NEIHEISER ARGYROS

Wellness Center

The Wellness Center is a new kind of retreat: a hybrid between the historic monastery and the modern spa. Surrounded by nature, the layered exchange between indoor and outdoor spaces provide both moments for individual contemplation and opportunities for collective activity. The central workshop, similar to a monastery’s chapel, is always in sight, acting as a constant reference point and concentrator of activity; it is the heart of the project.

What appears as four destabilized non-concentric circles is deeply grounded in an underlying geometry ordered by the golden ratio spiral, making each circular space a proportional fraction of the next. This series of overlapping spaces flow into one another, gently rising and falling like a continuous interior topography, opening up views to both the enclosed courtyards and landscape beyond, and constantly shifting the visitor’s perspective relative to the interior and exterior.  While all rings are inward looking – enhancing the feeling of a self-sufficient community – the outer ring containing the private rooms offers a unique experience where visitors can view nature without obstructions or distractions.

Program: Wellness Center
Size: 4,400 sq.m.
Year: 2016
Status: Unbuilt
Location: Tuscany, Italy

Design Team: Ryan Neiheiser, Xristina Argyros, Theodora Giovanazzi

Back