A sophisticated approach with a touch of eroticism. The following interview gives an idea why this could cause the feeling of happiness and how it could influence our personal wellbeing. At El Equipo Creativo wellbeing in architecture is closely linked to the feeling of happiness. How would you describe the interaction? First of all, we focus on the beauty and uniqueness of the location. From there on we develop an idea that will fulfill or even exceed our client requirements. This fine balance between harmony of the location on one side and idea and beauty on the other could cause happiness. Not just our clients relay, but the whole project reflects this harmony and people could feel happy with it. I think, the discussion is rather about a feeling that occurs from the interaction of wellbeing and happiness, than the contradiction of the terms. During your presentation on the Barcelona conference you referred to the world of eroticism. How would you describe the link to happiness? Besides the obvious connection I would like to describe this interference as being an essential part of our design. As you remember the spatial separation between bath and bed is still not that common. Nevertheless, Hotel Axel Madrid wanted a sensual, almost erotic design for his guests, that inspires them and let their thoughts fly away. In this specific project we consider the room as an open space without any borders, not spatial but mental. The genius loci is a particular driver of your work. Your design for the One Ocean Club in Barcelona is considered to be a striking example for this idea. How did it work out so well at that location? In this case our design expresses its distinctive link to the location on two levels. First because we mirror the view into the harbor with its vertical orientation in the interiors whereas second the restrooms reflect the world of the mystic creatures from underwater. How would you describe this distinctive and unique experience, that your design is expressing? In a certain we create two levels. There is the wide and light experience above the water where the sound of the shrouds against the poles of the yachts accompanies you even inside the building, whereas the black surfaces with their quotes from the under-water-world build a complementary contrast. The white drawings, not to forget about the white ceramics from Villeroy&Boch, creating this unique mystic atmosphere. That is how your idea creates a connection between location and design? Sure, our design wants to strengthen the existing conditions of the location. Already in the very first phase of a project we focus on the analysis of the genius loci. This intensive process within the team gives our design a high level of density an energy. The unity of location and design is able to create an extraordinary power, that at least arises happiness within us. Thank you for being with us.
