has excellent facilities. Service is
excellent.”
-Rebecca G.
FIGURE 28 FIGURE 29 FIGURE 30
* NO USER HIERARCHY
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SUMMARY + CONCLUSION
CASE STUDIES
FIGURE 31
FIGURE 32
LUXURY SPA
LOCATION: Miami, FL
ARCHITECT: Norman Giller
OWNER: Andre Balazs
ATHLETIC CLUB
LOCATION: Weston, FL
ARCHITECT: Siamak Mostoufi
OWNER: Steven Schwartz
ADDRESSCollins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33140
ADDRESSRoyal Palm Blvd, Weston, FL 333262300
4441
DEMOGRAPHICS
Miami Beach, FL Weston, FL
POPULATION91,564
POVERTY RATE
17.7%
$44,342AVG. INCOME
65,672POPULATION
2,597PER SQ. MILE
POPULATION
AVG. INCOME
$93,000
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PARTICIPATIONOBSERVATION MAPPING ANALYSISBEHAVIOR MAPPING, COGNITIVE MAPPING, ACTIVITY MAPPING, AND TRACE BEHAVIORAL MAPPING
BEHAVIOR MAPPING:THERE WAS NOT A STABLE OBSERVATION OF GUESTS WITHIN THE SPACE, GUESTS MOVED THROUGHOUT BECAUSE OF DIFFERENT TREATMENTS IN DIFFERENT AREAS OF THE SPA, SUCH AS:BATH TUBS, HEATED MARBLE SLAB SEATING, SAUNA, STEAM ROOM, SHOWERS, SCRUB AREA, TREATMENT ROOMS, AND YOGA STUDIO.
THE MOST STABLE OBSERVATIONS WERE THE RECEPTIONISTS AND THE MASSEUSES. THE CLEANING CREW WAS MOSTLY IN THE STORAGE AREA, BUT MOVED THROUGHOUT THE YOGA STUDIO AND THE TREATMENT ROOMS. GUESTS TENDED TO BE SEPARATED RATHER THAN CLOSE TOGETHER AT A TIME.
MASSEUSES WERE IN TREATMENT ROOMS WHEN NO GUESTS WERE PRESENT, IN ORDER TO PREPARE THE TREATMENTS.CLEANING CREW WOULD CLEAN UP ROOMS AFTER MASSAGE TREATMENTS. WEEKENDS HAD MORE GUESTS AND ACTIVITY THAN WEEK DAYS.
COGNITIVE MAP:BY STUDYING THE COGNITIVE MAPS AND THE USE OF THE SPACE, ALL AREAS IN MIDTOWN ATHLETIC CLUB SEEM TO BE VERY SIGNIFICANT TO ITS USERS. DIFFERENT SPACES ARE USED AT DIFFERENT TIMES, BY DIFFERENT GROUPS OF PEOPLE. THROUGH CAREFUL ANALYSIS, MOST USERS MEET WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS IN THE SPACE AND USE THE DIFFERENT AMENTITIES TO ITS FULL CAPACITY.
ACTIVITY MAPTHE STADNDARD FACILITIES SEEM TO HAVE A CONSTANT FLOW THROUGHOUT THE FACILITIES EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK. SAUNA, STEAM ROOM, AND WARM AREAS SEEM TO BE MORE POPULATED BY CLIENTS AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF THE DAY FOR AN AAVERAGE OF 10-15 MINUTES. STAFF SEMMED TO HAVE A RUTINE BEHAVIOR DEPENDING ON THEIR SPECIFIC TASKS AND ACTIVITIES.
TRACE BEHAVIOR MAPPINGTHIS MAP ALLOWED US TO VISUALLY UNDERSTAND ASPECTS OF EACH SPACE THAT MAKE PEOPLE FEEL COMFORTABLE OR UNCOMFORTABLE, AS WELL AS THE SECONDARY OR TERTIARY USES OF EACH SPACE, AND THE IMPORTANCE OF LEAVING THE SPACE THE SAME OR CHANGING CERTAIN ASPECTS FOR OTHER USES.
MAP 1
MAP 2
WEDNESDAY 3:30 PM
WEDNESDAY 3:45 PM
GUESTSCLEANING CREWMASSEUSE
STAFFMANAGEMENT
RECEPTION
GUESTSCLEANING CREWMASSEUSE
RETAIL STAFFMANAGEMENT
RECEPTION
MAP 3
MAP 4
SUNDAY 1:00 PM
SUNDAY 1:25 PM
GUESTSCLEANING CREWMASSEUSE
STAFFMANAGEMENT
RECEPTION
GUESTSCLEANING CREWMASSEUSE
STAFFMANAGEMENT
RECEPTION
GUESTS: MID 30’S - MID 50’S 50% MALE 50% FEMALE CLEANING: MID 40’S - 50’S FEMALE
MASSEUSE: MID 20’S - MID 30’S 80% MALE 20% FEMALESTAFF: MID 20’S FEMALEMANAGEMENT: LATE 20’S - 40’S 50% MALE 50% FEMALE
RECEPTION: MID 20’S FEMALE
TYPE: AGE: GENDER:
LEGEND:
BEHAVIOR MAPPINGOVERVIEW
THE MOST STABLE OBSERVATIONS WERE THE RECEPTIONISTS AND THE MASSEUSES. THE CLEANING CREW WAS MOSTLY IN THE STORAGE AREA, BUT MOVED THROUGHOUT THE YOGA STUDIO AND THE TREATMENT ROOMS. GUESTS TENDED TO BE SEPARATED RATHER THAN CLOSE TOGETHER AT A TIME.
THERE WAS NOT A STABLE OBSERVATION OF GUESTS WITHIN THE SPACE, GUESTS MOVED THROUGHOUT BECAUSE OF DIFFERENT TREATMENTS IN DIFFERENT AREAS OF THE SPA, SUCH AS:BATH TUBS, HEATED MARBLE SLAB SEATING, SAUNA, STEAM ROOM, SHOWERS, SCRUB AREA, TREATMENT ROOMS, AND YOGA STUDIO.
SITTING12%
STANDING62%
LAYING DOWN
3%
DOING TREATMENT
13%
DOING YOGA
10%
MASSEUSES WERE IN TREATMENT ROOMS WHEN NO GUESTS WERE PRESENT, IN ORDER TO PREPARE THE TREATMENTS.CLEANING CREW WOULD CLEAN UP ROOMS AFTER MASSAGE TREATMENTS. WEEKENDS HAD MORE GUESTS AND ACTIVITY THAN WEEK DAYS.
ACTIVITY CHART
Alejo Portal
Louis FloresFront Desk
TrainerMAP 1
MAP 2
COGNITIVE
COGNITIVE
TRAINERALTHOUGH THE PERSONAL TRAINER USES ALL SPACES IN THE CLUB, HE ONLY DREW THE FIRST FLOOR INCLUDING THE STAFF AREAS AND MAIN GYM STUDIO.
THE RECEPTIONIST COGNITIVE MAP CONSISTS OF THE SPACES CLOSEST TO HIM. SINCE HE SPENDS HIS ENTIRE DAY AT THE FRONT DESK, THE ONLY OTHER SPACES HE USES ARE THE BREAK ROOM, CAFE, AND RESTROOMS YET HE NOTES DOWN THE GYM, PILATES, AND OFFICES BECAUSE THEY ARE ADJACENT TO THE AREAS HE USES MOST,.
RECEPTIONIST
MAP 3Yormery TorresMember
FIRST FLOOR
SECOND FLOOR
COGNITIVE
MEMBERTHE MEMBER’S COGNITIVE MAP IS THE MOST SIMILAR TO THE ACTUAL FLOOR PLAN OF THE SPACE. THIS IS BECAUSE MEMBERS HAVE ACCESS TO ALL SPACES THROUGHOUT THE CLUB AND EACH SPACE IS USED FOR A DIFFERENT PURPOSE FROM POOLS, TENNIS COURTS, GYM, YOGA, SPA, AND DINING.
THE MEMBER DID NOT FOCUS SOLELY ON ONE AREA OR PUT MAIN EMPHASIS TO ANY AREA, SHOWING THAT ALL AMENTITIES OF THE CLUB ARE USED AT ITS FULLEST.
UNLIKE THE STAFF, THE MEMBER DID NOT INCLUDE STAFF AREAS.
OVERVIEWBY STUDYING THE COGNITIVE MAPS AND USE OF THE SPACE, ALL SPACES IN MIDTOWN ATHLETIC CLUB SEEM TO BE VERY SIGNIFICANT TO ITS USERS. DIFFERENT SPACES ARE USED AT DIFFERENT TIMES, BY DIFFERENT GROUPS OF PEOPLE. THROUGH CAREFUL ANALYSIS, MOST USERS MEET WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS IN THE SPACE AND USE THE DIFFERENT AMENTITIES TO ITS FULL CAPACITY.
MAP 2
MAP 1ACTIVITY
ENTRY
STAIRS
STAIRSRECEPTION
BISTRO
RESTROOMS
YOGA STUDIO
GYM
POOL
OFFICES
ELEVATORSTENNIS STORE
STAIRS
LOUNGE AREA
SPINNINGWOMEN’S RESTROOM
MEN’S RESTROOM
YOGA
SPA
GYM
FITNESS
TENNIS OFFICES
STAIRS
TENNIS COURTS
POOL
WEDNESDAY 5:00 PM
BREAK ROOM
FEMALE MEMBERMALE MEMBER
FIRST FLOOR
SECOND FLOORTRAINERHIGH USE
LEGEND:
THIS ACTIVITY MAP WAS RECORDED ON A WEDNESDAY AT 5 PM FOLLOWING 1 MALE MEMBER, 1 FEMALE MEMBER, AND 1 MALE TRAINER. THE GYM AND TENNIS COURTS IS WHERE THE USERS SPENT MOST OF THEIR TIME, MEMBERS ENDING THEIR DAY AT THE CLUB AT THE BISTRO WITH FRIENDS. THE FLOW THROUGH THE SPACE IS EASY AND THERE DID NOT SEEM TO BE A LOT OF CONGESTION IN SPACES BECAUSE OF THE VARIETY OF OPTIONS MIDTOWN PROVIDES TO ITS USERS.
OVERVIEW
MAP 2
ENTRY
STAIRS
STAIRSRECEPTION
BISTRO
RESTROOMS
YOGA STUDIO
GYM
POOL
OFFICES
ELEVATORSTENNIS STORE
STAIRS
LOUNGE AREA
SPINNINGWOMEN’S RESTROOM
MEN’S RESTROOM
YOGA
SPA
GYM
FITNESS
TENNIS OFFICES
STAIRS
TENNIS COURTS
POOL
ACTIVITYSUNDAY 10:00 AM
BREAK ROOM
FEMALE MEMBERMALE MEMBER
TRAINERHIGH USE
FIRST FLOOR
SECOND FLOOR
LEGEND:
THIS ACTIVITY MAP WAS RECORDED ON A SUNDAY AT 10 AM FOLLOWING 1 MALE MEMBER, 1 FEMALE MEMBER, AND 1 MALE TRAINER. THE WOMAN MEMBER SPENT HER DAY DOING YOGA, SOCIALIZING, AND PAMPERING HERSELF, WHILE THE MALE SPENT MORE TIME AT THE GYM AND SOCIALIZIN AT THE BISTRO. THE FLOW THROUGH THE SPACE IS EASY, ALTHOUGH ON THIS DAY THERE SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN MORE CONGESTION IN THE GYM AND DINING AREAS.
OVERVIEW
MAP 4
ACTIVITY MAP8:30A.M - 11:00A.M
CLIENT 1
CLIENT 2
STAFF 1 (MASSEUSE)
STAFF 2 (HOUSEKEEPING)
OVERVIEW:THE STADNDARD FACILITIES SEEM TO HAVE A CONSTANT FLOW THROUGHOUT THE FACILITIES EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK. SAUNA, STEAM ROOM, AND WARM AREAS SEEM TO BE MORE POPULATED BY CLIENTS AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF THE DAY FOR AN AAVERAGE OF 10-15 MINUTES. STAFF SEMMED TO HAVE A RUTINE BEHAVIOR DEPENDING ON THEIR SPECIFIC TASKS AND ACTIVITIES.
13 MINS.
30 MINS.
15 MINS.
20 MINS.30 MINS.
50 MINS.
TRACE OBSERVATIONS MAP
PERSONAL SPACE
SOCIOFUGAL / SOCIO PETAL SPACE
PRIVACY
SOLICITUDE
SOCIALITY
TERRITORIALITY
CROWDING
FOCAL POINT
PROSPECT REFUGE
COMPLEXITY
MONOTONY
MYSTERY
DELIGHT
WOW FACTOR
STIMULATION
RESTORATION
COMFORT
AUTONOMY
CONTROL
SAFETY
PERFORMANCE
ADAPTABILITY
LEGIBILITY
IDENTITY
BRANDING
WAY-FINDING
AFFORDANCE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
8
25
26
17
6
2
24
14
1
3
15
1216
913
19
18
20
21 2223
27
4
5
11
710
BEHAVIOR TRACES ATTRIBUTES
1PERSONAL SPACE SOCIOFUNGAL
SOCIOPETALPRIVACY
SOLITUDE
SAFETY
Refers to an area with invisible boundaries
surrounding a person’sbody into which intrudes
may not come.
The shower directlyadjacent to the steamroom and sauna is a
one person space, whichprovides clients a sense
of intimacy.
Sociofugal: To describe settings that discourage
social interaction.Sociopetal: To describe settings that facilitate
social interaction.
Social space is physical or virtual space such as a
social center, Online socialmedia, or other gathering
place where people gather and interact.
SOCIALITY
The lounge area, created as a waiting area for
clients encourage friendly encounters between guests. The seating arrangement is
set up to facilitate social interaction.
2 5 3 4 20
The state of being apart from other people or
concealed from their view; solitude and seclusion.
The state or condition of being free from being
observed or disturbed by other people.
The. need to be alone and free from observation by
others
A Safe Space is a place where anyone can relax and be able to
fully express, without fear of being made to feel
uncomfortable, unwelcome, or unsafe.
The treatment areasarea secluded and located
in a more private area of the spa to provide a senseof disconnection to all their
clientele. The clean and warmdesign of the treatment cabinswelcomes people in and freethem of being observed by
others.
6TERRITORIALITY
Involves the need to control a fixed geographical location
by laying claim toit in a variety of ways.
The rounded shape of thereception desk, makes thisspace totally private. In thisspace the receptionist has
the opportunity to personalize the space since
no other person works there.Personalization makes thework environment more
enjoyable and encourage a more friendly approachto clients and other staff
members.
7CROWDING
Psychological response to overstimulation caused by too much interaction with
others within a giving space.
Even though at the timewe studied the space, the
staff kitchen wasn’t crowded,we consider that this space
has the potential to getcrowded at noon and
sometime in the evening.
The space was verysmall for the amountof staff working in the
spa.
8FOCAL POINT
A focal point, in its simplest definition, is a point where lines
converge together. The focal point of a room is the place where the lines
of the room meet. Since our eyes tend to naturally follow lines, this
will be the place that our attentionwill first be drawn to in a room.
The focal point of the spais the entrance to the
hallway that leads to thesteam room, sauna, andmud baths. The brightcove lighting and the
contrasting wood texture makes the eyes see it inmediately after you
leave the elevator.
10 12 139 27PROSPECT ANDREFUGE
AFFORDANCE
The theory of “prospect and refuge” seeks to describe why certain environments feel secure and thereby meet basic human psychological needs. Environments that meetsuch needs will often provide people with the capacity to observe (prospect) without being
seen (refuge). Prospect and refuge may result intuitively in the work of an architect who
seeks to control the manner in which open and bright spaces are framed spatially. They are
some variation of this theory that analyses ceiling heights,the size of terraces, and the spatial
complexity of a design.
“A model of perception in which an organism perceives its environment in terms of what
opportunities the environment provides, based on both the features of the environment as well as
the qualities and capabilities of the organism.”
16
COMPLEXITY
MYSTERY
DELIGHT
RESTORATION
Large variety of elements in a setting display. Being involved immediately. Scenes capacity to keep an individual busy. How many elements, features, orchanges an environment contains- in turn, affects
the perceived environmental load.
Characteristic that provide the opportunity to learn something that is not obvious or apparent when
we first perceive the space.
A space or setting that produce pleasant feelings.
Provides the opportunity to recover from a personal social injury or injustice or loss of self-esteem and to
make plans for future social interactions.The mud baths are located in thecenter. This space provides guest the ability to observe other guestsperforming their individual activitieswhile at the same time, the dark
setting, and the shape of the bathtub makes them feel
secured. Also, this spaces provides tranquility at the time of mud
treatments. The bad tubs are consideredas affordance elements in the space.
This first space that is encountered is the warm lounge area, which plays
the role of being the center of the spa. Thisspace is directly adjacent to every otherroom and serves as the main circulation
inside the spa facilities. The Grey and toned down materials and lighting selection makes the space complex and mysterious. Also, the high ceilings and
the warm air provides restoration immediately,making the space to be delightful.
FIGURE 28
FIGURE 29
11MONOTONYLack of variety and
interest on the space; tedious repetition and routine.
The sauna room isconsidered monotonousbecause it lacks design
elements that couldenhance the experience
of the guests.
14 15 19WOW FACTOR
STIMULATION
CONTROL
A quality of a space that is extremely impressive.
The act of increasing levels of activity. Part of
perception.
Places that have the power to influence or direct people's
behavior or the course of events.
17COMFORT
A space that provides physical well-being or relief.
The terraza is an outsidespace that is isolated from
the rest of the spaces.The ocean view and the
warm breezes of Miami Beachprovides a sense of comfort
and physical well-being.
The tunnel between thereception desk and the spa facilities serves as the main circulation, and wow feature
because it stimulates guests by preparing them to enter to
disconnected space to achieve total relaxation.
FIGURE 30
18AUTONOMY
The steam room is a spacethat provides autonomy. The
space itself is designed forguest to decide where to
enjoy the warm vapor, whileat the same time offers theopportunity to discover new
experiences that pushrelaxation and stress release.
Personal autonomy is the capacity to decide for oneself
and pursue a course ofaction in one's life, often
regardless of any particular moral content. Provides the
opportunity for self-discovery and to experiment with new
behaviors withoutjudgment of others.
21 22PERFORMANCE
ADAPTABILITY
The relationship between an environment and how that
environment affects the behavior of its inhabitants, with the aim of
maximizing the positive affectsof this relationship.
It refers to the ability of an existing design to be adapted to create a new or modified
space based on new requirements or needs. The idea is to increase
the functionality of a space through its modification.
The high ceilings and wide space, boosts the performanceof guests to do yoga and anyother fitness activities that can
be performed in this space suchas Zumba, Pilates, Kickboxing, etc.
23LEGIBILITY
The showers room has a very clear layout where
six showers are placed radiallyto the center. This condition
makes easier for guests to choose where to goand to understand the
activity performed in thisspecific area.
Is a term used to describe the ease with which people can understand the layout of a place. Is a method
of analyzing legibility based on five elements: paths,
edges, districts, nodes and landmarks.
FIGURE 31
24IDENTITY
It refers to the visual aspect that form part of the overall brand.
Elements such as color and graphics, establish character and identity to the space.
The nail salon has its ownidentity. Its design differs fromthe rest of the spa facilities. The minimal but bold designof the space resembles the1950 design movement of post-modernism. The blue
colors of this space are meant to promote relaxation.
FIGURE 32
25 26BRANDING WAY-FINDING
Creating a unique name and image in the consumers mind that can stand for something and be different from others.
Signs and numeric systems. Forms that identify the building and space
environment.
Branding is very notorious atthe standard spa. Different than
most spas, It is the first spacethat guests encounter. The
design of this space is meantto look as a beauty store wherecostumers can choose and take
their time to buy products.
Way-finding is very clear through the facility. They
placed medium sized-boardswith a bright orange font and figures that define the egress circulation or different rooms in
the same floor.
SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE
MIDTOWN ATHLETICS CLUB WESTONANDTHE STANDARD SPA MIAMI
DESCRIPTION OF TECHNIQUE:
THE FOLLOWING SURVEYS COINTAIN RELIABLE INFORMATION ON THESE TWO WELLNESS ESTABLISHMENTS. THE SURVEY PROCESS ALLOWS FOR THE EMPLOYEES AND USERS OF THESE SPACES MAKE AN IMPACT OF THE FUTURE DESIGN TECHNIQUES OF SPA AND WELLNESS FACILITIES, REGARDING PERSONAL SPACE, COMFORT, EFFICIENCY, AND AMBIENCE, AND GIVES THEM A SENSE OF IMPORTANCE IN THE MATTER.
THESE SURVEYS WERE ANSWERED BY USERS, EMPLOYEES, AND STAFF, ALL CONTAINING THE SAME EXACT QUESTIONS. THE VARIETY OF PEOPLE WHO ANSWERED THESE QUESTIONS WILL PROVIDE A WELL ROUNDED ACCUMULATION OF INFORMATION FROM DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES OF THE SAME SPACES. THE CONCLUSIONS OF THE DATA COLLECTED WILL DETERMINE THE PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT THE SPACES HAVE ON EACH INDIVIDUAL AND AS A COMMUNITY. THE SURVEYS WERE ADMINISTERED TO EACH INDIVIDUAL IN PERSON, ON PEN AND PAPER, FROM THE QUESTIONNAIRE THAT WAS FORMULATED ON THE QUALTRICS WEBSITE.
SAMPLING
USERS EMPLOYEES
2
4
6
8
10
n: 15
12
3
33.3%
66.7%
MALE
FEMALESURVEY PARTICIPANTS PARTICIPANT GENDERS
5
6
MALE
FEMALE
4FEMALEW/ KIDS
WHO DID WE INTERVIEW?
We chose to interview different malesand females of different age groups because they represent the type of target we want to attract in our projectproposal.
Female participants with kids were veryinformative for our proposal becausethey were very clear regarding thespatial changes that needed to be addressed to accomodate smaller childrens.
These participants do not represent theoverall population but, it definitely represents the clientele that MidtownAthletic club captivates in daily basis.
INTERPRETATION OF DATA
46.6%
26.6%
20%VERY EASY
FAIRLY EASY
AVERAGE
How easy is to get around the club without gettinglost or confused ?
of the participants enjoy having a restaurant within the facility. 100%
Only the 46.6% of the participants think thatgetting around the facilities is very easy. Theother 66.7% needs help to get around the place. Even though the spaces are well defined,the signage of the spaces are very small.
The Bistro brings the community together. It isa place that provides healthy food andpost-workout beverages supporting midtown’smain goal.
Is the size of the facility and the amount ofactivities overwhelming?
93.3% of the participants agreed that the size and the amount of activities are notoverwhelming.
Spatial organization is successfull. Every activity has a well defined perimeter and the design is adecuate for its performance.
Only 7% of the participants think that there could be more activities included in the program: such as a recreational pool for kids.
93.3%
7.7%
“Everyone has a space to performe their activities” - said one of the members of the club
of the participants think that the amenities allow comfortable space for their entire family
100% Children, teenagers, and adults are allowed to perform the different activities that the club offers.
80%
20%Do you feel comfortblle sharing the space with differentage groups?
80% of the participants feel comfortable sharingthe space with different age groups.
Only the 20% of the participants do not feelcomfortable sharing certain spaces of the clubwith all age groups.
“I would prefer children weren’t allowed in the steam roomand sauna. They disrupt relaxation. Too loud.” - said
one of the members of the club
of the participans consider MidtownAtlhletic Club a family oriented club
100%Since Midtown Athletic Club offers activities andspaces to all age groups, member consider it aplace where they can spend weekends with their families.
Do you think the club fee is reasonable for the activities and use of the facility?
80%
20%80% of the participants think that the club feeis reasonable for the activities and thefacilities they offer.
Only the 20% of the participants think that theclub fee is too expensive for the activities and the facilities they offer. .
“IIt is very reasonable. The facilities are very exclusive. Icome every day to the sauna and steam room, it is
like having spa access every day” - said one of the members of the club
INTERPRETATION OF DATA
What is your perception of the hallway in the Standard?
of the users believe the hallway inthe Standard has a positive effect.100%
NOT PERSONAL
SLIGHTLY PERSONAL
VERY PERSONAL
Rate the degree of personal space you feel in the spa.
EXTREMELY PERSONAL
0% 50% 100%
60% of the participants find the space to be slightly personal, while 30% find it to be very personal and only 10% find it extremely personal. Including more private spaces will allow for the users to feel a higher rate of personal space in the spa.
60%30%10%
SURVEY PARTICIPANTS
USERS EMPLOYEES
2
4
6
8
10
30%
70%
PARTICIPANT GENDERS MALE
FEMALE
NOT COMFORTABLE
SLIGHTLY COMFORTABLE
VERY COMFORTABLE
How comfortable is the lighting in the space?
EXTREMELY COMFORTABLE
0% 50% 100%
The lighting in the space is slightly dimmed which gives the users a higher level of comfort. 90% of the participants find the lighting in the space to be very comfortable while 10% find it to be extremely comfortable.
NOT COMFORTABLE
SLIGHTLY COMFORTABLE
VERY COMFORTABLE
How comfortable is the noise level in the space?
EXTREMELY COMFORTABLE
0% 50% 100%
Most users find the noise level in the space to be very comfortable or extremely comfortable while only 10% find it not comfortable. The spa uses soothing music and materials with acoustical properties throughout to better control noise levels.
I am satisfied with the amount of treatments the spa offers.
90%10%
80%
10%
10%
NOT SATISFIED
SLIGHTLY SATISFIED
VERY SATISFIED
EXTREMELY SATISFIED
0% 50% 100%
All users are satisfied with the amount of treatments the spa offers, with no one having anything negative to say about treatments offered.
70%30%
STRONGLY DISAGREE
DISAGREE
NEUTRAL
I think a unisex spa negatively affects my comfort.
AGREE
0% 50% 100%
Users do not believe having a unisex spa area affects their comfort level. 70% feel neutral, while 30% disagree and 10% strongly disagree.
INSIDE
INSIDE, MORE PRIVACY
OUTSIDE
Would you prefer to have the bath for the rooms inside or outside the room as they are now?
OUTSIDE, MORE PRIVACY
0% 50% 100%
30% of the users feel as if the bath for the rooms is fine outside as it is now, while 10% would like some more privacy in the out-door bath area. 40% would prefer to have the bath inside, and 20% would like it inside with more privacy provided.
Do you think the mud bath area provides enough privacy?
10%
70%30%
30%
40%20%
10%
33.3% 50%50%
YES
NO
50% of the users think the mud bath area provides enough privacy, while 50% thinks the outdoor mud bath area needs more privacy.
DESCRIPTION OF TECHNIQUE:
AT BOTH FACILITIES, THE RATIO OF MEN TO WOMAN IN THESE SURVEYS ARE UNEVEN. THERE IS A HIGHER RATE OF WOMAN THAN MEN WHO VISIT THESE ESTABLISHMENTS ON A DAILY BASIS. THE RATIO OF EMPLOYEES/STAFF TO USERS IS UNEVEN. MORE THAN 50% OF THE SURVEYS WERE TAKEN BY GUESTS.
AT MIDTOWN ATHLETICS CLUB, THE SURVEYS WERE ADMINISTERED TO GUESTS AND EMPLOYEES THROUGHOUT A SATUDAY AFTERNOON.
AT THE STANDARD HOTEL SPA, THE SURVEYS WERE ADMINISTERED TO EMPLOYEES AND STAFF ON A WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON. THEY DID NOT ALLOW FOR GUESTS TO BE SURVEYED AT THE FACILITY. THEREFORE, WE ADMINISTERED THESE SURVEYS TO USERS THAT WE PERSONALLY KNOW, WITH NO DESIGN BACKGOUND, THAT HAVE ATTENDED THE SPA WITHIN THE PAST YEAR.
THEREFORE, THE DATA COLLECTED AND ANALYZED IS VALID.
OVERALL, THE MAJORITY OF THOSE WHO PARTICIPATED IN THESE SURVEYS, AT BOTH FACILITES, WERE PLEASED AND COMFORTABLE, AND FOUND THESE SPACES EFFICIENT.
SURVEY ANALYSIS
MIDTOWN ATHLETICS CLUB WESTONANDTHE STANDARD SPA MIAMI
QUALITATIVE MEASUREMENT INTERVIEW METHOD
DESCRIPTION OF TECHNIQUE:
THE INTERVIEW METHOD USED, COLLECTS QUALITATIVE DATA: BROAD AND GENERAL QUES-TIONS ARE ASKED IN AN OPEN- ENDED FORMAT THAT DOES NOT LIMIT THE INTERVIEWEE. EACH QUESTION WAS CAREFULLY ASSEMBLED TO MEET THIS REQUIREMENT WHILE STILL SUPPORTING OUR RESEARCH QUESTIONS. IN ADDITION TO THE PRIMARY QUESTIONS, FEW SUB-QUESTIONS WERE ADDED TO INCREASE THE FLOW OF CERTAIN QUESTIONS, IN THE FORM OF FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS.
THERE WERE ACCESS CONSTRAINTS THAT LED US TO HAVE 7 INTERVIEWS. AT THE STANDARD SPA MIAMI, 7-10 STAFF MEMBERS WORKED THE SAME SHIFT WHILE THE MEMBERS WERE IN RELAXATION, AND AT MIDTOWN WESTON, 10-15 ABOUT 10 STAFF MEMBERS WERE WORK-ING AT A TIME, AND WERE BUSY ATTENDING CLIENTS OR TRAINING, WHILE THE MEMBERS WERE BEING VERY ACTIVE. THIS WAS A GOOD AMOUNT OF INTERVIEWS, BEING THAT THERE WERE LIMITS ON THE AMOUNT OF PEOPLE WE COULD SPEAK TO WHILE IN RELAXATION OR DOING ACTIVITIES. WE WERE ABLE TO INTERVIEW MORE GUESTS AND STAFF AT MIDTOWN ATHLETICS CLUB BECAUSE PEOPLE WERE WILLING TO SPEAK TO US, WHILE AT THE STANDARD SPA, GUESTS DID NOT WANT TO BE BOTHERED AND STAFF WOULD NOT ALLOW US TO INTERVIEW AT THE SPA, SO WE HAD TO WAIT UNTIL THE GUEST LEFT THE PREMISES. THE INTERVIEWS WERE RECORDED AND LASTED BETWEEN 5-10 MINUTES.
THE DATA WAS ANALYZED USING NVIVO RESEARCH ANALYSIS SOFTWARE. WE RECORDED THE MOST REOCCURRING WORDS AND THEMES SAID, AND ANALYZED THEM INDIVIDUALLY AS WELL AS TOGETHER.
INTERVIEWS: PARTICIPANTS AND QUESTIONS
OUR EMPLOYEE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS CONSISTED OF 5 QUESTIONS FOLLOWED BY 3 SUB QUESTIONS AND OUR GUEST INTERVIEW QUESTIONS CONSISTED OF 8 QUESTIONS FOL-LOWED BY 7 SUB QUESTIONS.
IN THE EMPLOYEE INTERVIEWS, ONLY THE FIRST QUESTION ASKED FOR THE LENGTH OF TIME AND POSITION WORKED AT THE FACILITY, THE FOLLOWING TWO QUESTIONS SEEKED ANSWERS PERTAINING TO THE COMFORT AND EFFICIENCY OF THE SPACE, AND THE LAST TWO QUESTIONS ASKED IF THERE WAS ENOUGH STAFF AND IF THERE WAS ANY-THING THAT COULD BE DONE TO IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY OF THE SPACE.
THE USER INTERVIEW QUESTIONED THOUGHTS ON THEIR SPATIAL COMFORT, PRIVACY COMFORT, WAYFINDING ABILITY, THEIR OPINIONS ON THE BENEFITS OF SPA AND WELLNESS THERAPY AND HOLISTIC THERAPY AND THEIR EFFECTS ON STRESS, AND IF ANY SPATIAL OR PROGRAMMATIC ADDITIONS WOULD BE BENEFICIAL TO THEIR EXPERIENCE IN THE FACILITY.
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:
TENNIS PROFESSOR
O 1 PROFESSOR INTERVIEWED O EMPLOYEE FOR 6 YEARS
O PROFESSOR USES TENNIS COURTS AND CONDITIONED CLIENTS IN THE GYM.
CURRENT MEMBER OF MIDTOWN ATHLETIC CLUB
O 1 CURRENT MEMBER INTERVIEWED
O MEMBER FOR 16 YEARS
O FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT THE SPACE ARE THE VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES, THE EASY CONFIGURATION OF THE SPACE, AND THE ABILITY TO SOCIALIZE THROUGHOUT THE CLUB.
THE STANDARD SPA GUEST
O 2 SPA GUESTS
O FIRST VISIT GUEST, AND 6-MONTH GUEST
O FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT THE SPACE ARE THE VARIETY OF TREATMENTS, THE RELAXING ENVIRONMENT, AND THE POOL DECK.
PAST MEMBER OF MIDTOWN ATHLETIC CLUB
O 3 PAST MEMBERS INTERVIEWED
O MEMBER FOR 1 YEAR, 1 ½ YEARS, AND 2 YEARS.
O FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT THE SPACE ARE, THE 2 STORY GYM, THE TENNIS COURTS, AND THE BISTRO.
WORD FREQUENCY: WORD CLOUD
PURPOSE: AS YOU MAY NOTICE, THE WORDS CLUB, SPACE, ROOM, AND HEALTH ARE THE SAME COLOR. THE RELATION OF THESE WORDS SIGNIFIES THAT THE SPACE NEEDS TO REVOLVE AROUND HEALTH AND WELLNESS. IN TEAL,THE WORDS FEEL, PAIN, AND RELIEVE INDICATE THAT SPACES, TREAMENTS AND ACTIVITIES ARE NEEDED FOR PAIN RELEIF. AND IN BLUE, THE WORDS GOOD, CLUB, DAILY, RELIEF, AND ATHLETIC CONCLUDE THAT SPA ARE USEFUL ON A DAILY BASIS FOR PAIN RELEIF AND BEING ACTIVE CAN LEAD TO A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE.
Word Length Count Weighted Percentage
Similar Words
space 5 40 2.14% space, spaces area 4 37 1.98% area, areas treatments 10 32 1.72% treatment, treatments using 5 30 1.61% use, used, using think 5 29 1.55% think back 4 26 1.39% back room 4 24 1.29% room, rooms one 3 24 1.29% one, ones feel 4 22 1.18% feel time 4 21 1.13% time, times
WORD FREQUENCY: QUERY RESULTS
INTERPRETATIONS: USING NVIVO, WE QUERIED WORD FREQUENCY FOR THE 10 MOST FREQUENTLY USED WORDS (AND THEIR SIMILAR WORD COUNTERPARTS), BARRING COMMON WORDS SUCH AS “LIKE” AND “YEAH”. THE RESULT WAS A TELLING LIST OF 10 WORDS THAT CORRELATE TO OUR RESEARCH QUESTION.
IN OUR ANALYSIS, EACH WORD (CODE) IS CONSIDERED ON ITS OWN FIRST, SECONDLY CONSIDERED IN RELATION TO THE SENTENCES IN WHICH IT WAS USED. LASTLY, WE STUDIED HOW THIS RELATES TO THE REST OF THE WORD FREQUENCY LIST, SOME FALL UNDER THE SAME CATEGORY.
WE LEARNED THAT THE MOST FREQUENT CODE USED IS “SPACE”, WITH THE SIMILAR WORD “AREA”. WHAT THIS TELLS US, IMMEDIATELY, IS THE USERS’ EMPHASIS ON THE SPACES BOTH THEY AND STAFF ENCOUNTER. THE WORDS IN THIS QUERY REFER TOTHE ENVIRONMENT FEELING COMFORTABLE.
area
You could be in anyYou could be in any
with a little sofa seatingwith a little sofa seating
the saunathe saunauncomfortable but definitelyuncomfortable but definitely
privacy such asprivacy such as
the poolthe poolto go toto go to
that you overlookthat you overlook
That type of additional socialThat type of additional social
months I think my favoritemonths I think my favorite
just onejust onewant to havewant to have
of cardio andof cardio and
for more locker rooms . Thatfor more locker rooms . That
would be really good , youwould be really good , you
without having to walking inwithout having to walking in
with some weights and thenwith some weights and then
was really good , people couldwas really good , people could
ofofweights , when you walkweights , when you walk
cardio and just onecardio and just one
needs more privacy The clubneeds more privacy The club
is the pool deck . Iis the pool deck . I
and the lake you knowand the lake you know
. I believe the space is. I believe the space is
, over the years they have, over the years they have
daily
relieve some of the stress fromrelieve some of the stress from
on aon a
see people play tennissee people play tennis
if it is affordable .if it is affordable .
gratification that I getgratification that I get
daily spa and wellnessdaily spa and wellness
often is because between doing theoften is because between doing the
hour and 30 minutes in total .hour and 30 minutes in total .
attend a spa and wellness centerattend a spa and wellness center
the group exercises or and thethe group exercises or and the
spa and wellness on a dailyspa and wellness on a daily
life both personal and work related .life both personal and work related .
basisbasis
would be very time consumingwould be very time consuming
is when you go tois when you go to
I think it would beI think it would be
2 - 3 hours a day ,2 - 3 hours a day ,
? How about if it provided alternative? How about if it provided alternative
. I think the question is focused. I think the question is focused
AREA
DAILY
THE WORD “AREA” IN THIS CONTEXT HAS TO DO WITH CONSIDERING AREAS OF PRIVACY IN THE SPACE, THE SIZE OF THESE AREAS, AND THE INTEGRATION OF SOCIAL AREAS. THOSE INTERVIEWED ALSO EXPLAINED WHAT THEIR FAVORITE AREAS OF THE CLUB AND SPA ARE.
THE WORD “DAILY” WAS USED FREQUENTLY BECAUSE IT WAS IMPORTANT TO KNOW IF USERS WOULD USE THE FACILITY ON A DAILY BASIS, AND TO KNOW WHAT THE BENEFITS ARE FROM BEING ACTIVE AND OR RELEIVING STRESS FROM SPA THERAPY ON A DAILY BASIS. ATTENDING A SPA AND WELLNESS CENTER DAILY CAN HAVE SIGNIFICANT RESULTS ON A PERSON’S MENTAL AND PHYSICAL WELL BEING.
health
you talk about spa treatments promotingyou talk about spa treatments promoting
would say that first of allwould say that first of all
promotepromote
will help you , they willwill help you , they will
spa treatmentsspa treatmentstwice a week .twice a week .
Do you believeDo you believe
holistic medicine I do believeholistic medicine I do believe
is not good for your overallis not good for your overall
is going to improve , second whenis going to improve , second when
in a way that reduces stress .in a way that reduces stress .
? Do you think stress relief would? Do you think stress relief would
..Yes ii would increase every dayYes ii would increase every day
So if there is any alternativesSo if there is any alternatives
,,they will circulation in certain musclesthey will circulation in certain muscles
it depends which ones . There areit depends which ones . There are
feel
youyou
the space that makesthe space that makes
is an experience thatis an experience that
DoDo
the same timethe same time
As an employee ,As an employee ,
??the spa / clubthe spa / club
space , and whyspace , and why
the ultimate goal just tothe ultimate goal just to
massage session it made memassage session it made me
its easier and it doesn’tits easier and it doesn’t
II
the Club Areas . No ,the Club Areas . No ,
..steam room or Jacuzzisteam room or Jacuzzi
is the pool deckis the pool deck
around the club , I reallyaround the club , I really
are more efficient when theyare more efficient when they
uncomfortable If so , how ? Isuncomfortable If so , how ? Is
there is easy movement throughoutthere is easy movement throughout
thatthat
you’re in several placesyou’re in several places
you have enough privacy ,you have enough privacy ,
the space allows forthe space allows for
my privacy is efficient ,my privacy is efficient ,
rested and relaxed No , Irested and relaxed No , I
like if I had alike if I had a
everything is well located soeverything is well located so
comfortable with all the areascomfortable with all the areas
better so yes . I’ve beenbetter so yes . I’ve been
as crowded . It helps toas crowded . It helps to
HEALTH
FEEL
THE WORD “HEALTH” IS SAID SEVERAL TIMES THROUGHOUT EACH INTERVIEW. PEOPLE ARE BECOMING MORE AWARE AND CONCEREND ABOUT HEALTH ISSUES, AND ARE LOOKING FOR WAYS TO IMPROVE HEALTH IN EVERY ASPECT OF THEIR LIVES. FOR EXAMPLE, THE MEMBERS OF MIDTOWN WERE EXTREMELY HAPPY WITH THE BISTRO BECAUSE OF ALL THE HEALTHY SUPERFOODS THEY OFFER. BEING ACTIVE AND PRACTICING RELAXATION CONTRIBUTES TO MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH AS WELL.
THE WORD “FEEL” INDICATES THE PERCEPTION OF EACH USERS FEELINGS OF THE SPACES IN EACH FACILITY. PEOPLE WANT TO FEEL WELCOME AND COMFORTABLE IN EACH SPACE AND THEY WANT TO FEEL THAT IT IS EASY TO GET AROUND THE FACILITY WITHOUT GETTING LOST. THEIR FEELINGS ABOUT THE SPACE CHANGES THE ENTIRE EXPERIENCE ONE MAY HAVE WHEN USING THE SPACE.
treatments
those specificthose specific
spaspa
thesethese
TheThe
somesome
ofof
likelike
believebelieve
aboutabout
..weekweek
stressstress
point , mostpoint , most
medicalmedicalofof
alternativealternative
you canyou can
would bewould be
thatthatrelieverelieve
I’veI’ve
sometimes you’resometimes you’re
promoting health ,promoting health ,
promote health ?promote health ?
havehavetoto
aa
Definitely itDefinitely it
andandwellnesswellness
useuse
..
The spaThe spa
I wouldI would
But theyBut they
,,would youwould you
regular exerciseregular exercise
time
the first renovations , at thatthe first renovations , at that
thetheof us wouldn’t haveof us wouldn’t have
it also depends onit also depends on
ofofto the same topicto the same topic
being efficient in termsbeing efficient in terms
issue per say but lastissue per say but last
if you want at anyif you want at any
daily basis would be verydaily basis would be very
club provides at the sameclub provides at the same
totoget food and you’reget food and you’re
do it even ifdo it even if
that is required to justthat is required to just
members or individuals will havemembers or individuals will have
I got a session , massageI got a session , massage
for the men’s locker roomfor the men’s locker room
Do you feel that theDo you feel that the
consuming and many of usconsuming and many of us
. Often times , you come very. Often times , you come very
TREATMENTS
TIME
THE WORD “TREATMENT” WAS USED TO DETERMINE IF PEOPLE WOULD USE HOLISTIC THERAPY AND SPA THERAPY AS OPPOSED TO MEDICAL TREATMENTS TO BETTER THEIR HEALTH. IT WAS ALSO MENTIONED TO DETERMINE IF PEOPLE WERE PLEASED WITH THE AMOUNT OF TREATMENTS THE STANDARD SPA HAD TO OFFER.
THE WORD “TIME:” WAS USED TO EXPLAIN HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD BE DEDICATED TO HEALTH AND WELLNESS. SOME PEOPLE THINK THAT GOING TO A SPA AND WELLNESS CENTRE ON A DAILY BASIS MAY BE TOO TIME CONSUMING, BUT WHEN UNDERSTANDING THE AMOUNT OF BENEFITS THIS HAS ON YOUR MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH, PEOPLE REALIZE THAT IT IS WORTH THE TIME.
INTERVIEWANALYSIS
OUR INTERVIEW QUESTIONS FOCUSED ON HOW THE USERS FEEL ABOUT THE SPACE AND ITS AMENITIES. WE ANALYZED THE INTERVIEW RESPONSES AND FOCUSED ON THE SIX MOST FREQUENTLY USED CODES: AREA, DAILY, HEALTH, FEEL, TREATMENTS, AND TIME. THIS GROUP OF WORDS SHOWS WHAT THE INTERVIEWEES FOCUSED ON MOST ALLOWING US TO UNDERSTAND WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO USERS AND EMPLOYEES.
WE FOUND THAT “AREA” WAS USED IN TERMS OF SIZE, PRIVACY, AND INTEGRATION; DAILY WAS USED TO SPEAK ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF THE USE OF A SPA AND WELLNESS CENTER WILL BENEFIT THE USER; HEALTH WAS USED MANY TIMES THROUGHOUT WHICH SHOWS THAT PEOPLE SEE A HEALTH BENEFIT FROM USING A SPA AND WELLNESS CENTER; FEEL WAS USED TO HELP US UNDERSTAND THE FEELINGS THEY HAVE THROUGHOUT THE SPACE; TREATMENTS WAS USED IN DESCRIBING HOW THEY WOULD BENEFIT FROM IT; TIME WAS USED TO TALK ABOUT HOW MUCH TIME WOULD BE SPENT USING A DAILY SPA AND WELLNESS FACILITY ALONG WITH ITS BENEFITS.
SYNTHESIS MAJOR FINDINGS
By studying The Standard Hotel Spa in Miami Beach, FL and Midtown Athletic Club in Weston, FL, we will be able to better understand how the spaces are used, how people of different age groups interact, and what the most important aspects in a spa and wellness center are. This will allow us to design a spa and wellness center that is suitable for people of all ages and will be used to its full extent.
The participant observation part of our research was very informative in showing us how the users and employees use the space and what spaces appear to be most important. We noted in our behavior mapping that there was no stable observation of guests within the space, guests moved throughout the space due to the different areas for different treatments. The most stable observations were those of the employees. The activity map showed us that the facility appears to have a constant flow throughout the space. The trace behavior mapping allowed us to visually understand different aspects of each space that may have a positive or negative effect on the users.
The survey process alllows for the employees and users of these spaces to make an impact on the future design techniques of spa and wellness facilities regarding personal space, comfort, efficiency, and ambiance. From these surveys, we gathered that designing spaces with dim lighting and noise control allows users to feel a greater sense of privacy.
The interviews conducted allowed us to get a better understanding as to how people use and feel about the space. Area, daily, and health were 3 of the 6 most frequently used codes in the interviews. The frequency of these words show us that the interviewees take into consideration the different spaces and how they are used and how using a spa and wellness center would greatly benefit their health.
MAJOR FINDINGS
APPENDIX
FIGURE 1: “How to Prepare Your Toddler for a New Baby.” Pinterest, 6 Mar. 2017, www.pinterest.com/pin/67342956910794948/.
FIGURE 2: Photography. (2017, March 16). Retrieved December 09, 2017, from https://www.pinterest.com/pin/323625923209329884
FIGURE 3: Images by beautysalon21. (n.d.). Retrieved December 09, 2017, from http://www.pictame.com/user/beautysalon21/4027622503
FIGURE 4: Dream spa. (2014, June 14). Retrieved December 09, 2017, from https://www.pinterest.com/pin/290341507200500930/?lp=tru
FIGURE 5: New Service: Bamboo-Fusion Massage. (2015, June 30). Retrieved December 09, 2017, from http://much-kneaded.com/new-service-bamboo-fusion-massage
FIGURE 6: Moorhouse, V. (2016, May 18). How to Switch Up Your Skin Care for Fall. Retrieved December 09, 2017, from http://stylecaster.com/beauty/seasonal-skin-care/
FIGURE 7: Zenforamoment. (n.d.). Retrieved December 09, 2017, from https://sites.google.com/site/zenforamoment/
FIGURE 8: STEP BY STEP PER AVERE UNA PELLE PULITA E LUMINOSA. (2015, October 21). Retrieved December 09, 2017, from http://sofashion.altervista.org/step-by-step-per-avere-una-pelle-pulita-e-luminosa/
FIGURE 9: Tennis Explorers. (n.d.). Retrieved December 09, 2017, from https://www.midtown.com/tennis-explorers
FIGURE 10: “Miami Downtown.” HD wallpapers | 4K MacBook and Desktop Backgrounds, www.uhdwallpapers.org/2014/04/miami-downtown-2014.html.
FIGURE 14: Q. (2016, October 07). Retrieved December 12, 2017, from https://www.pinterest.jp/pin/479000110351122943
FIGURE 15: Spa. (n.d.). Retrieved December 09, 2017, from http://www.standardhotels.com/miami/spa
FIGURE 16: Miami Beach. (n.d.). Retrieved December 09, 2017, from http://www.standardhotels.com/miami/properties/miami-beach
REFERENCES
FIGURE 17: The Standard Miami, Miami Beach, USA. (n.d.). Retrieved December 09, 2017, from https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/the-standard.html
FIGURE 18: Weston Fitness. (2016, April 03). Retrieved December 12, 2017, from https://www.pinterest.com/pin/423831014913384032
FIGURE 19: Bannockburn. (n.d.). Retrieved December 09, 2017, from https://www.midtown.com/bannockburn
FIGURE 20: LaTrace, A. (2017, April 25). Another look at Midtown Athletic Club's major renovation and expansion. Retrieved December 09, 2017, from https://chicago.curbed.com /2017/4/25/15424584/midtown-athletic- club-chicago- photos
FIGURE 21: (n.d.). Retrieved December 09, 2017, from http://www.westonfl.org/Residents/AboutWeston/Geography.aspx
FIGURE 22: Gantner technologies - Midtown Athletic Club. (n.d.). Retrieved December 12, 2017, from http://www.gantner.com/en/references/fitness_clubs/midtown_athletic_club.html
FIGURE 23: Siamak Mostoufi's Archinect profile. (n.d.). Retrieved December 12, 2017, from https://archinect.com/designsmak
FIGURE 25 Turkish Hamam - Picture of The Standard, Miami, Miami Beach. (n.d.). Retrieved December 12, 2017, from https://en.tripadvisor.com.hk/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g34439-d296000-i216119178-The_Standard_Miami-Miami_Beach_Florida.html
FIGURE 26: System, N. S. (n.d.). ABOUT MONICA: INSPIRATION. Retrieved December 09, 2017, from http://www.mfstudiodc.com/about-monica/inspiration
FIGURE 27: Andre Balazs: Hospitality's Revolutionary. (2015, October 29). Retrieved December 09, 2017, from http://www.papermag.com/andre-balazs-hospitalitys-revolutionary-1427387451.html
FIGURE 28: Hands. (n.d.). Retrieved December 09, 2017, from https://www.pinterest.se/kanadastar/hands/
FIGURE 29: Master&PhotoCamera. (2017, April 13). Retrieved December 09, 2017, from https://www.pinterest.com/pin/699535754590756647/?lp=true
FIGURE 30: me. (n.d.). Retrieved December 09, 2017, from http://www.sandrapnewyork.com/
FIGURE 31: Spa. (n.d.). Retrieved December 12, 2017, from http://www.standardhotels.com/miami/spa
FIGURE 32: Holiday Inn Resort & Marina Key Largo. (2014, June 03). Retrieved December 12, 2017, from https://www.pinterest.com/pin/294704369339119644/
SURVEY SAMPLE
•How easy is it to get around the club without getting lost or confused? 1 = very difficult; 5 = very easyo 1o 2o 3o 4o 5
•I enjoy having a restaurant within the facility.o Yeso No
•Is the size of the facility and amount of activities overwhelming? o Yeso No
•The different amenities allow for a comfortable space for your entire family. o Strongly agreeo Agreeo Neutralo Disagreeo Strongly disagree
•Do you feel comfortable sharing the space with different age groups? o Yeso No
•Do you consider the club to be a family oriented facility?o Yeso No
•Do you think the club fee is reasonable for the activities and use of the facilityo Yeso No
MIDTOWN ATHLETIC CLUB, WESTON, FL.
What is your perception of the long, main corridor at the standard spa? 1 = Negative; 5 = Positive o 1o 2o 3o 4o 5
•Rate the degree of personal space you feel in the spa1 = Negative; 5 = Positive o 1o 2o 3o 4o 5
How comfortable is the lighting in the space?1 = Negative; 5 = Positive o 1o 2o 3o 4o 5
How comfortable is the noise level in the space?1 = Negative; 5 = Positive o 1o 2o 3o 4o 5
I am satisfied with the amount treatments this spa offers. 1 = Negative; 5 = Positive o 1o 2o 3o 4o 5
The unisex spa area negatively affects my comforto Strongly agreeo Agreeo Neutralo Disagreeo Strongly disagree
Would you prefer to have the bath for the rooms inside or outside the room as they are now?o Insideo Outsideo Inside, with more privacyo Inside, with more privacy
•The mud bath area provides enough privacy.1 = Negative; 5 = Positive o 1o 2o 3o 4o 5
THE STANDARD SPAMIAMI BEACH, FL:
INTERVIEWPROTOCOL
Good morning/ afternoon ____. Thank you for taking time out of your day to assist us in our research interview. I’m ____ and am a graduate student studying Interior Architecture at FIU. My group and I are studying the design of The Standard/ Midtown Athletic Club to better inform us for our thesis project taking place next semester. This interview consists of a few questions regarding your experience as an employee/user of The Standard/ Midtown Athletic Club along with other questions related to spa and wellness.
Would it be okay to tape record our interview? This will allow me to accurately document all the information you share with me. It will only be used for educational purposes and you will have complete access to all of our information gathered once completed.
Now with your permission, we will begin our interview.
Interview Questions
Employee Interview:
How long have you been working at The Standard/ Midtown Athletic Club? What is your position here? How long have you been a ___ for?As an employee, do you feel that the space allows for easy movement throughout the spa/ club? Do you find users have difficulty finding certain areas of the spa/ club?Is there anything about the space that makes you feel uncomfortable? If so, how?Is there a space or activity that you think would be a beneficial addition to the space?Are there enough employee spaces and are they used to their full extent?
User Interview:
How long have you been coming to The Standard/ a member of Midtown Athletic Club?What is your favorite thing about the space, and why?Do you feel that the space allows for easy movement throughout the spa/ club? Do you have difficulty finding certain areas of the spa/ club?Do you feel that you have enough privacy, how so or how not? Is there anything about the space that makes you feel uncomfortable? If so, how?Is there a space or activity that you think would be a beneficial addition to the space?If it was affordable, would you attend a spa and wellness center daily? If it provided alternative medical treatments, would you use it? Do you believe that everyday life stress can be relieved by the use of spa treat ments and wellness facilities?Do you believe spa treatments promote health? Do you think stress relief would increase productivity in your everyday life?Have you ever used any spa/holistic therapy to address any medical conditions? What medical condition was it? Did it help?
MIDTOWN ATHLETIC CLUB INTERVIEWS
INTERVIEW 1: TENNIS COACH
How long have you been working at Midtown Athletic Club? I have been working at Midtown for 6 yrs.
As an employee, do you feel that the space allows for easy movement throughout the club? The Club has 23 acres and the space is big to be around the club.
Do you find users have difficulty finding certain areas of the club? Not at all. All areas are marked and the Associates help the new members to get familiar with the Club Areas.
Is there anything about the space that makes you feel uncomfortable? If so, how? No, I feel comfortable with all the areas at the Club.
Is there a space or activity that you think would be a beneficial addition to the space? I think we have all areas and spaces in use.
Are there enough employee spaces and are they used to their full extent? As far as I know, yes. Employees are satisfied with their areas.
By studying The Standard Hotel Spa in Miami Beach, FL and Midtown Athletic Club in Weston, FL, we will be able to better understand how the spaces are used, how people of different age groups interact, and what the most important aspects in a spa and wellness center are. This will allow us to design a spa and wellness center that is suitable for people of all ages and will be used to its full extent.
The participant observation part of our research was very informative in showing us how the users and employees use the space and what spaces appear to be most important. We noted in our behavior mapping that there was no stable observation of guests within the space, guests moved throughout the space due to the different areas for different treatments. The most stable observations were those of the employees. The activity map showed us that the facility appears to have a constant flow throughout the space. The trace behavior mapping allowed us to visually understand different aspects of each space that may have a positive or negative effect on the users.
The survey process alllows for the employees and users of these spaces to make an impact on the future design techniques of spa and wellness facilities regarding personal space, comfort, efficiency, and ambiance. From these surveys, we gathered that designing spaces with dim lighting and noise control allows users to feel a greater sense of privacy.
The interviews conducted allowed us to get a better understanding as to how people use and feel about the space. Area, daily, and health were 3 of the 6 most frequently used codes in the interviews. The frequency of these words show us that the interviewees take into consideration the different spaces and how they are used and how using a spa and wellness center would greatly benefit their health.
INTERVIEW 2: MEMBER
How long have you been a member of Midtown Athletic Club?I was a member of the club for almost a year.
What is your favorite thing about the space, and why?I would say that one of my favorite things was the 2 floor plan that the gym hass, its easier and it doesn’t feel as crowded. It helps to focus on my workout and be relaxed about it.
Do you feel that the space allows for easy movement throughout the spa/ club?I do think the spaces are in a way that you can flow around them easily. You need to go upstairs but there is also an elevator so definitely I see a flow in the building that makes it easier to access any part of the club.
Do you feel that you have enough privacy, how so or how not? Like any other gym, there is people working out in different machines so I wouldn’t say there is any club that there is complete privacy but I think in this club everything has its own perspective in machines, not pointing at another machine so that definitely makes myself more comfortable in working out in any of the machines.
Is there anything about the space that makes you feel uncomfortable? If so, how?Is there a space or activity that you think would be a beneficial addition to the space? The club was very complete, it had all the essentials for cardio, or weights, or any other activity you needed. So I wouldn’t say another space was needed, I was pretty satisfied with what it had.
If it was affordable, would you attend a spa and wellness center daily? After every workout I used to go to the sauna and the jacuzzi and that definitely helped me to relax, to continue with my day to chores and work so if it was more affordable I would try to go everyday but it also depends on the time that is required to just go and relax but I would definitely use it at least twice a week.
How about if it provided alternative medical treatments, would you use it?Spa treatments promote health in a way that reduces stress. It has been proven that stress is not good for your overall health. So if there is any alternatives like spa treatments that relieve stress, I would say that first of all health is going to improve, second when all your basic needs are met, your productivity is going to definitely grow. So I do believe that productivity will be higher if you’re in a state of relaxation and being able to concentrate without having other issues in mind.
Have you ever used any spa/holistic therapy to address any medical conditions? I haven’t used any spa or holistic treatment for any medical issue per say but last time I got a session, massage session it made me feel like if I had a 9 hour sleep, I felt renewed and overall that’s the ultimate goal just to feel better, so yes.
How long have you been a member of Midtown Athletic Club? I’ve been a member of Midtown Athletic Club for about 16 years, back then it was called the Athletic Club at Weston.
What is your favorite thing about the space, and why? One of my favorite things about the space is that you are able to do many activities at once, or at least in one place. If you want to play tennis, you could play 2 hours of doubles or singles and then go get something to eat and then finish off at the spa or go to the locker room and have good conversations with friends or family in the steam room or jacuzzi.
Do you feel that the space allows for easy movement throughout the spa/ club?I feel there is easy movement throughout the space of the club. If you’re at the locker rooms, you’re very easily able to go to the pool area without having to walking in front of everyone. Also, if you’re finishing a massage or a spa treatment, you have also quick access to the locker room. When they did one of their last renovations and they converted some of the spaces downstairs into a family locker room, that by itself increased the space usage that before wasn’t for having kids, that facilitated greatly. Between having the tennis courts, the 25 tennis courts, on one end having the main studio close to entrance and also the restaurant upstairs that you overlook the pool area and the lake you know all around is an experience that you feel that you’re in several places but you’re really overlooking many.
Do you feel that you have enough privacy, how so or how not?Because you have so much space around the club, I really feel that my privacy is efficient, I’ve never felt uncomfortable in any way. The club really makes an effort to have spaces very, they really designate the spaces very well. If you want to go to do sports, heavy weights, if you want to do cardio and the thing with Midtown, with how the spaces are, their philosophy is that they don’t want to have just one area of cardio and just one area of weights, when you walk in you see that its integrated. You could be in any area with some weights and then you see 2 treadmills right in the center and they do that in order to integrate a more social of the club or the exercising areas.
Is there a space or activity that you think would be a beneficial addition to the space?I think if you’re going to think more space beneficial to members, I think it would be larger locker rooms and more social areas. Back in ‘08 they did one of the first renovations, at that time for the men’s locker room there was a tv with a little sofa seating area, over the years they have removed that, they just left the tv in order to make more space for more locker rooms. That area was really good, people could come in after tennis or working out, go into the steam room and then lounge and sit down with their towels and watch a good tennis while being comfortable; now you just have a little bench that is not really optimal for relaxing. That type of additional social area would be really good, you could never go wrong with more dining options. One of the key things that would be beneficial is that you have 25 tennis courts and if you want at any time to get food and you’re at the end of the club and you’re court 25, 24 you know the last row, you have to go all the way back. It would be ideal to have some form of café or small place in the back, where the bathrooms are, just to give people the option of getting a quick bite to eat instead of having to spend 10 minutes going back to the restaurant, ordering, and coming back.
If it was affordable, would you attend a spa and wellness center daily? You know, if it were affordable would I attend a spa and wellness center daily. I think the question is focused more on affordable and if it is you would attend to it. At Midtown, a lot of us, its not just about being affordable it has to be about being efficient in terms of time. Often times, you come very quickly, you do an hour class, go to the steam room, shower, and you’re out within an hour and 30 minutes in total. Daily spa and wellness on a daily basis would be very time consuming and many of us wouldn’t have the time to do it even if we wanted to. Would I be interested? Yeah, if it is affordable. On a daily basis, I think it would be overwhelming.
How about if it provided alternative medical treatments, would you use it?I think based on my family back record, I think we would use some form of physical therapy, some form of pain relief to the back, head relief for people who suffer from chronic headaches, back pains, and also some form of knee or foot which is many of the things my family use. Those types of medical treatments would be helpful. Particularly, in the back or the head.
Do you believe that everyday life stress can be relieved by the use of spa treatments and wellness facilities?One of the things, the reason why I go so often is because between doing the daily the group exercises or and the interactions I have in the jacuzzis or steam room, it does relieve some of the stress from daily life both personal and work related. The spa treatments sometimes, you’re private, you’re able to relax sometimes its also good to have a communal experience, part of it of the gratification that I get on a daily basis is when you go to the jacuzzi or the steam room, to be able to interact with other members, relax, talk about other matters, talk about business, and not only have fun but also be productive maybe, business related matters.
Do you believe spa treatments promote health?I think when you talk about spa treatments promoting health, it depends which ones. There are some spa treatments that I’ve done in the past, whether its in the US or out of the country that will help you, they will promote health, they will circulation in certain muscles that relieve pain, without a doubt I think if you do have, if you’re more relaxed you will be more productive. Unfortunately, some spa treatments have a very short amount of relief effect, you might have the relief of a massage if you have in the morning throughout the day, but the next day you’re going to have the same problem. It’s a constant cycle and these spa treatments have to be not only spa, relaxing but also go towards the curative measures, how to actually target pain and be efficient about that. Many times, at Midtown, you’ll see people play tennis on a daily basis 2-3 hours a day, do 2 or 3 classes of yoga group power which is high intensity cardio, which is followed by Zumba which is a combination of different exercises that are hard impact and you have a lot of pain and you sometimes look to the trainers to give you stretches, give you certain massages, but we go back once again to the same topic of time members or individuals will have problems deciding which one to do.
Have you ever used any spa/holistic therapy to address any medical conditions? What medical condition was it?Did it help?
For me, using spa therapies to address medical conditions, personally me, not much. My father used back massages to treat an injury that he fell and I had his second or third lumbar injured, he used that back massages to relieve that pain. I remember there were certain procedures that he used, to hire people to come to our house and carry out those specific treatments. But they were very they were mostly used during the initial stages of his rehab, afterwards he didn’t do a follow up and that the main thing. Those specific therapies to treat medical conditions they are usually done at the initial stages of the pain when or initial stages of the injury where the pain is the greatest but once the pain subsidizes you don’t really find an important point to carry it on. Especially if you’re incurring the out of pocket expenses yourself rather than insurance. If you are able to have something at a spa that is also recognized by insurances and therapies you know that’s something that does it but if you’re going to be spending certain fees after a certain point, most treatments you can either do it themselves or you could be fine without actually carrying them out.Past Member:
How long have you been a member of Midtown Athletic Club?I was a member of Midtown for about a year and a half.
What is your favorite thing about the space, and why?My favorite thing about the club were the tennis courts and the bistro. It was very accessible at all times.
Do you feel that the space allows for easy movement throughout the spa/ club?Yes. Except in the tennis courts. It was a little confusing to get to some specific tennis courts in the back because of the numeration, but it was relatively easy to move around the clubDo you feel that you have enough privacy, how so or how not?Yes, I did feel that I had privacy in the club. The lockers were a little uncomfortable to shower and change. I always felt exposed to other people. I would make the showers more private and the changing rooms more dynamic and private. I hated the curtain that the choose to close the changing rooms. Anyone could come inside, peek around, it was very uncomfortable.Is there anything about the space that makes you feel uncomfortable? If so, how?The locker rooms. Is there a space or activity that you think would be a beneficial addition to the space?I have a teenager daughter, I think it would be good for the teens to have a playroom or a place where they can perform activities exclusively for them… besides the gym, tennis or swimming.
If it was affordable, would you attend a spa and wellness center daily?Of course, that was one of the main reasons I left Midtown, it was a little expensive.
How about if it provided alternative medical treatments, would you use it?Yes, of course.
Have you ever used any spa/holistic therapy to address any medical conditions? Yes. When I was 10 years old, I suffered a lot from my tonsils. I would get sick every other month. I would have to have antibiotics…One time, I got hospitalized for 10 days because the fever wouldn’t drop. The doctors would suggest my parents to remove my tonsils, but my dad wouldn’t want that for me. So he did some research and took me to an acupuncture doctor. After 3 sessions, I never suffered from my tonsils. Ever again.
How long have you been a member of Midtown Athletic Club?About 2 years.
What is your favorite thing about the space, and why?The bistro without question. I think that one of the most exclusive things about Midtown was the quality of the food. There is no other place in Weston that has healthy food choices as Midtown has.
Do you feel that the space allows for easy movement throughout the spa/ club?Yes, it was easy to move around the space. The activities within the building were a little mixed up but, they were well defined.Do you feel that you have enough privacy, how so or how not?No, I think it was pretty private. The clubs entrance is controlled. Everyone has to check in and out.Is there anything about the space that makes you feel uncomfortable? If so, how?The jacuzzi inside the locker rooms. I felt a little exposed.Is there a space or activity that you think would be a beneficial addition to the space?I would add another multipurpose studio. Right now, there is only one, and the classes get clustered and sometimes is impossible to do the class right.
If it was affordable, would you attend a spa and wellness center daily?Yes! I would.
How about if it provided alternative medical treatments, would you use it?Yes of couse.
Have you ever used any spa/holistic therapy to address any medical conditions? Yes, massages are fantastic to relieve stress and tense muscles. I am a dancer, and my back gets pretty tense after a couple of weeks of dancing nonstop. Deep tissue massages not only relieve the stress of my muscles but improve my posture at the time to dance. If I could go to have a massage every day, I would!!
INTERVIEW 3: PAST MEMBER
How long have you been a member of Midtown Athletic Club?I was a member of Midtown for about a year and a half.
What is your favorite thing about the space, and why?My favorite thing about the club were the tennis courts and the bistro. It was very accessible at all times.
Do you feel that the space allows for easy movement throughout the spa/ club?Yes. Except in the tennis courts. It was a little confusing to get to some specific tennis courts in the back because of the numeration, but it was relatively easy to move around the clubDo you feel that you have enough privacy, how so or how not?Yes, I did feel that I had privacy in the club. The lockers were a little uncomfortable to shower and change. I always felt exposed to other people. I would make the showers more private and the changing rooms more dynamic and private. I hated the curtain that the choose to close the changing rooms. Anyone could come inside, peek around, it was very uncomfortable.Is there anything about the space that makes you feel uncomfortable? If so, how?The locker rooms. Is there a space or activity that you think would be a beneficial addition to the space?I have a teenager daughter, I think it would be good for the teens to have a playroom or a place where they can perform activities exclusively for them… besides the gym, tennis or swimming.
If it was affordable, would you attend a spa and wellness center daily?Of course, that was one of the main reasons I left Midtown, it was a little expensive.
How about if it provided alternative medical treatments, would you use it?Yes, of course.
Have you ever used any spa/holistic therapy to address any medical conditions? Yes. When I was 10 years old, I suffered a lot from my tonsils. I would get sick every other month. I would have to have antibiotics…One time, I got hospitalized for 10 days because the fever wouldn’t drop. The doctors would suggest my parents to remove my tonsils, but my dad wouldn’t want that for me. So he did some research and took me to an acupuncture doctor. After 3 sessions, I never suffered from my tonsils. Ever again.
INTERVIEW 4: PAST MEMBER
How long have you been a member of Midtown Athletic Club?About 2 years.
What is your favorite thing about the space, and why?The bistro without question. I think that one of the most exclusive things about Midtown was the quality of the food. There is no other place in Weston that has healthy food choices as Midtown has.
Do you feel that the space allows for easy movement throughout the spa/ club?Yes, it was easy to move around the space. The activities within the building were a little mixed up but, they were well defined.Do you feel that you have enough privacy, how so or how not?No, I think it was pretty private. The clubs entrance is controlled. Everyone has to check in and out.Is there anything about the space that makes you feel uncomfortable? If so, how?The jacuzzi inside the locker rooms. I felt a little exposed.Is there a space or activity that you think would be a beneficial addition to the space?I would add another multipurpose studio. Right now, there is only one, and the classes get clustered and sometimes is impossible to do the class right.
If it was affordable, would you attend a spa and wellness center daily?Yes! I would.
How about if it provided alternative medical treatments, would you use it?Yes of couse.
Have you ever used any spa/holistic therapy to address any medical conditions? Yes, massages are fantastic to relieve stress and tense muscles. I am a dancer, and my back gets pretty tense after a couple of weeks of dancing nonstop. Deep tissue massages not only relieve the stress of my muscles but improve my posture at the time to dance. If I could go to have a massage every day, I would!!
INTERVIEW 5: PAST MEMBER
How long have you been coming to The Standard/ a member of Midtown Athletic Club?For around 6 months
What is your favorite thing about the space, and why?I think my favorite area is the pool deck. I feel everything is well located so I can enjoy all the amenities that the spa/club provides at the same time
Do you feel that the space allows for easy movement throughout the spa/ club?Yes, I doa. Do you have difficulty finding certain areas of the spa/ club?Not at all, I think all areas are very accessible
Do you feel that you have enough privacy, how so or how not?There are certain areas that need to improve privacy such as the sauna area. I believe the space is big enough to propose partitions in order to make it more intimatea. Is there anything about the space that makes you feel uncomfortable? If so, how?I would not say uncomfortable but definitely the sauna area needs more privacy
Is there a space or activity that you think would be a beneficial addition to the space?The club has everything I need
If it was affordable, would you attend a spa and wellness center daily?Yes, I woulda. How about if it provided alternative medical treatments, would you use it?Yes, I would use alternative medical treatmentsb. Do you believe that everyday life stress can be relieved by the use of spa treatments and wellness facilities?Definitely, it is a successful way to relieve stress
Do you believe spa treatments promote health?They doa. Do you think stress relief would increase productivity in your everyday life?Yes, individuals are more efficient when they feel rested and relaxed
Have you ever used any spa/holistic therapy to address any medical conditions? No, I have not used any spa/holistic therapya. What medical condition was it?----b. Did it help?----
INTERVIEW 6: GUEST
THE STANDARD SPA INTERVIEWS
1How long have you been coming to The Standard/ a member of Midtown Athletic Club?I only went once.
What is your favorite thing about the space, and why?My favorite thing about the standard is the variety, service, and friendliness. I like it because it takes into account all my needs.
Do you feel that the space allows for easy movement throughout the spa/ club?Yes, I love the layout and I had no difficulty navigating throughout the spa.a. Do you have difficulty finding certain areas of the spa/ club?I love it just the way it is.
Do you feel that you have enough privacy, how so or how not?I am enamored with the spa. Loved the privacy. a. Is there anything about the space that makes you feel uncomfortable? If so, how?i. No
Is there a space or activity that you think would be a beneficial addition to the space?I love it just the way it is.
If it was affordable, would you attend a spa and wellness center daily?I most definitely would attend the spa wellness center on a regular basis.a. How about if it provided alternative medical treatments, would you use it?Not sure about the alternative medical treatments. I would have to know more specifics before submitting to alternative medical treatments. b. Do you believe that everyday life stress can be relieved by the use of spa treatments and wellness facilities?The spa treatments and use of the wellness center facility can relieve everyday stress.
Do you believe spa treatments promote health?Spa treatments, regular exercise and alternative holistic medicine I do believe promote health. a. Do you think stress relief would increase productivity in your everyday life?Yes, ii would increase every day productivity
Have you ever used any spa/holistic therapy to address any medical conditions? Holistic therapy for relief of migraines.a. What medical condition was it?migrainesb. Did it help?I used acupuncture and it did help
INTERVIEW 7: GUEST