Belle Epoque

Deborah Wilk -- Interior Design, 4/1/2009 12:00:00 AM

In trying times, nearly everyone could use a bit more serenity. And spa design is keeping pace with the multitude of technologically sophisticated treatments that cleanse the skin, relax the muscles, and focus the mind. In many cases, inspiration begins in the natural world, with organic materials used to soothe the senses. The key for other projects is to create a transition between the chaos outside and the calm within. Whichever the case, these spaces usher in a new age of the body beautiful.

Y Space

project Korea International Consulting Associates, Seoul, South Korea.

standout The minimal office of this hair-products company makes reference to silky-smooth hair blowing in the wind, thanks to the ventilators installed above the ceiling system.

James Harb Architects

project Pure Yoga, New York.

standout The facade’s ipé screen and living wall of evergreens, succulents, and grasses set the tone for an interior materials palette including twigs, palm wood, cork, and river rocks.

RTKL Associates

project Eau Spa, Palm Beach, Florida.

standout With a wishing well in reception, stainless-steel chairs suspended over a shallow pool, and a cascade that guests can sit beneath, this spa brings the cleansing and rejuvenating aspects of water to the lobby level of the Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach.

David Fleener Architects

project Spa Chakra, Chicago.

standout In the transition zone between the bamboo-floored spa and the grand ballroom of the storied 1925 Palmer House Hilton, LED-lit acrylic columns seem to float against a backdrop of black granite.

Prototype Designers

project Mane Hair Strand, Rehovot, Israel.

standout Basic drywall, plywood, glass, and epoxy transform a predictable hair-salon progression through reception, washing, and styling into a fantastic voyage of its own.

Burdifilek

project Murale, Montreal.

standout Far from the standard drugstore mode, glossy white lacquered shelving, terrazzo flooring, and an acrylic focal wall with inset LEDs combine to glamorize beauty-product purchases.