Spa and wellness architecture: definition and conceptualization

Joanna Gronostajska-Kadecka

doi:10.37190/arc250310

Abstract

This article addresses the definition and conceptualization of spa and wellness architecture. The research examines the evolving understanding of these specialized building types, investigating how architectural design responds to contemporary health, wellness, and therapeutic needs. The study provides a theoretical framework for understanding spa and wellness facilities as distinct architectural typologies, analyzing their spatial, functional, and experiential characteristics.

2025

3(83)

Joanna Gronostajska-Kadecka*

Spa and wellness architecture: Definition and conceptualization

DOI: 10.37190/arc250310

Published in open access. CC BY NC ND license

Abstract

The spa and wellness trend is a rapidly growing movement in the architectural industry. This topic aims to dene and clarify the concept of spa and

wellness architecture, which has not been thoroughly researched despite its frequent mention in both popular and scientic literature. The author ad-

dresses the issue by starting with a general denition and then moving on to a specic classication of the various types of structures that fall under spa

and wellness architecture. To dene this concept, the author rst discusses the terms architecture, spa, and wellness separately before synthesizing them

into a cohesive denition. The above-mentioned research resulted in a classication in which ve groups of contemporary facilities were distinguished,

dened according to the previously established denition: spas, saunas, thermal baths, baths, and spa & wellness hotels. The research provides a clear

denition of spa and wellness architecture. It is based on available scientic literature and popular sources, ensuring its universal applicability within the

architectural industry. Furthermore, within the term spa and wellness architecture, ve groups of architectural facilities or assumptions are characterized.

The spatial and functional programs of these categories are determined by the types of treatments and relaxation practices oered at each facility.

Key words: architecture, spa, wellness, health services

Introduction

In recent years, the demand for health and well-being

services has increased signicantly, largely due to the im-

pact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. This shift in social

pre ferences has inuenced various industries, including ar -

chi tecture (Choudhary, Qadir 2021). Over the last decade,

there has been a noticeable rise in the number of buildings

designed to oer health-promoting services. Consequently,

a slogan has emerged in both literature and the industry: spa

and wellness architecture. However, this term is often used

without a precise denition or a systematic understanding

of its scope

. In the state of research on this topic, some

publications discuss the health aspects of spa and wellness

architecture (Chinwe 2023), spa and wellness tourism (Dry-

glas 2012), and sustainable design of spa and wellness facil-

* ORCID: 0000-0003-0627-9930. Faculty of Architecture, Wro-

cław University of Science and Technology, Poland, e-mail: joanna.gro-

nostajska-kadecka@pwr.edu.pl

The study focuses on architectural assumptions. While existing

literature addresses the issues concerning the tourism industry, it also re-

veals a gap in the proper denition of spa and wellness facilities (Abram,

Kosińska 2020).

ities (Singh 2024). However, no publication was found that

would be devoted to a theoretical treatise on the denition

of spa and wellness architecture itself. This is a signicant

scientic gap, which means that part of the literature from

the state of research presented above does not analyze all fa-

cilities that may fall within the scope of architecture and spa.

This article is organized into two main sections. The rst

part seeks to provide a clear denition of spa and wellness

architecture, based on an analysis and synthesis of available

literature sources, particularly dictionaries. In the second

part, groups of spa and wellness architecture facilities were

created by comparing their features.

Definitions

No clear and universally accepted denition of spa and well-

ness architecture has been found in the literature sources. How-

ever, the term frequently appears in everyday language and pop-

ular science publications

. In order to dene this term for this

In the collections of the publicly available online encyclopedia

Wikipedia in English, there is an entry for Spa architecture. The article

is mainly based on the historical genesis of the facilities where water

therapy services were oered (Wikipedia 2022).

108

Joanna Gronostajska-Kadecka

study, the denition of the term architecture and the terms spa

and wellness were discussed separately, and then their synthesis

was made. According to the Collins dictionary and PWN dic-

tionary

, architecture (Latin from Greek architéktōn – builder)

is the art of planning, designing, and constructing buildings. In

the encyclopedia, this denition expands to include aspects relat-

ed to meeting people’s multiple physical, material and cultural

needs. The denition of spa and wellness (wellbeing

) is much

more complex because these are relatively new terms still subject

to modications. Many sources state that spa comes from Latin

and means Sanus per Aquam, which translates into English as

health through water (Błądek, Błądek and Manikowski 2013).

In the PWN dictionary, the word spa has three primary mean-

ings: 1) care treatments aimed at moisturizing and nourishing

the skin; also: cosmetics used for such treatments; 2) a centre

oering such treatments; 3) a hot tub (Słownik języka polskiego

PWN 2022b). Some sources indicate that the term comes from

a city in Belgium called Spa, located near Liège. In the 18

cen-

tury, this city was the destination of many European royal fam-

ilies due to the valuable mineral water springs there (Britannica

2022). The concept of wellness was dened in the 1950s in the

United States, when a healthy lifestyle was popularized among

the American community, contributing to maintaining good

psycho-physical condition (Błądek, Błądek and Manikowski

2013). One of the doctors who popularized the term wellness

was Herbert L. Dunn, author of a work published in 1961 en-

titled High-Level Wellness: A Collection of Twenty-Nine Short

Talks on Dierent Aspects of the Theme “High-Level Wellness

for Man and Society” (Dunn 1961; Zimmer 2010). The concept

of wellness was created from a combination of two other terms:

wellbeing and tness. Although this denition was formulat-

ed in the 20

century, practices aimed at improving wellbeing

were known and applied in ancient times. In India, traditional

Ayurvedic medicine, dating back to 3000–1500 BCE, assumed

that maintaining harmony between body, mind, and spirit pre-

vented disease and promoted health. The theory of the Ayurve-

dic concept was translated into practice in the form of yoga and

meditation, which are also used today as adjunctive therapies.

Holistic aspects of treatment

also found their manifestations

in Chinese culture, where 2,000 years ago, acupuncture, herbal

medicine, qi gong

and tai chi

were used to improve the state of

the spirit, body and mind (Global Wellness Institute n.d.). Today,

wellness terminology includes various types of treatments, e.g.,

Both English and Polish dictionaries were used in this research

to more precisely dene the research subject. The study initially relied

on Polish dictionaries, but following a deeper analysis and the prepa-

ration of the article in English, the sources were expanded to include

English-language dictionaries.

The term wellness is assumed to come from this word (Global

Wellness Institute n.d.).

This is in relation to holistic medicine, which was based on the as-

sumption that the state of mind, spirit, and body mutually inuence each

other and that the whole organism should be treated to heal (Słownik

języka polskiego PWN 2022a).

Qigong (from Chinese qi-life energy, gong-mastering a skill) is

a unique exercise that stimulates life energy ow to increase immunity

and self-healing processes (Portal Fizjoterapeuty 2021).

Tai chi is a form of martial art originating from China, which

involves slow, uid movements combined with deep breathing. The ef-

fects of performing these exercises are to strengthen the upper and lower

body, stretch and calm the mind (Bury-Motyl 2020).

massages, baths, sports and artistic activities, and an appropri-

ate diet to improve or maintain wellbeing and physical tness

generally (Słownik języka polskiego PWN 2022c). In Poland,

wellness services were developed in the 1990s (Hotelarz 2010).

By integrating the denitions mentioned above, we can

create a clear denition of spa and wellness architecture.

This original denition states that spa and wellness architec-

ture encompasses all buildings, small architectural features,

urban complexes, and other construction elements designed

to support users’ health and wellbeing, with a particular em -

phasis on water’s therapeutic properties

. According to the

denition provided, a facility or concept that meets cer tain

requirements can be classied as spa and wellness architec-

ture. On the ArchDaily portal, the healthcare architecture

category is divided into three subcategories: healthcare ar-

chitecture, wellbeing, veterinary and research. The well-

being subcategory includes spas, saunas, bath houses, and

therms (ArchDaily n.d.). When analyzing facilities that uti-

lize water for therapeutic purposes, it is essential to consider

the strong historical connection between spas, healing func-

tions and accommodation – an association that dates back to

ancient times (Milewska, Włodarczyk 2015). In recent de-

cades, this has led to a new type of facility known as spa and

wellness hotels. These hotels distinguish themselves from

traditional accommodation services by oering bathing ser-

vices alongside lodging. Based on this understanding, the

following original denition for the term “spa and wellness

hotel” is proposed: a facility that primarily provides accom-

modation services while also oering services designed to

meet the health-related needs of its guests, particularly em-

phasizing the healing properties of water.

It is proposed to categorize spa and wellness architecture

facilities into subgroups based on the collected data and

considerations regarding the origins of concepts (Fig. 1)

Spa and wellness architecture

– classification

Summarizing the previous chapter, spa and wellness ar-

chitecture should be designed with a primary focus on en-

hancing the well-being of its users. Such buildings must be

designed with great accuracy, because human well-being

is associated with all their senses. Even though their func-

tional program is based on various water-related services

(in its various states of matter), it is essential to create the

so-called atmosphere

(Feniak n.d.). Therefore, when de-

signing spa and wellness buildings, one cannot focus only

on the form of the facility, but also on aspects such as sound

(acoustics), light, structure (material), and smell. Another,

no less important element is the landscape surrounding spa

and wellness architecture. Numerous scientic studies have

In this case, health-related needs include prevention, rehabilita-

tion, treatments and exercises improving health and beauty, and similar

spa-related ones. Hospital and sanatorium treatment are not included.

The research focuses on spatial architecture with spa and well-

ness functions; therefore, cities and health resort complexes were ex-

cluded from the division.

Atmospheric factors are background conditions in the environ-

ment, e.g., temperature, scent, noise, music, and lighting (Heide, Lærdal

and Grønhaug 2007).

Spa and wellness architecture: Denition and conceptualization

109

shown that being surrounded by nature positively aects

human well-being and contributes to improved health.

Additionally, properly designed green spaces accompa-

nying spa and wellness architecture can help treat specic

diseases and ailments (Zhang et al. 2024). Nature’s inspira-

tions can also be seen in the building itself and its interiors.

Spa and wellness architecture often features streamlined,

organic forms and natural materials such as stone, wood,

amber, linen, and cotton textiles. Their appropriate combi-

nation in the interior positively impacts the spa and wellness

user experience.

This chapter briey describes the subgroups of facili-

ties included in the spa and wellness architecture taxonomy

(Fig. 1).

Spa

Despite the apparent dominance of the spa and wellness

hotels within the taxonomy of spa and wellness architecture,

there is a growing emergence of independent spa facilities

across Europe. They are most often located in the centres of

large and medium-sized cities, and their oer is focused on

biological regeneration services, including core treatments

such as massages, baths, and body and facial therapies. De-

pending on the user’s needs, it is possible to choose one spe-

cic service or a package consisting of several treatments.

Such facilities are referred to as Day Spa (Spaeden 2021).

Due to their location, they are rarely designed as separate

buildings. They are usually planned (separated) as zones in

larger oces and service facilities, as in the case of Baltica

Wellness & Spa in Szczecin

. Biological regeneration cen-

tres in the suburbs or outside the city limits can be enriched

with green areas. An example is the Vabali Spa complex lo-

cated in Berlin’s Fritz-Schloß-Park, which oers numerous

treatments and wet and steam baths (Vabali spa n.d.). There

has also been an increase in spa facilities outside urbanized

areas, primarily in forests

. Sometimes, in particularly dif-

The building also houses the residence functions – Radisson Blu

Hotel and recreational functions – Fitness World gyms. This is an exam-

ple of the location of three independent services, the specicity of which

guarantees the cooperation of the owners and mutual nancial benet.

An example of such a facility is Camp SPA in Włodów. Its of-

fer includes, among other things, bathing in a tub, herbal massages, and

cult-to-access places, a complementary function is located

in comfortable and luxurious campsites, commonly called

glamping

. Situating such functions in places close to the

natural environment is closely related to the spa and well-

ness culture that draws from nature.

In summary, the spa function is located as a complemen-

tary (accompanying) function in large service facilities or in-

dependently located in medium-sized facilities (as a compact

form). It often occurs as a group of low buildings (as a frag-

mented form) with external spaces, as in the case of Vabali

Spa. The spa facility primarily contains spaces for perform-

ing numerous specialist treatments, often including saunas

and swimming pools. Such facilities should be designed to

maintain maximum intimacy for its users, who most often

move around naked. It is recommended to use soft lighting

and natural materials in the interior. The design avoids the

creation of large, high-ceilinged spaces. Instead, it empha-

sizes the use of intimate areas dened by numerous parti-

tions. When the facility is situated in a naturally attractive

setting, window glazing is strategically used to frame valu-

able views. However, it is important to limit the number of

glazed surfaces to prevent excessive exposure of the interior.

Saunas

The spas mentioned earlier are very popular, much like

saunas, which scientists have extensively studied for their

health benets in recent decades (Hussain, Cohen 2018).

The positive eects of sauna bathing on health have con-

tributed to its widespread popularity. Most independent sau-

na facilities are found in northern Europe, notably Finland,

the birthplace of sauna culture (Kryniewski n.d.). These

facilities are typically situated in rural areas like forests

or along the shores of lakes and seas, although some can

a sauna. All treatments take place in the surroundings of wild nature.

Due to the spa’s specicity, it is open seasonally, from May to September

(Moniq music travel 2020).

The term glamping is a combination of two words in English:

glamorous and camping. It is a place intended for camping, where tem-

porary accommodation facilities are located, such as: a summer house,

a tent, a tree house. Inside such a facility, there are usually bathrooms,

kitchenettes and full furniture equipment (bed, armchair, desk, etc.), thanks

to which the stay in such a place is denitely more comfortable than at

a classic campsite (Horwat 2018).

Fig. 1. Spa and wellness architecture – systematics of subgroups or complexes of facilities (elaborated by J. Gronostajska-Kadecka)

Il. 1. Architektura spa i wellness – systematyka podgrup lub zespołów obiektów (oprac. J. Gronostajska-Kadecka)

110

Joanna Gronostajska-Kadecka

also be found in urban environments, often situated near

river banks. The architecture of these saunas often reects

traditional Finnish designs, predominantly featuring wood

and stone materials. A sauna facility may consist of a single

building with a classic dry sauna, a complex of buildings of-

fering dierent types of saunas, or a structure that includes

various sauna options. Additionally, saunas can be designed

as mobile units, such as trailers or barges that oat on wa-

ter. This mobility allows them to be relocated based on user

preferences and weather conditions (O’Kelly 2022).

Compared to spa facilities, sauna buildings are designed

for one function – air baths. Therefore, the structure of the

building is not overly complicated and results primarily

from the types of saunas used in the functional program.

Complementary rooms include changing rooms with sani-

tary facilities and a relaxation area with hot and cold water

showers. All of the above functions can be located in one

closed cubicle (as a compact form), but there are also saunas

in a group of buildings (as a fragmented form). Then, enter-

ing each sauna cabin directly from the outside is possible,

which is part of the traditional sauna ritual (Oviir 2018).

Thermal baths

In areas with sources of medicinal water with elevated

temperatures, thermal baths are established. These facilities

combine swimming pool complexes with thermal water

and sauna facilities, which may include steam baths. Of-

ten, a massage zone is also integrated into the thermal bath

experience. Newly constructed thermal baths are typically

spacious buildings that oer an extensive range of services.

In addition to their diverse internal functions, they feature

large outdoor pools. The naturally warm water allows these

outdoor thermal bath areas to operate year-round energy-ef

ciently. In some instances, plans are made to expand the

thermal baths to include visitor accommodation facilities;

however, these do not typically qualify as spa and wellness

hotels

(Özen, Varolgüneş 2018).

In Poland, the largest deposits of thermal water are lo-

cated in the central part of the country (Ciechocinek, Unie-

jów) and Małopolska (Ustroń, Rabka-Zdrój) (Sztuka Ar-

chitektury 2021). Additionally, there are several deposits

in northern Poland, particularly in Warmia, where Termy

War mińskie (Fig. 2) were established in 2014. This facility

features a comprehensive range of services, which include:

– changing rooms and sanitary areas,

– indoor pool complex (three relaxation pools, two rec-

reational pools for children, one sports pool, and whirlpool

baths),

– outdoor pool complex (two pools),

– sauna complex (various sauna cabins, relaxation area,

and showers),

– treatment rooms,

– catering options (restaurant and bar),

– conference facilities (halls and oces),

– shopping gallery,

– bowling alley and music club,

– accommodation area (rooms) (ArchDaily 2018).

The facility that houses the function of thermal pools has

an extended functional program. Its structure is usually di-

vided into appropriate zones: treatment, sauna, swimming

pool, catering, and accommodation. In addition, the chang-

A spa and wellness hotel is a facility in which the accommoda-

tion service is superior to the other services, i.e., recreational, gastro-

nomic, and conference services.

Fig. 2. Plan of the Termy Warmińskie (recreational part) (elaborated by J. Gronostajska-Kadecka)

Il. 2. Rzut Term Warmińskich (część rekreacyjna) (oprac. J. Gronostajska-Kadecka)

Spa and wellness architecture: Denition and conceptualization

111

ing rooms are more extensive than in facilities that house the

functions of independent spa centers and spa buildings. For

this reason, the volume of the building that houses the func-

tion of thermal pools is dened as medium or large (in com-

parison to the other facilities from the studied subgroups).

Baths

Facilities that share a similar functional program to ther-

mal baths – comprising a complex of swimming pools,

saunas, and wellness centers – but do not utilize hot spring

waters are referred to as baths. They are usually designed

as one compact medium or large building, with possible

outdoor areas. These establishments are often located in ur-

ban areas, cities, or regions with signicant landscape and

tourist appeal where thermal water sources are unavailable.

Modern baths are designed to echo the style and purpose

of ancient baths. A good example of such a design is the

saunarium in Wrocław

The sauna is located in the city water park building, where sports

pools and recreational pools were designed in addition to the aforemen-

tioned function. All zones are interconnected, but tickets for each service

must be purchased separately to use them. The user also has the option

of using only one selected zone because each has a separate independent

entrance, changing room, and sanitary complex.

The Wrocław saunarium encompasses two expansive

zones:

indoor and outdoor (Fig. 3). The facility features ten

types of saunas, a saltwater pool, a jacuzzi, a massage room,

and a special area dedicated exclusively for women. Addi-

tionally, a coeducational changing room complex includes

separate rooms for women and men, along with sanitary fa-

cilities equipped with toilets and showers. The design also

incorporates an independent catering section, structured as

a self-service bar, and two relaxation rooms that eectively

divide the sauna area into two functional parts. This layout

creates a central communication system and facilitates ac-

cess to the outdoor space. In the central areas of both sec-

tions, a fountain and an internal jacuzzi have been included,

surrounded by sauna cabins and cooling zones equipped

with showers. The sauna garden features two pools with

cold and warm water, three saunas, and a relaxing area with

portable loungers (Aquapark Wrocław n.d.).

Spa and wellness hotels

The main architectural feature that distinguishes spa

and wellness hotels from other facilities in the hotel indus-

try is an additional recreational section, which houses the

above-mentioned functions. Usually, the scope, structure

and size of the recreational section determine the function-

al layout of the other zones within the complex. Therefore,

Fig. 3. Plan of the Saunarium in Wrocław (elaborated by J. Gronostajska-Kadecka)

Il. 3. Rzut saunarium we Wrocławiu (oprac. J. Gronostajska-Kadecka)

112

Joanna Gronostajska-Kadecka

were opened in 1996

(Zumthor 2007). Prior to this, the

village had experienced a decline in tourism, with a num-

ber of outdated hotels dating back to the 1960s. However,

following the successful launch of the thermal baths, Vals

underwent a signicant revival in tourist interest – a trend

that continues to this day (Architektura Info 2009).

Conclusions

The article denes spa and wellness architecture based

on available scientic and popular literature, making it uni-

versally applicable within the architectural industry. This

denition may also serve as a step towards establish ing

standards for spa and wellness facilities, which often en -

com pass intricate structures and combine health, recreatio-

nal, and accommodation services, among other features.

The second part of the work explores various solutions re-

lated to the culture of treatment and recreation using water,

which has gained popularity in contemporary architecture.

The author has identied ve main categories of architec-

tural facilities:

1. Spas as independent wellness centers.

Saunas as standalone facilities for steam and air baths.

3. Thermal baths as complexes featuring thermal water

pools.

4. Baths as complexes that include pools and saunas for

water, steam, and air baths.

5. Spa and wellness hotels.

The spatial and functional programs of these categories

are determined by the types of treatments and relaxation

practices oered at each facility. Each type – saunas, ther-

mal baths, and spa centers – has its unique design approach.

Notably, spa and wellness hotels stand out because they

integrate complementary services, which is economically

benecial. These hotels meet the needs of today’s travelers

and adapt to the changing market for tourism and business

services. Moreover, the market for these services is highly

competitive. The table (Table 1) presents the ve subgroups

identied in the study, focusing on three specic features

The Zumthor Thermal Baths, the ve-star hotel, and the House of

Architects accommodation facility form a complex called 7132 Thermal

Baths. The above facilities are dened ambiguously because the thermal

baths building was added later and currently functions independently of

the hotel. Because of this, it is not easy to classify the above complex as

a spa and wellness hotel.

the design process typically begins with a detailed deni-

tion of services oered in this recreational area, which can

sometimes be as extensive as the accommodation and ca-

tering sections (Brzaković, Nikolić and Milojković 2022).

Since no detailed denitions of spa and wellness exist and

the literature does not dene the division between these two

concepts, the hotel industry does not precisely assign recre-

ational services to either term. Moreover, the literature con-

tains proposals for classifying wellness services both to the

term wellness (Błądek, Błądek and Manikowski 2013) and

to the term spa (Słownik języka polskiego PWN 2022b).

Nevertheless, it is noted that the spa zone program includes

beauty treatments, mainly using water, and the wellness

zone plan is closely related to improving well-being and vi-

tality. The formation of a wellness team is closely related to

trends in treatments (preventive, beautifying, and relaxing),

technological progress, and discoveries in medicine. In ad-

dition, the spa and wellness oer, in the case of large hotel

facilities, can go beyond the building and be implemented

in the form of saunas, swimming pools, and outdoor bath-

ing areas.

The discussed enterprises often include additional rec-

reational spaces related to sports and entertainment to en-

hance the guest experience. Increasingly, these facilities are

designed to meet all customers’ needs, covering everything

from accommodation and dining to entertainment options.

Most commonly, outdoor recreational complexes are devel-

oped, featuring amenities such as tennis courts, mini-golf,

walking and cycling paths, multi-purpose sports elds, and

playgrounds (Błądek, Błądek and Manikowski 2013). In

some cases, guests may spend their entire stay within the

hotel premises without the need to leave.

In connection with the previous discussion, it is import-

ant to note that when a hotel’s oerings are suciently

compelling, its location may become a secondary consid-

eration. However, this assumption has not been universally

applicable in the context of Poland. Spa and wellness ho-

tels have their roots in sanatoriums and are often situated in

health resorts and popular tourist destinations. While each

facility benets from a scenic location, many of these hotels

are being constructed in areas rich in cultural and natural

attractions, which do not necessarily have high tourist traf-

c. Interestingly, introducing a new investment can elevate

a location’s status, resulting in a sudden inux of tourists.

A notable example of this can be found in the Swiss village

of Vals, where thermal baths designed by Peter Zumthor

Spas Saunas Thermal baths Baths

Spa and wellness

hotels

Form compact/fragmented compact/fragmented compact/fragmented compact/fragmented compact/fragmented

Function

(in order

of importance)

treatment, saunas,

swimming pools

saunas

thermal water pools,

saunas,

treatment rooms

swimming pools,

saunas

hotel, treatment

rooms, swimming

pools, saunas

Volume

small/medium small/medium medium/large large medium/large

Table 1. Comparison table for subgroups or complexes of facilities in spa and wellness architecture (elaborated by J. Gronostajska-Kadecka)

Tabela 1. Charakterystyka podgrup lub zespołów obiektów architektury spa i wellness (oprac. J. Gronostajska-Kadecka)

Compared to the remaining facilities from the studied subgroups.

Spa and wellness architecture: Denition and conceptualization

113

References

Abram, Maciej, and Agnieszka Kosińska. “Problemy związane z typo-

logią obiektów spa i wellness na świecie i w Polsce.” Zeszyty Nau-

kowe Wyższej Szkoły Turystyki i Ekologii 17, no. 1 (2020): 5–20.

ArchDaily. “Warmia Thermal Baths / Plaskowicki + Partnerzy Architek-

ci.” Published December 12, 2018. Accessed December 10, 2022, at

https://www.archdaily.com/907555/warmia-thermal-baths-plasko-

wicki-plus-partnerzy-architekci.

ArchDaily. “Architecture Projects.” Published n.d. Accessed October 11,

2022, at https://www.archdaily.com/search/projects?ad_source=jv-

header&ad_name=main-menu.

Architektura Info. “Kąpielisko termalne Vals”. Published June 22, 2009.

Accessed June 20, 2022, at https://architektura.info/architektura/

polska_i_swiat/kapielisko_termalne_vals.

Aquapark Wrocław. “Saunarium – Aquapark Wrocław.” Published n.d.

Accessed October 25, 2022, at https://aquapark.wroc.pl/pl/saunarium.

Błądek, Zenon, Włodzimierz Błądek, and Sławomir Manikowski. No-

wo czes ne hotelarstwo. Palladium Architekci – Błądek, Manikowski,

2013.

Britannica. “Spa.” Revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen. Accessed Au-

gust 21, 2022, at https://www.britannica.com/topic/spa-health-resort.

Brzaković, Milan, Marko Nikolić, and Aleksandar Milojković. “Archi-

tec ture of contemporary spa hospitality – current tendencies in de-

sign ing spa hotels.” Architecture and Civil Engineering 20, no. 2

(2022): 177–92. https://doi.org/10.2298/FUACE220519014B.

Bury-Motyl, Magdalena. “Tai chi – co to jest, co daje i jak ćwiczyć?

Jak wygląda trening tai chi dla początkujących?” Published July 15,

2020. Accessed August 22, 2022, at https://zycie.hellozdrowie.pl/

tai-chi-co-to-jest-co-daje-i-jak-cwiczyc-jak-wyglada-trening-tai-chi

-dla-poczatkujacych/.

Chinwe, Ebubechukwu. “Healing Through Architecture: The Impact

of Architecture in the Process of Healing and WellBeing in Thera-

peutic Resorts.” International Journal of Innovative Environmental

Studies Research 11, no. 4 (2023): 65–9.

Choudhary, Bushra, and Abdul Qadir. “Impact of COVID-19 on Well-

ness and Spa Industry.” International Journal of Spa and Wellness

4, no. 2–3 (2021): 193–203. https://doi.org/10.1080/24721735.202

1.1986970.

Dryglas, Diana. “Spa and Wellness Tourism as a Spatially Determined

Pro duct of Health Resorts in Poland.” Current Issues of Tourism Re-

search 2, no. 2 (2012): 30–8.

Dunn, Halbert L. High-Level Wellness: A Collection of Twenty-Nine

Short Talks on Dierent Aspects of the Theme “High-Level Wellness

for Man and Society.” Beatty, 1961.

Feniak, Hannah. “Relax, Take it Easy: How Spa Architecture Designs for

Wellness.” Published n.d. Accessed May 7, 2025, at https://architizer.

com/blog/inspiration/collections/spa-architecture-wellness-design/.

Global Wellness Institute. “History of Wellness.” Published n.d. Ac-

cessed October 22, 2022. https://globalwellnessinstitute.org/what-

is-wellness/history-of-wellness/.

Heide, Morten, Kirsti Lærdal, and Kjell Grønhaug. “The Design and Ma-

na gement of Ambience – Implications for Hotel Architecture and

Service.” Tourism Management 28, no. 5 (2007): 1315–25. https://

doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2007.01.011.

Horwat, Krzysztof. “Kemping na pięć gwiazdek, czyli glamping. Ten

sposób wypoczynku po cichu podbija serca Polaków.” Published

July 18, 2018. Accessed October 13, 2022, at https://businessin-

sider.com.pl/lifestyle/podroze/glamping-czyli-kamping-w-luksu-

sowym-stylu/hhk2bvl.

Hotelarz. “Wellness – więcej niż spa.” Published March 17, 2010. Ac-

cessed October 25, 2022, at https://www.e-hotelarz.pl/artykul/8653/

wellness-8211-wiecej-niz-spa/.

Hussain, Joy, and Marc Cohen. “Clinical Eects of Regular Dry Sau na

Bathing: A Systematic Review.” Evidence-Based Com ple men tary

and Alternative Medicine 7, (2018). https://doi.org/ 10.1155 / 2018/

1857413.

Kryniewski, Leszek. “Historia sauny.” Published n.d. Accessed October

25, 2023, at http://www.cabines.pl/artykuly/732/historia-sauny.html.

Milewska, Mariola, and Bogdan Włodarczyk. Hotelarstwo. Podstawowe

wiadomości. Polskie Wydawnictwo Ekonomiczne, 2015.

Moniq music travel. “Camp Spa. Najlepsze leśne spa w Polsce.” Pub-

lished September 1, 2020. Accessed October 13, 2022, at https://

www.moniqmusictravel.pl/camp-spa-najlepsze-lesne-spa-w-polsce/.

O’Kelly, Emma. “Take a Plunge with Oslo’s Floating Sauna Island.”

Last updated August 26, 2022. Accessed October 18, 2022, at

https://www.wallpaper.com/architecture/oating-sauna-biotope-os-

lo-norway.

Oviir, Anni. “Here’s Why the History of the Sauna is Deeper Than You

Might Think.” Published March 18, 2018. Accessed October 25,

2022, at https://medium.com/estoniansaunas/heres-why-the-histo-

ry-of-the-sauna-is-deeper-than-you-might-think-d8e5127a8232.

Özen Nurtekin, and Fatma K. Varolgüneş. “Assessment of Thermal

Tourism Facilities (TTFS) from the Perspective of Ecological Ar-

chitecture – The Case of Eastern of Turkey.” Online Journal of Art

and Design 6, no. 5 (2018): 360–80.

Portal Fizjoterapeuty. “Qigong – sposób na długowieczność.” Published

December 3, 2021. Accessed October 27, 2022, at https://zjotera-

peuty.pl/zdrowie/qigong-sposob-na-dlugowiecznosc.html.

Singh, Aprajita. “Sustainability in Design and Construction of a ‘Spa and

Wellness’ Through the Application of Traditional Building Methods

and Techniques.” International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts

12, no. 5 (2024): 716–66.

Słownik języka polskiego PWN. “Medycyna holistyczna.” Accessed

September 21, 2022a, at https://sjp.pwn.pl/slowniki/medycyna-ho-

listyczna%3B2482134.html.

Słownik języka polskiego PWN. “Spa.” Accessed September 21, 2022b,

at https://sjp.pwn.pl/slowniki/spa.html.

Słownik języka polskiego PWN. “Wellness.” Accessed September 21,

2022c. at https://sjp.pwn.pl/sjp/wellness;2579657.

Spaeden. “SPA WARSZAWA, poznaj najlepsze day SPA w Warszawie.”

Published June 30, 2021. Accessed October 25, 2022, at https://

spaeden.pl/spa-wellness/day-spa/2991-day-spa-warszawa.

Sztuka Architektury. “Termy – bryły, które kryją odpoczynek.” Published

December 24, 2021. Accessed August 22, 2022, at https://sztuka-ar-

chitektury.pl/article/15378/termy-bryly-ktore-kryja-odpoczynek.

Vabali spa. “The Balinese Wellness Oasis in the Middle of Berlin.” Pub-

lished n.d. Accessed December 20, 2022, Published n.d. Accessed

December 20, 2022, at https://www.vabali.de/en/berlin/.

Wikipedia. “Spa Architecture.” Accessed September 28, 2022, at https://

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spa_architecture.

Zhang, Zhiyong, Ye Bing, Yang Wenjuan, and Gao Yue. “Eect of Na-

ture Space on Enhancing Humans’ Health and Well-Being: An Inte-

grative Narrative Review.” Forests 15, no. 100 (2024). https://doi.

org/ 10.3390/f15010100.

Zimmer, Ben. “Wellness.” The New York Times, April 16, 2010. https://

www.nytimes.com/2010/04/18/magazine/18FOB-onlanguage-t.html.

Zumthor, Peter. Therme Vals. Scheidegger & Spiess, 2007.

related to these facilities: form, function, and volume. It can

be noticed that as the complexity of the functional program

increases, particularly when it includes technologically ad-

vanced elements like swimming pools and thermal pools,

the volume of the facilities tends to be larger. The forms of

all studied facilities are designed to be compact and frag-

mented. However, it is noted that thermal baths and bath

subgroups more frequently utilize a compact structure.

Consequently, spa and wellness zones serve as excellent

examples for analyzing contemporary architectural solu-

tions, including their functional and spatial aspects and cur-

rent design trends.

114

Joanna Gronostajska-Kadecka

Streszczenie

Architektura spa i wellness: denicja i konceptualizacja

W ostatnich latach popyt na usługi związane ze zdrowiem i dobrym samopoczuciem znacznie wzrósł, głównie z powodu pandemii SARS-CoV-2.

Ta zmiana preferencji społecznych wpłynęła na różne branże, w tym architekturę. W ciągu ostatniej dekady zauważalnie wzrosła liczba budynków za-

projektowanych w celu oferowania usług prozdrowotnych. Zamierzeniem autorki artykułu było zdeniowanie i uszczegółowienie terminu architektura

spa i wellness, który pomimo częstego występowania w piśmiennictwie popularnonaukowym i naukowym, nie został odpowiednio zbadany. W celu

zdeniowania pojęcia omówiła ona oddzielnie denicję terminu architektura oraz terminów spa i wellness, a następnie dokonała ich syntezy. Wynikiem

prac jest denicja architektury spa i wellness oraz klasykacja, w której wyróżniono pięć grup obiektów współczesnych: spa, sauny, termy, łaźnie, ho-

tele spa i wellness. Sformułowana denicja jest oparta na dostępnej literaturze naukowej i popularnych źródłach. Programy przestrzenne i funkcjonalne

wyodrębnionych kategorii obiektów są z kolei określane przez rodzaje zabiegów i praktyk relaksacyjnych oferowanych w każdym obiekcie.

Słowa kluczowe: architektura, spa, wellness, usługi zdrowotne