Inspired by the influx of contemporary design into ancient Chiangmai, the client wishes to create a Thai spa in Shanghai with a similar vibe for a younger clientale, without resorting to just traditional elements.
We identified that this sense of contemporary Thai is shaped by an overarching backdrop of cultural presence, subtle strokes contemporary appropriations, and lush tropical greens from the region.
Taking this optimism of reinterpreting tradition in a contemporary setting, we started with a culturally neutral shape, and designed a configuration to establish an overarching cultural ambiance from which objects, furniture, and details can evolve from and materialize into a total spatial experience.
Experientially, in response to the basement location, we adopted white for the overall lightness in the transition spaces and shades of green to relate more to nature for the different spa spaces.
Spatially, the entry starts with a white foyer of hovering depths of patterns to first define the spa. The entry then branches out into a reception, a waiting area, and a corridor leading to various experiences. The white corridor begins as a public zone with green pockets of the shared experiences such as rest, food, and foot washing. Further down, a second foyer with similar hung patterns signals the transition into the private zone of different green treatment rooms. Inside the rooms, all details extend from the entry foyer elements to meld into one cohesive sensory journey.
Nimman Spa, Shanghai
maos design

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Designer
maos design
Client
NIMMAN SPA
Floor area
260.00 ㎡
Completion
2017