FOG Architecture designs Beijing spa to be more than a "quiet place"

Chinese studio FOG Architecture has designed warm and relaxing interiors for YUSPA in Beijing, China, using subtle transitions of lighting and materials.

FOG Architecture designed the YUSPA retail spa within the Sanlitun shopping district to give customers a multi-sensory experience.

"The design guides customers into a relaxed and immersive state through gradual changes in light, materials, and circulation, all focusing on healing as its core theme," explained FOG Architecture.

"The goal is not to create a superficial 'quiet place', but to construct a multi-sensory, rhythmically distinct spatial experience system."

A long entrance corridor ends in a water feature with access to the product display area on the right and a reception area with seating on the left.

The reception area is lined with a feature wall with back-lit lighting showcasing essential oils used in the spa.

At the centre of the display area is a long copper table used to present a series of ready-to-spray essential oils. A series of stone columns linked by copper shelves are used to display more products.

Different treatment areas are accessed via independent circulation routes to ensure privacy. Each area is accompanied by a changing room and showers.

According to FOG Architecture, lighting was the primary design tool in this project.

The public area uses bright light, highlighting the presented products, while deeper into the spa, lighting is increasingly dimmed with only the floor illuminated in the most intimate spaces.

Sheer curtains and electric sliding doors were used as partitions that also control light, ensuring privacy without fully closed off spaces.

The materials used throughout the spa were designed to create a balance of warm and cool tones.

A concrete base provides a continuous backdrop throughout the space, while copper accents create highlighting details and wooden furniture was used to soften the atmosphere.

"The overall design is restrained and neutral, avoiding excessive decoration that could overstimulate the senses and disrupt the experience," said FOG Architecture.

According to the studio, the combination of visual, auditory, and olfactory senses allows the customers to fully immersive into the healing experience.

The sound of flowing water from the water feature was design to create a relaxing atmosphere, while aromas released from the display area table vary during the day.