Mind and Body Healing Space. Hydrotherapy, Learning, Yoga and Meditation Centre.

The global rat race of consumerism and the notion of “time is money” led to an increase in the number of people struggling with stress, anxiety and depression which has reached a peak in the past 20 years. By investigating the different ways we could reject the pervasive notion that to be successful is to be productive, we realise that the architecture must respond to communities’ pressing needs of wellbeing by creating opportunities for people to be able to play, to relax and enjoy the city.

Nowadays, relaxing is undeniably one of the hardest things to do. The pandemic has taught us that nothing is permanent. It was a loud wake up call for people to rethink their priorities, and their lifestyle, and to explore alternative ways of thinking and acting on several notions, namely, PLAY and what the very concept can mean to them. Play can be different things: interactions among people, a conversation, a game, an exercise. Play is not a constant, it’s everchanging, and to understand it one must get curious, investigate and explore: the Space-in-Between is the place where that journey begins.

The project introduces the Spike Island, a place for anyone who wants to explore and heal their body and mind. It is a space of tranquillity and reconnection that can bring back the joy of life.
The design focuses on an adaptive reuse of the existing structure with an extension to the side. The Space-in-Between aims to become a connector between the busy Underfall Yard and the quiet abandoned A- Bond area.

This multifunctional building combines hydrotherapy, education, yoga and meditation spaces. Its aim is the improvement of people’s mental and physical health by bringing the healing properties of water and plants into the building and creating a journey of healing through 3 phases:

1. Body regeneration.
2. Nutrition.
3. Mindfulness.

1. Body regeneration – helps to keep the body in shape and heals the physical pains through water, massage and stretching.
2. Nutrition – there is no capacity for exercising, learning and expanding knowledge on an empty stomach. The snack bar is all about the light nutritious food that will help to restore energy.
3. Mindfulness - supports learning about oneself and expanding the mind in different directions by learning how to control the self or expand one's knowledge.

The building aims to support the healing process of not only the inhabitants but the physical space that is the west area of Spike Island itself.
Creating the opportunity for people to explore what achieving life-work balance can look like and helping them reduce the stress and anxiety levels in their daily lives is crucial for the future development not only of the people and community but of the city as well. Happier people means more creative minds, better achieving individuals, and healthier communities.