According to experts gathered at an architecture event in Madrid
Holistic Wellness drives the Design of Outdoor Spaces in Hotels
Piscina Barcelona, the leading event in Spain and a European benchmark in the sector, along with Construmat, the Construction Show, both organized by Fira de Barcelona, brought together international experts to discuss the impact of designing outdoor and wellness spaces in the hotel industry. Architects, landscapers, builders, and entrepreneurs shared their vision with 143 professionals during the event “Re-evolutionizing Hotel Design through Outdoor and Wellness”, held on October 16 at the Roca Gallery in Madrid.
Outdoor and wellness areas in hotels are undergoing a significant transformation. What was once an optional service has now become an essential part of the hotel experience, directly influencing customer’s purchasing decisions. This differentiating factor requires specialized knowledge and collaboration among experts from various fields to meet the high expectations of clients.
To address the evolution of these structure’s design, Piscina Barcelona and Construmat brought together professionals with experience in hotel projects located in top wellness destinations such as the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and Mexico.
Design at the Service of Wellness
According to experts, for an outdoor space to be functional and sustainable, all involved professionals -from architects and builders to maintenance technicians- must work collaboratively from the conceptualization phase. The goal is to ensure maximum sustainability and the integration of the outdoor area into its natural and cultural environment, while keeping in mind the client’s demands.
In this context, Diego Gronda, an architect with extensive experience in hospitality projects for the world’s largest hotel chains, commented that when starting a project, “it is essential to know the profile of those who will use the facilities to create an experience through the structure.”
David Cámara emphasized the importance of “having a holistic and transversal vision of a new hotel concept, designed for the client to live a global wellness experience.”
For her part, Ana Ramírez, co-founder of Ancestral Handmade Hotels, proposed “designing disruptive projects that connect people with nature and the surrounding culture” because only this link can generate regenerative experiences related to personal and environmental health. “Wellness,” she affirmed “cannot be a luxury for a few, but a fundamental right that transforms our way of designing and living.”
Wellness and Sustainability, an Indissoluble Binomial
The speakers also highlighted the importance of analyzing key factors, such as the environment and its climatic characteristics, to maximize the natural benefits that will increase the design’s sustainability. Richard Wiese, president of Turquesa Mobiliario y Diseño in the Dominican Republic, added that another crucial issue is “choosing the right materials to prevent the investment in an outdoor structure from being affected by subsequent maintenance costs.”
He recommends that projects be carried out with “products specially manufactured for outdoor use, with superior quality and resistance levels to ensure greater durability” and that the facility manager should be provided with “a materials report and how to treat them to achieve the best long-term results in terms of efficiency and comfort.”
The event also featured contributions from other prominent professionals such as Jorge Arditti, president of the Mexico and Latam region of Arditti + RDT Architects; Andrea Trujillo, project director at GVA Arquitectos; Kalinka Mikel, architect at Kalinka Mike; Aime Rivero, director of Design & Construction at RTRO; Liza Ortega, architect at Ortega Arquitectos (Dominican Republic); Sergio Ezlo, CEO of Ezlo Architects (Bahamas); and Lubna Alayeli, architect at LAS Interiores.
Innovations at Piscina Barcelona
Architectural design and landscaping around a pool play a key role in creating an outdoor space where both functionality and enjoyment are enhanced. This reinforces the value of the “outdoor” as an environment that invites relaxation and connection with nature, making the pool a central point for rest and social interaction.
In this context, Piscina Barcelona, which will be held from November 27 to 30, 2025, at the Gran Via venue of Fira de Barcelona, will include “Outdoor Living and Wellness Experience,” an area of over 1,000 m² dedicated to landscaping and decoration of outdoor spaces and the reproduction of a fully functioning wellness center, with an active pool and the latest equipment for different areas of such establishments.
With more than 360 exhibitors, 68% of whom are international from 30 countries, the show will present products, accessories, and technological innovations for residential and public pools, as well as facilities related to wellness, spa, fitness, and outdoor decoration. Organized by Fira de Barcelona with the support of ASOFAP, it will also be the stage for the presentation of the Piscina & Wellness Barcelona Awards, the Wellness Experience Awards, and the International Architecture Competition for Students.
Construmat, the Construction Show
Construmat is the leading trade fair in the construction sector in Spain and a reference in Southern Europe and the Mediterranean. In its next edition, which will take place from May 20 to 22, 2025, at the Gran Via venue of Fira de Barcelona, it will renew its commitment to sustainable and efficient construction, showcasing the latest industry innovations.
Materials, tools, and construction techniques for outdoor environments will also be represented, sharing with these projects the goal of creating functional and attractive spaces that foster a connection with nature and improve the quality of life for their users.
It will also enhance its knowledge aspect by increasing the internationality of its Sustainable Building Congress, which will address social housing construction, the impact of AI in the sector, and the importance of materials and design of healthy spaces, among the main topics.
Barcelona, October 25, 2024
Images from the event in Madrid here
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