How can you embark on a unique journey to a secret island in the middle of the city of Zurich? Ayana Springs is an experience pool that offers relaxation and adventure in equal measure: the island where we can forget everyday life.
A master plan is being developed for the Zurich metropolitan region for an indoor waterpark and resort with a holistic, year-round program designed to appeal to a wide range of target groups. The concept design envisions a highly sustainable and flexible structure that enables the waterpark to be operated both efficiently and with maximum adaptability. The design is divided into six distinct zones, allowing optimal parallel use for different visitor types with varying needs. The specifically programmed areas are separated according to expected visitor profiles and noise levels, which also makes it possible to open certain areas only at specific times, such as the wave pool section for evening events.
Sustainability and Flexibility through Innovative Architecture
The large themed outdoor areas, together with retractable roof sections that can be fully opened in the summer months, ensure a balanced seasonal attendance. The large, free-span, lightweight steel structure and ETFE foil roof are designed to allow essential UVA and UVB radiation to enter, creating a quality of daylight rarely found in waterparks. This also enables vegetation inside the building to thrive naturally. The architectural concept, designed to capture the hearts of young and old water lovers alike, comes from the dan pearlman Erlebnisarchitektur team. For the master plan, the architects led by Kieran Stanley developed a holistic concept – from naming and storyline to spatial programming.
A Place with a Unique Identity
The goal of the master planning is to create a unique identity for the location, appeal to a wide range of age groups, and offer a year-round experience. To achieve this, the architects of dan pearlman Erlebnisarchitektur carried out a concept study and developed a master plan considering feasibility, costs, and programming: Welcome to Ayana Springs. Visitors are immersed in their journey from the moment they enter. A seasonally adaptable multimedia wall brings tropical waterfalls into the lobby. Here, guests can also get their first glimpse through the waterfall windows into the adventure pool before heading to the changing rooms. Modern, understated architecture with natural materials, water projections, and underwater sounds supports the island-world atmosphere awaiting them beyond the next door.
Adventure, Relaxation, and Sensory Experiences
Upon entering the adventure pool, guests discover six themed “springs” that offer adventure and imagination, as well as relaxation, energy, and harmony – engaging all the senses equally. A special feature is that each interior area extends to the outdoors, enabling the offer to be adapted year-round depending on the season. For young (and young-at-heart) visitors, the experience begins with the Spring of Adventure. Here, plants grow into a giant adventure playground, and 13 large slides offer thrills and plenty of fun. The next spring sparks the imagination of visitors: nothing is impossible where this water flows – colorful rocks, fantastical structures, and machines powered by creativity. A wide variety of play, climbing, and interaction opportunities provide great fun for children and their (grand)parents.
Those seeking a break from everyday life will find peace and comfort in the following Spring of Relaxation, with warm pools and integrated massage elements. Indoors and outdoors, various lounge areas in warm, earthy tones invite visitors to unwind. Transitioning to the Spring of Energy, the wellness area of the facility begins. Life energy, regeneration, and well-being are the focus here. Deep blue water and warm, indirect lighting enhance the calm atmosphere. Guests can recharge with wellness and health treatments such as healing water, mineral baths, and intensive salt baths before letting their soul completely unwind in the following Spring of Harmony. Relaxation zones with high-quality loungers and even exclusive lounge areas offer a place to let renewed energy settle. At the end of the wellness area awaits the Spring of the Senses, a textile-free zone: sauna experiences, infusion ceremonies, and audio, scent, and light productions complete the wellness offering. In addition, the concept includes a private wellness offer with luxurious suites, massage and relaxation areas, a whirlpool, and room service.
Architecture for a Holistic and Year-Round Experience
The master plan focuses on a holistic and year-round program that appeals to a wide range of target groups. The architecture supports this programming and is deliberately understated in functional areas such as the roof. To reinforce the important “outdoor feeling” even indoors, a transparent roof structure is planned. This enhances the impact of the experience spaces. Materials such as ETFE foil are intended to ensure the UV radiation necessary for plant growth. A large span and few supports provide flexibility in the floor plan. Furthermore, the roof can be partially opened, allowing visitors to swim, play, and relax under open skies even inside the adventure pool.
Services:
Master planning, concept design for architecture and landscape architecture
