RESEARCH ON THE DESIGN STRATEGY OF BOUTIQUE

RESORT BASE ON THE CONCEPT OF HEALING

A DARCH PROJECT SUBMITTED TO THE GRADUATE DIVISION OF THE

UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI‘I AT MĀNOA IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF

DOCTOR OF ARCHITECTURE

MAY 2022
By
Dongyan Jiang

DARCH Committee:
Bundit Kanisthakhon, Chairperson
Hongtao Zhou
Janice Y K Li

Keywords: Boutique Resort, Concept of Healing, Design Strategy and Method

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Without the incredible support from my family, friends, and mentors, this

dissertation would not have been possible.

First and foremost, thank you to all of my committee members, professor

Hongtao Zhou, professor Janice Y K Li, and professor Bundit Kanisthakhon. Thank

you for sharing your knowledge and encouragement.Your care and patience have

been crucial in the whole process.

I am grateful to my family for being the strongest backing in my education,

supporting and encouraging me unconditionally and unreservedly.

Thank you to my schoolmates and friends. For more than seven years, the hard

work and joyful moments with you are one of the motivations for me to persevere, and

may our friendship live on.

ii
 ABSTRACT

Since entering the 21st century, tourism has gradually become a strategic pillar

industry of China's national economy. As an important carrier of tourism activities, the

hotel industry has also entered a period of rapid development along with it. With the

improvement of national consumption level and quality of life as well as the health

crisis brought by rapid social development, hotels have transform to a place that can

provide personalized needs, cultural experiences and healing services for guest. As a

solution, boutique hotels are given a unique natural and cultural characteristics at the

beginning of its design.

This research proposes planning as well as architectural design strategies for

boutique resorts through the analysis of existing studies. Further, the research

focuses on how the concept of healing shapes and influences the design of the

different functional areas of the resort, and how the landscape design helps to

enhance the entire healing experiences. Finally, as the research outcome, a sample

project is presented to illustrate how the strategies can be implemented in design to

realize a resort that is at once be able to heal people yet rooted in both the natural and

cultural connotation.

iii
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Acknowledgments...................................................................................................................... i
Abstract..................................................................................................................................... ii
List of Figures........................................................................................................................... vi
List of Tables............................................................................................................................. ix
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................1
1.1 Research Background..........................................................................................................1
1.1.1 The Development of Tourism Industry in China..................................................1
1.1.2 The Rise of Boutique Resort..............................................................................2
1.1.3 Health Crises Lead to Increased Demand for Healing Tourism.........................3
1.2 Research Objectives....................................................................................................4
1.3 Research Goals and Significance................................................................................4
1.3.1 Research Goals.................................................................................................4
1.3.2 Research Significance.......................................................................................5
CHAPTER 2: RELATED CONCEPT, THEORIES AND LITERATURE REVIEW........................6
2.1 Boutique Resort............................................................................................................6
2.1.1 Definition............................................................................................................6
2.2 The Concept of Healing in Boutique Resort.................................................................9
2.2.1 Healing System..................................................................................................9
2.2.2 Resort Spaces Involve in Healing Process......................................................10
2.3 Chapter Summary.......................................................................................................10
CHAPTER 3: THE REGIONAL CHARACTERISTICS IN BOUTIQUE RESORTS...................11
3.1 Regional Characteristics of Architecture.....................................................................11
3.2 The Connotation of Regional Characteristics in Boutique Resorts Design.................12
3.2.1 Natural Sources...............................................................................................13
3.2.2 Cultural Sources..............................................................................................15
3.3 Chapter Summary.......................................................................................................16
CHAPTER 4: DESIGN STRATEGY OF BOUTIQUE RESORT WITH REGIONAL
CHARACTERISTICS...............................................................................................................17
4.1 Overall Planning Strategy...........................................................................................17
4.1.1 Case Study.......................................................................................................17
4.1.2 Spatial Layout Typology...................................................................................25
4.1.3 Summary of Spatial Layout Strategy................................................................28
4.2 Building Form Affected by Natural Source..................................................................30
4.2.1 Grounding Methods.........................................................................................30
4.2.2 Summary of Grounding Methods.....................................................................35

iv
 4.2.3 Summary of Strategy of Building Form Affected by Natural Source.................36
4.3 Building Form Affected by Cultural Source.................................................................38
CHAPTER 5: DESIGN STRATEGY OF BOUTIQUE RESORT BASE ON THE CONCEPT OF
HEALING.................................................................................................................................40
5.1 Guest Room.......................................................................................................................40
5.1.1 Area Ratio........................................................................................................40
5.1.2 Healing Space in Guest Room.........................................................................41
5.2 Public Healing Space.................................................................................................43
5.2.1 SPA Center......................................................................................................43
5.2.2 Swimming Pool...............................................................................................46
5.2.3 Restaurant.......................................................................................................47
CHAPTER 6: THE STRATEGE OF HOW LANDSCAPE DESIGN ENHANCE THE HEALING
EXPERIENCE..........................................................................................................................49
6.1 Water Landscape....................................................................................................49
6.1.1 Type.................................................................................................................50
6.1.2 Effects and Atmosphere...................................................................................50
6.1.3 Summary of Water Landscape Strategy..........................................................56
6.2 Healing Plant Landscape........................................................................................57
6.2.1 Type of Plant Healing Methods........................................................................57
6.3 Chapter Summary...................................................................................................58
CHAPTER 7: DESIGN APPLICATION....................................................................................59
7.1 Site Information.......................................................................................................59
7.2 Overall Spatial Layout.............................................................................................63
7.3 Partial Plan..............................................................................................................67
7.3.1 Reception Area................................................................................................67
7.3.2 Guest Room Area............................................................................................70
7.4 Healing Concept in Resort Spaces.........................................................................72
7.4.1 Guest Room with Healing Concept..................................................................72
7.4.2 Dining Space with Healing Concept.................................................................74
7.4.3 SPA with Healing Concept...............................................................................75
7.5 Design With Poetic of Water...................................................................................78
7.6 Chapter Summary...................................................................................................80
CHAPTER 8: CONCLUSION..................................................................................................81
BIBLIOGRAPHY.....................................................................................................................83

v
 LIST OF FIGURE

Figure1.1.1 Change in domestic tourist arrivals from 2017-2021(Unit: 100 million)...................2

Figure 3.1.1Traditional houses with regional characteristics....................................................11

Figure 3.2.1a Naked Heart Valley.............................................................................................14

Figure 3.2.1b Angsana Hot Spring Resort................................................................................14

Figure 3.2.1c Stone Resort in Tengchong................................................................................15

Figure 3.2.2 Amandaya in Lijiang.............................................................................................16

Figure 4.1.1a: Site plan of Huixing Valley Resort.....................................................................18

Figure 4.1.1b Site plan of Naked Heart Valley resort................................................................19

Figure 4.1.1c: Site plan of Soori Bali........................................................................................20

Figure 4.1.1d Site model of Xiaoyao Manor.............................................................................21

Figure 4.1.1e Site plan and analysis of Banyan Tree Anji........................................................21

Figure 4.1.1f Site plan Southern Ocean Lodge........................................................................22

Figure 4.1.1g Spatial layout and concept of Alila Wuzheng.....................................................24

Figure 4.1.1h Figure ground plan of case collections..............................................................25

Figure4.2.1a Section of KC Grand Resort & Spa.....................................................................30

Figure4.2.1b Section of Lone resort.........................................................................................30

Figure4.2.1c: Stepped form of Xiaoyao Manor.........................................................................32

Figure 4.2.1d ‘’Diaojiao Lou”, one of the traditional dwellings of Hunan and Guizhou..............33

Figure 4.2.1e Traditional cave dwelling in Northwestern China...............................................34

Figure 4.2 The comparison between traditional Bhutanese temples and Amankora...............39

Figure 5.1.2 Guest room plan of selected boutique resort........................................................41

Figure 5.2.1a Floor plan of SPA center in Naked Heart Valley.................................................44

Figure 5.2.1b Picture of SPA center in Naked Heart Valley......................................................44

Figure5.2.3a Restaurant in The Naka Phuket Reort................................................................47

Figure 5.2.3b Naked Heart Valley open dining space...............................................................48

vi
Figure 5.2.3c Six Sense Koh Samui open dining space...........................................................48

Figure 6.1.2a : The relationship between water landscape and ground plane.........................51

Figure 6.1.2b Patio de los Arrayanes.......................................................................................52

Figure 6.1.2c Arriving pavilion of Capella resort in Shanya......................................................53

Figure 6.1.2d Salk Institute for Biological Studies....................................................................53

Figure 6.1.2e Infinite pool in Alila Ubud, Alila Uluwatu, and the Naka Phuket..........................54

Figure 6.1.2f Stepped pools in Longhu, Guangzhou................................................................55

Figure 7.1.1 Regional transportation condition of Jinsha.........................................................60

Figure 7.1.2 Satellite map of site and analysis diagrams.........................................................61

Figure 7.1.3 Architectural characteristics of “Qianbei” dwelling on site....................................62

Figure 7.2.1 Site Plan of The Boutique Resort.........................................................................63

Figure 7.2.2 Functional divisions..............................................................................................65

Figure 7.2.2 Resort circulation plan..........................................................................................66

Figure 7.2.3 Aerial view of resort overall layout........................................................................66

Figure 7.3.1a Plan and isometric view of traditional three-enter courtyard house...............67

Figure 7.3.1b Floor plan of resort public area...........................................................................67

Figure 7.3.1c Resort entrance courtyard..................................................................................68

Figure 7.3.1d Reception area...................................................................................................69

Figure 7.3.1e Sunken seating outside of reception hall............................................................69

Figure 7.3.2a Plan of centralized guest room area...................................................................70

Figure 7.3.2b Linear public space between guest rooms.........................................................71

Figure 7.4.1a Floor plan of different type of room....................................................................72

Figure 7.4.1b Interior of balcony suite......................................................................................72

Figure7.4.1c Exterior of villa.....................................................................................................72

Figure 7.4.1d Exterior of balcony suite and swimming pool.....................................................74

Figure 7.4.2a The way to the dining space..............................................................................74

Figure 7.4.2b Outdoor dining area with rice field view.............................................................75

Figure 7.4.2c Section cut through dining area..........................................................................75

Figure 7.4.3a Floor plan of SPA area.......................................................................................76

Figure 7.4.3b Reception hall of SPA.........................................................................................77

vii
Figure 7.4.3c Section cut through SPA area.............................................................................77

Figure 7.5.1 Reflecting pool and gathering pool in different weather and season...................78

Figure 7.5.2 Stepped water landscape along the stairs to the pool.......................................79

Figure 7.5.3 Section cut through swimming pool...................................................................79

viii
 LIST OF TABLE

Table 2.1.1 The summary of evolution of the boutique hotels definition base on previous
research.................................................................................................................................6-7

Table 2.2.2 Required Healing Spaces in Boutique Resort........................................................10

Table 4.1.3: Summary of Spatial layout strategy.................................................................28-29

Table 4.2.2 Summary of Grounding Methods...........................................................................35

Table 5.1.1 Compare room area between traditional hotel and healing boutique resort...........40

Table 5.1.2 Guest room plan of selected boutique resort.........................................................42

Table 5.2.1a Function division of SPA center............................................................................45

Table 5.2.2 The form of swimming pool in boutique resort.......................................................46

Table 6.1 Summary of water landscape design strategist........................................................56

ix
 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Research Background

1.1.1 The Development of Tourism Industry in China and Its Economic Benefits

According to a report released by China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the

tourism economy continued to grow faster than GDP by 2019. For the whole year, the

number of domestic tourists was 6.006 billion, an increase of 8.4% over the same

period of the previous year. The comprehensive contribution of tourism to GDP was

10.94 trillion yuan, accounting for 11.05% of the total GDP. Tourism directly employed

28.25 million people, and tourism directly and indirectly employed 79.87 million

people, accounting for 10.31% of the total employment in the country1.

Despite the impact of covid-19, the total number of domestic tourist trips in China

in 2021 is 3.246 billion, an increase of 367 million or 12.8% over the same period of

the previous year (recovering to 54.0% in 2019). This indicates that the number of

domestic tourists is gradually recovering2.

Back in 2017, the World Tourism Economic Trends Report released by the

Tourism Research Center of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences stated that

China has jumped to second place in the global tourism revenue ranking, second only

to the United States3. It is evident that tourism has become a very important part of

people's lives, and China's tourism industry has entered an era of massive

development.

1
Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China. 2020. “Basic Situation of Tourism Market in 2019”.
2
Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China. 2022. “Domestic tourism sample survey statistical results 2021”.
3
Tourism Research Center of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. 2018. “ The World Tourism Economic Trends
Report of 2017”.

3
 Figure1.1.1 Change in domestic tourist arrivals from 2017-2021(Unit: 100 million)
Source: Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China

1.1.2 The Rise of Boutique Resort

With the development of China's economy, traditional hotel standardized service

mode and product service facilities have been difficult to meet the differentiated needs

of consumers, a variety of thematic, characteristic design hotel emerged.

Boutique hotel, a new type of hotel, meets the market requirements with its

unique cultural connotation, personalized service mode and supporting facilities with

regional cultural characteristics, striving to bring consumers a different experience

with authenticity and creativity4. Therefore, driven by the concept of consumption,

hotels as an important link in the tourism industry chain should pay more attention to

experience and personalized design, and replace the traditional hotel model with

personalized themes such as nature, history and culture, so that guests can

increasingly enjoy more experiences in addition to accommodation while valuing the

experiential nature of hotels5.

4
Liu ShaoJun. 2012. "The Development Advantages and Value Model of Boutique Hotels in China: A Case Study
of Royal Courier Station [J]. Beijing: China Architecture and Architecture Press.
5
Ren Yang. 2014. “A preliminary study on the architectural design of boutique hotels in China” [D].

4
 Although the boutique hotel started late in China, the abundant natural landscape

and historical and cultural resources provide favorable conditions for its development.

Although the total number of boutique hotels is small, it has become a new trend of

the future development of China's hotel industry. Until 2020, China has about 550

boutique hotels, accounting for about 1% of the overall hotel market6.

1.1.3 Health Crises Lead to Increased Demand for Healing Tourism

With the rapid development of social economy, sub-health population in urban

area is increasing. According to the "Nutrition and Health status of Chinese residents"

report released by the Ministry of Health, the number of hypertension patients in

China exceeds 200 million, increasing by 10 million every year. More than 200 million

people suffer from cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, accounting for one

third of the total deaths in China every year. An unprecedented health crisis is

unfolding in China7. The World Health Organization defines "wellness" as being in

good physical, mental and social condition. It is not only about staying away from

diseases or living longer, but also about the prospective protection against diseases

and the improvement of healthy life quality.

According to the prediction of the Healing Hotels of the World (HHOW), China will

become the hot spot of global health tourism in the future. The driving factors include

government support, increasing household income, the rapid development of the

tourism market, the need to improve the overall health status of the population, and

the general increase in health awareness and desire in China8.

6
Fan Zhiyuan. 2022. Analysis of the current supply situation and market size of China's boutique hotel industry.
Foresight Industry Research Institute.
7
Ministry of Health of China. 2004. "Nutrition and Health status of Chinese residents".
8
Healing Hotels of the World (HHOW). 2015. “China Healing tourism white paper”.

5
1.2 Research Objectives

The object of this paper is centered on boutique resort and wellness systems.

Starting from two major elements that influence the design of boutique hotels, natural

elements and cultural elements, the study contains the planning strategies as well as

architectural design strategies of boutique resort. In addition, the study also looking

into the design strategies of the resort spaces that involved with healing purpose

(such as guest rooms, exercise spaces, therapy spaces, dining spaces, etc.) and how

landscape design is involved in and enhances the whole process of healing.

1.3 Research Goals and Significance

1.3.1 Research Goals

This paper is based on theoretical research and design application of

boutique resorts, and its research goals include the following four aspects:

(1) :Combing relevant theories and literature, defining the concept of

boutique resorts, and then summarizing the basic types and characteristics of
boutique resorts

(2) :By listing and analyzing the elements that influence the design of
boutique resorts, and combining relevant case studies to summarize the
planning and architectural design strategies of boutique resorts.

(3) :Provide strategies for the design of healing spaces and emphasize
the important role that the landscape plays in the healing process.

(4) :Taking the design of "Andi Hot Spring Boutique Resort" as an example,
to explore the feasibility of design strategies that generalized from the study in
practice.

6
1.3.2 Research Significance

(1) Theoretical significance ： Boutique resort because of its unique cultural

connotation and high-quality personalized services, already has a stable source of

customers advantage and good market prospects. However, due to the late start of

development, the research on boutique resorts is also very limited, and there is even

less research on boutique resorts that based on the concept of healing.

(2) Social significance: In today's increasingly significant health crisis, to be

healthy has become a major concern for many middle-aged people and even young

people. The combination of healing concept and boutique hotel provides alternative

option for healing methods, which is in line with the current social context.

(3) Economical significance: In the case of China, regions with good resources

for boutique resort development tend to be relatively economically backward. These

areas are known for their beautiful environments and pleasant climates, and have

great potential for healing tourism development. The high-spending group boutique

resort attracted can largely drive regional economic development.

7
 CHAPTER 2: RELATED CONCEPT, THEORIES AND

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 BOUTIQUE RESORT

2.1.1 Definition

The concept of Boutique Hotel was first developed in the UK to describe a small,

comfortable, luxurious and unique hotel and its environment9. At present, there is no

complete definition of boutique resort. However, with the development of boutique

hotel and the deepening of theoretical research, the description and definition of

boutique hotel are also being extended and expanded. The following are definitions of

boutique resorts that summarized by the author based on existing literature10.

Time Author Definition

1998 Teo The smaller size and higher staff ratio allows the hotel to

provide personalized service and thorough care to

customers.

2001 Lucfennce Positioned at the high end, its service targets are mainly

Anhar high-consuming and high-class people in the upper class.

2004 Forsgren The boutique hotel has a unique and highly modern

and character with an average of 86 rooms, which combine

Franchetti contemporary design and high technology. The most

important features are the unique service and the genuine

guest relations

9
Yu Ting. 2011. "Shanghai Modern Urban Architecture Design Institute Project Group Boutique Hotel Thematic
Research Results Report"[J]. (5): 28-49.
10
Center of Tourism Research and Planning of Peking University. 2012. "Tourism Planning and Design: Boutique
Hotels" [M]. Beijing: China Construction Industry Press. 6-17.

8
2007 Aggett The boutique hotel is a contemporary design-driven hotel

with up to 100 rooms, offering personalized service and

high-tech facilities with an emphasis on unique design

elements to compete with branded hotel chains.

2009 Teo,and The core concept of a boutique hotel is to emphasize the

Chang traveler's experience of history and culture

2013 Wang Xue A boutique hotel is a type of hotel with about 50 rooms,

well-designed, private and luxurious, with a unique

atmosphere, rich in cultural characteristics, and offering

butler service for a niche and fashionable elite clientele.

2016 Cheng Through the refinement of thematic characteristics, the

Mengke expression of regional culture and the development of

personalized characteristic services, the hotel provides a

private, comfortable and unique The hotel is a small-scale,

high-quality hotel that provides a private, comfortable and

unique accommodation experience for high-end

consumers.

2017 Yue Ye A boutique hotel is defined as a small-scale (less than 50

rooms) hotel building that blends with its locale through

dispersion, concentration or a combination of the two, and

attracts a specific clientele by forming its own label through

unique hardware facilities and high-quality butler service.

2018 Wang Boutique hotel theme is distinctive, facade modeling and

Xiaoruo interior design standards are high, very distinctive and

exquisite materials, boutique hotels are generally small,

the number of houses is limited, supporting facilities are

generally not open to the public, its privacy is strong.

9
 Table 2.1.1 The summary of evolution of the boutique hotels definition base on previous

research

Source: Summarized by Author

As can be seen from the many academic studies above, scholars tend to

summarize boutique hotels in terms of the most intuitive external characteristics.

These type of resort are designed with an emphasis on "small but exquisite", often

with strong local cultural characteristics and unique historical memories, and are

excellent examples of regional expression. The number of guest rooms is usually

small (within150), and the interior decoration is extremely luxurious and distinctive.

The quality of boutique hotels is more reflected in its service, the number of service

staff configuration is three times or even four times the number of rooms by using

butler style service11. In terms of service target groups, boutique resort are facing a

very small group of people with high income and high taste12.

By comparing the above definitions of boutique hotels by domestic and foreign

scholars, this paper defines a boutique hotel as a new type of hotel with a small

building scale (the number of rooms generally does not exceed 100, mostly

concentrated in about 50 rooms) with high-end market positioning. Boutique hotels

provide guests with a unique sensory experience and exclusive services through their

exquisite architectural language and the integration of rich regional characteristics or

culture into the design concept.

11
Wang Yi. 2012. Hotel and Hospitality Design [M]. Beijing: China Water Conservancy and Hydro-power Press.
12
WATG. 2002. "Designing World-Class Resorts". Shenyang: Liao Ning Science and Technology Press. 1-187.

10
2.2 The Concept of Healing in Boutique Resort

2.2.1 Healing System in Boutique Resort

Studies have classified the resort's wellness system into four categories13:

(1) Living

Compared with the public service space, the location of the guest room is more

secluded and surrounded by green trees. The location advantage of mountain and

lake makes people enjoy the "forest bath" all the time. For example, courtyard,

balcony, hot spring bath and other healing spaces are included in guest room to

improve the living function of the rooms.

(2) Exercise

Resorts usually set up hiking areas, walking trails, and cycling trails for guests to

exercise. When the scale of the site allows, the resort will also be equipped with

tennis courts, fitness centers, etc.

(3) Physical Therapy

The physical therapy space in resort often refers to hot spring, SPA center. With

the development of healing resort, more and more resorts are setting medicinal baths

and hot spring baths in their guest rooms, which are design methods that allow

visitors to make full use of healing resources.

(4) Diet

In resorts that focus on the concept of healing, food and beverage ingredients are

generally self-sufficient, and organic restaurants and farming gardens provide the

basis for dietary wellness.

13
Zhang, Jingqi. 2017. "Research on Resort Architectural Design Based on The Concept of Wellness".

11
2.2.2 Resort Spaces Involve in Healing Process

The healing system corresponds to the various functional spaces of the resort

hotel, and the required areas are as follows:

System Resort Area Activity

Living Guest Room Hot springs, medicinal baths

Exercise Indoor/outdoor event space Walking, hiking, cycling, yoga

Physical Therapy Therapy/SPA Center Hot springs, spa, medicinal baths

Diet Dining Hall Medicinal food, organic meals

Table 2.2.2 Required Healing Spaces in Boutique Resort

Source: Source: Summarized by Author

2.3 Chapter Summary

This chapter focuses on sorting out the concept of boutique hotel and
related theories of its regional characteristics, and classifies the regional
resources of boutique hotel into two categories, namely natural resources and
cultural resources. In addition, four different healing systems and the hotel
space involved were proposed. It provides theoretical support for the further
study of the following section.

12
 CHAPTER 3: THE REGIONAL CHARACTERISTICS IN

BOUTIQUE RESORTS

3.1 Regional Characteristics of Architecture

Regionalism refers to the characteristics of natural environment or human

environment in a region. Regionalism is not only a simple concept of geographical

location, but also includes topography, climate, vegetation and other natural

environmental conditions as well as the human spirit formed in the long-term historical

development14. It can be seen that regionalism is formed under the influence of

natural environmental conditions and cultural conditions, and has natural and cultural

attributes.

In terms of architectural design, natural attributes mean that buildings should

respond to local geographical characteristics, climate, ecology and other natural

conditions, by using appropriate building materials and construction technology, which

is a necessary for formatting regional architecture. The buildings with distinct regional

characteristics, such as the hanging foot house, the stone slab house, the yurt, are

examples of how architecture responds to natural conditions in different regions of

China.

Figure 3.1.1Traditional houses with regional characteristics

Source: Interesting Travel Website. http://www.uysly.com/line/print/id/1445

14
Fu Yongsong, Jin Yongchao, Jiangzheng Yueju. "Absorption and Integration -- Exploring the Influence of
Regional Culture on Architectural Design" [J]. Chinese and Foreign Architecture Press. (1): 78-80.

13
 Cultural attribute means that architecture must respect the humanistic spirit under

the influence of social and cultural factors of the region and absorb architectural

achievements including local traditional architectural form or layout. Cultural factors

mainly include historical development, folk customs, religious belief, and artistic

characteristics15, which constitute the cultural connotation of regional architecture.

3.2 The Connotation of Regional Characteristics in Boutique Resorts Design

According to architect Anne M. Schmid, "a hotel is not only a temporary

residential building, but it is also a cohesive object that embodies the identity, cultural

awareness and customs of its time"16. For boutique resorts, the regional

characteristics itself is a unique attribute. In the development of boutique resorts at

present, the natural factors in the regional characteristics are an important

embodiment of visual expression and emotional sustenance in architectural design,

which can make the resort show its unique style to a certain extent17. The cultural

factors of regional characteristics can enhance the identification of resorts and lay the

keynote and theme of resorts. Generally speaking, regional characteristics are an

important reason why boutique resorts are different from traditional chain resorts and

become "boutique resorts".

Then, how to excavate such regional natural and cultural factors in the design of

boutique resorts? How to make use of the local natural environment resources and

historical and cultural resources to create the hotel's own characteristics? are worth to

research. The author mainly classifies and discusses some boutique resorts with

regional characteristics in the southwest region of China where the design application

project is located.

15
Zhang Tong. 2003. "Holistic Regional Architecture" [M]. Nanjing: Southeast University Press.
16
Anne M. Schmid&Mary Scoviak-Lerner. 1988. “International Hotel and Resort Design”[M]. New York : PBC
International. 162.
17
Ren Yang, Lu Feng. 2014. The Way of "Boutique"-- Design for Boutique Hotels in China[J]. Urban Architecture
(19): 34-37.

14
3.2.1 Natural Sources

The natural environment is the material condition foundation that affects and

decides human activity. From ancient times to now, the evolution of human settlement

forms reflects the restriction and influence of natural environment on people's living

conditions. With the development of history and the improvement of social productivity,

the ability of human beings to transform nature has been constantly enhanced.

Reflected in architecture, on the one hand, the restriction and influence degree of

natural environment on human construction activities is gradually weakened, on the

other hand, the characteristics of human rational use of natural environment to

improve living comfort are gradually prominent.

Boutique resorts rely on local natural resources, mainly covering two aspects:

topographical features and natural building materials which are taken as the basis of

resort theme positioning.

(1) Topographical Features

Terrain features roughly cover three types, mountain terrain, waterfront terrain,

and special terrain such as grassland, hot spring and so on.

Naked Heart Valley, located in Huzhou city, Zhejiang Province, is a typical

example that relies on mountain resources as the design basis and is positioned for

recreation and parent-child interaction. The guest rooms of the resort are arranged in

an orderly way on the hillside according to the topography of the site and the

landscape interface. Public areas are concentrated in relatively flat valleys. Different

landscape elements such as streams and forests are introduced into the living

experience to the maximum extent, while the whole resort is organically integrated

into the site environment.

15
 Angsana Hot Spring Resort, located in Tengchong, a small border town in

western Yunnan Province, has 43 indoor and outdoor hot spring pools. The hotel is

built along a ridge with broad views of rice fields up close and mountains in the

background. Here, guests can experience an idyllic living experience while enjoying

the best natural hot springs.

Figure 3.2.1a Naked Heart Valley Figure 3.2.1b Angsana Hot Spring Resort

Source: Official websit of the resort

(2) Natural Building Materials

Among the natural resources, wood, bamboo, stone and clay are often applied as

building materials. The use of local natural materials is one of the expressions of

regional characteristics of architecture. The local building materials are taken from the

surrounding natural environment, which itself can achieve a harmonious visual effect

with the texture of the surrounding environment. In addition, local building materials

are the results of people's architectural activities in the region and have certain

historical and cultural properties.

For example, the Stone Resort in Tengchong was designed by renowned

Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. As the name implies, the main building materials

are mainly taken from local stones. Six different local stones were made into 108

different sizes and thicknesses of building materials. The stones are stacked together

with different colors and shapes and are used as walls, roofs and roads, achieving the

16
perfect masterpiece of "two square meters without duplicate walls". The entire resort

blends perfectly with the karst landform of the site, achieving the visual effect of a

resort growing out of its natural environment.

Figure 3.2.1c Stone Resort in Tengchong

Source: Website of yunnan Provincial People's Government.

3.2.2 Cultural Sources

Just as the famous Chinese architect Wu Liangyong said: every city has its own

historical evolution, cultural tradition and development history, which are the historical

and cultural resources of the city18. In the long development process of human society,

people in different regions have formed different ways of life due to the differences in

natural environment, while cultural resources refer to the material and spiritual

products brought by such differences, such as historical context, folk culture, religious

culture, etc. The inheritance of the history and culture of the boutique resort makes

the history and culture be vividly restored in the space. By continuing the historical

information of the site, reserving and utilizing the original buildings, shaping the space

and reproducing the traditional scenes, the resort absorbs nutrients from all the

18
Zheng Fulei. 2018. "Research on Architectural Design of Wenfan Boutique Hotel in Qingyan Ancient Town,
Guizhou"

17
information expressed by the history and culture, so as to obtain more vigorous

vitality.

Amandaya is the third branch of the Aman Group, the leading brand of boutique

resorts, to open in China. Located in the ancient town of Lijiang, Yunnan province,

Amanman Dayan Resort, built on a hillside, continues the tradition of Amanman's

regional culture and provides a new choice for travelers to experience Naxi culture

and explore Lijiang. With only 35 suites, Resort’s guest house is built with the

traditional Naxi architectural style, which is integrated into the historical background of

Lijiang. Its pure wood interior made by Shangri-La Yunnan pine is graceful and

elegant, and the use of hollow partition, wooden screen and flower rack makes people

see the soft and beautiful side of Naxi culture.

Figure 3.2.2 Amandaya in Lijiang

Source: Zentravel.cn

3.2 Chapter Summary

This chapter focuses on sorting out and summarizing the related concepts
and theories of regional characteristics of boutique resorts. Through the
investigation and analysis of excellent boutique resorts, the regional
environment and culture that boutique resorts rely on are deeply explored, and
the regional resources of boutique resorts are classified into two categories,
namely natural resources and humanity resources. The chapter provides
theoretical support for the in-depth study of the design strategies of boutique
resorts based on these two resources for next chapter.

18
 CHAPTER 4: DESIGN STRATEGY OF BOUTIQUE RESORT

WITH REGIONAL CHARACTERISTICS

4.1 Overall Planning Strategy

The creation of space is the fundamental purpose of architectural activities. The

formation of space depends on the internal structure of the building itself and the

degree of enclosure and connection between it and other buildings. The spatial

organization is the basic skeleton of the resort, which reflects the contact mode and

density condition of each resort component.

4.1.1 Case Study

This section attempts to summarize planning strategies based on regional

characteristics through comparative analysis of boutique resorts with different

geographical and cultural conditions. The cases include: Huixing Valley Resort,

Naked Heart Valley Resort, Soori Bali, JW Marriott Xianghu, Banyan Tree Anji,

Southern Ocean Lodge, Alila Wuzhen, and Amanjiwo.

(1) Huixing Valley Resort

Huixing Valley Resort located in Miaoxi town, Huzhou city, Zhejiang province, and

it was built in 2018 with total area of 10000 m2. From the parking lot, a long lead-in

walkway and a mysterious greet node form the foreground; Then the open

landscape and the recessed hotel form a warm mid-range, which then forms a

complete structure with the sky SPA at the top of the resort. Roads built along the

19
mountain terrain provide a vast hinterland to accommodate a large number of

resort villas.(Figure 4.1.1a)

Figure 4.1.1a: Site plan of Huixing Valley Resort

Source: Archidaily

The overall layout of the hotel is the result of a rational analysis of the relationship

between the water system, the mountain and the buildings. The overall layout that

follows existing terrain makes the building blend into the natural environment while

minimizing the damage to the mountains and forests and the ecological restoration

work later.

(2) Naked Heart Valley Resort

Naked Heart Valley, a resort with 121 guest rooms, is located in Deqing county,

Huzhou city, Zhejiang provinc, and it was built in 2011.

The hotel is located between farmland and forest, and the farm at the entrance

20
provides the hotel with seasonal fruits and vegetables. Entering the hotel area, white

tea field, horse riding field and activity center are arranged respectively. The guest

rooms are arranged in a linear way along the road with beautiful scenery, and the

public area restaurants, amphitheater, spa, banquet center and swimming pool are

arranged nearby. In order to reduce the ecological damage to the mountains, the

rooms of Naked Heart Valley placed in where the trees had been already cut down.

In the planning process, a low-density, small-scale layout is adopted to integrate the

building and the environment naturally. (Figure 4.1.1b)

Figure 4.1.1b Site plan of Naked Heart Valley resort

Source: Official website of resort

(3) Soori Bali

Soori resort located in Tabanan Regenc, Bali where the terrain is the combination

with slop area and oceanfront.

The public area of the hotel is located on the left side of the site and consists of

several courtyards. The public area is also arranged downward according to the slop,

with functional areas of lobby, SPA, gym, restaurant, and swimming pool in order.

On the north and south sides of the resort are villas facing either mountain or

ocean views respectively, both of which are arranged in a linear manner according to

the road or coastline. (Figure 4.1.1b)

21
 Figure 4.1.1c: Site plan of Soori Bali

Source: Archidaily

(4) Xiaoyao Manor, JW Marriott, Xianghu

Located in the outskirts of Hangzhou, Xianghu lake is named for its beautiful

scenery. The manor is located in a valley in the northwest corner of Xianghu Lake,

enjoying a natural tranquility.

The regional characteristics of "seven mountains, two rivers and one field" in

Zhejiang soon became an association object. Based on the systematic study of

mountain villages such as Nanxi River Ancient Village and Lijiang Baoshan stone

Town, the architect made an overall planning of the 113,000 square meters site from

topography to foundation to architecture. In the end, the hotel appears as a mountain

village composed of many small volumes. The whole project establishes a complete

and organic elevation system along the mountain to form a delicate and rich mountain

community experience.

In the layout process, the overall planning of the line of sight plays an important

role. The architects did not choose to spread the buildings all over the site, but left a

large section of the southern foot of the mountain blank. The vacated southern

foothills became a pure natural landscape.

The public area and the centralized guest room area are arranged in staggered

levels. In this way, the crowd in the public area can have a close view of the inner lake,

while the guest room located in the back row has a private view of the landscape

without sight interference. As the height increases, the view of the guest room can

22
reach the wider xianghu Lake in the east of the site. (Figure 4.1.1d)

Figure 4.1.1d Site model of Xiaoyao Manor

Source: GOA Architect

(5) Banyan Tree Anji

From a bird's eye view of Banyan Tree Anji, the courtyard units form what

appears to be a staggered and free cluster, but in fact there is an implied sequential

logic. As the number of courtyards increases, the symmetrical axis system becomes

clearer. The sense of stability in the line of sight advances, and design elements such

as the building's interior landscape recede into the background. Architecture grows in

nature and should be integrated into nature, making humble concessions and even

"disappearing".(Figure 4.1.1e)

Figure 4.1.1e Site plan and analysis of Banyan Tree Anji

Source: Archidaily

23
(6) Southern Ocean Lodge

Southern Ocean Lodge is situated on the south-west coast of kangaroo island,

south Australia, adjacent to secluded and picturesque Hanson Bay. It is Australia's

first truly top luxury and eco-friendly hotel.

Built according to the terrain, the hotel is hidden behind a 40-meter-high cliff.

Large Windows offer panoramic views of the vast Southern Ocean seascape and

pristine jungle.

The hotel has carefully designed 21 individual suites with sloping roofs in

accordance with the architecture and topography, with a slightly upward, wavy

structure on every fourth roof, in an excellent way to connect the man-made

landscape with the natural landscape and fully utilize its functionality.

Figure 4.1.1f Site plan Southern Ocean Lodge

Source: Archidaily

24
(7) Alila Wuzhen

Alilawu Town is located in Wuzhen, Tongxiang, Jiaxing city, Zhejiang Province.

The project base is located about 3 kilometers east of the scenic spot. Although the

site is located in a water town, there is no natural water system and vegetation in the

site, only a wetland adjacent to the south, and adjacent to the main urban road on the

east and north sides. For boutique resort, the current situation of landscape resources

is not outstanding, but it provides a more independent and open starting point for

design.

The plane layout of the hotel is based on the traditional settlement space in the

south of the Yangtze River, among which the public space of traditional villages and

the organization form of public and private space are particularly important research

objects. The design extracts iconic public space elements such as village core,

roadway and canal, and continues the scale system of traditional street and lane

space. At the same time, the scheme also extracts the cluster characteristics of the

intersection of multiple lane ways in traditional villages and establishes a grid

system.(Figure 4.1.1g)

The street and lane grid enables multiple paths to converge within 50m, and

builds rich paths through very few spatial hierarchies, restoring the organization state

of traditional streets and lanes. At the same time, the whole site also forms a number

of homogeneous public nodes through the grid system. Each node is not only a

roaming rest place, but also a spatial layout of regional distribution and ferry stations

due to its own public properties, which fully adapts to the needs of modern resort.

On the one hand, the restoration of traditional water town layout of the resort can

arouse cultural resonance, while the poetic public space formed by its organizational

structure also makes up for the lack of natural landscape of the site itself.

25
Figure 4.1.1g Spatial layout and concept of Alila Wuzheng

Source: Archidaily

26
 4.1.2 Spatial Layout Typology

On the basis of the existing research, the author analyzes and compares the

cases involved in the study into a figure ground plan (Figure 4.1.1h), and divides the

spatial organization strategies into five types, according to the natural and cultural

factors of the site itself, which include linear connection type, core-centered type, floor

and platform combination type, axis sequence type, and symmetrical type19.

Figure 4.1.1h Figure ground plan of case collections

Source: The author

19
Yang Kan. 2013. "Study on The Design of Boutique Resort Hotel in Hilly Region".

27
(1) Linear connection type

The main characteristic of the linear connection type is that buildings are

distributed in a linear or grid form along the existing contour or the main circulation

route. This type is the most common and basic organization form for mountainous

architecture, which is most widely used in boutique resort in with mountainous

resources.

Using linear connection type spatial layout can make each component of the

resort complex relatively independent and free. This type has strong adaptability to

mountainous terrain, and is almost suitable for all mountain sites, while making the

building integrate with nature environment as mush as possible. The spatial

framework that connects buildings can be road or corridor. With the subdivision of

resort guest, vehicle and logistics circulation, such circulation is often more than one,

thus forming a network.

(2) Core-centered Type

The core-centered type uses a primary space of the resort as the core, and the

rest of the resort components are around and associated with it. The primary space

can be outdoor space, such as the central courtyard of the resort or a indoor space

that centered in the resort, such as the lobby with the most concentrated functions.

This type of spatial layout has strong centripetal force and cohesion, and its

overall form is clear in primary and secondary relationships, which makes it easy to

obtain a unified and complete effect. Generally, this type of resort is located in a

relatively open and wide area, such as the flat top of a mountain or the basin.

Cluster buildings of different sizes are scattered among the mountains and

surround or connect with the primary space of the resort, forming a rich and exquisite

village experience.

28
(3) Floor and Platform Combination Type

The floor and platform combination type is based on the elevation

difference of the terrain and the functional needs of the resort to establish a
number of platforms, and through steps or ramps to connect the buildings into
a spatial system of elevation change. The resort with such spatial structure has
strong adaptability to undulating terrain, especially suitable for complex terrain
environment. By splitting the building into smaller volumes, it is possible to
reduce the sense of obtrusiveness in the natural environment. The addition of
platforms of different heights enables visitors to get rich sightseeing process in
the continuous transformation of indoor and outdoor space.

(4) Axis Sequence Type

The axis sequence type resort is mostly located on the relatively gentle slope.

This kind of layout is usually shown as the buildings go down or up with the slope and

they enclosed into several spaces across the contour line, so that the building has an

obvious sense of sequence. Steps or ramps are connected in series to form a spatial

sequence axis. This layout combines the organization of the resort space with the

elevation changes of the terrain, so that the resort can easily integrate with the

existing environment. A series of settlement spaces generated by the layout also

responds to the layout of traditional villages to a certain extent.

(5) Symmetrical type

The symmetrical layout usually has important buildings such as monuments or

temples as the axis, and the rest of buildings are symmetrically distributed with the
axis. This layout brings a strong sense of ritual and sacredness, allowing the local
culture or religion to be celebrated and worshiped. Humanity resources, such as

29
traditional architecture, religious culture and so on, have a decisive influence on this
kind of layout.

4.1.3 Summary of Spatial Layout Strategy

Type Diagram Scope of Characteristics Affecting Source

application and design
considerations

With strong
adaptability to
terrain, it is The building is
suitable for well integrated
Linear Natural Source
small scale with the natural
connection
boutique environment.
resorts that
not require
close
functional
connections.

It is suitable The area is

for resorts greatly limited by

Core-centered that require terrain, so the

centralized building volume
Natural Source
large-volume should be
functional controlled by the
layout or high trend of
management mountain
efficiency contour line

30
 The building is

Suitable for broken up into a

Floor and complex number of small Natural Source

Platform terrain settlements, so
And
Combination environment that the building
Cultural Source
can better
integrate with
the mountain

It is suitable Different
for the small functional areas
boutique are connected in
resort located series by
Natural Source
on the hillside stepping, and
Axis Sequence And
and arranged there are
Cultural Source
perpendicular multiple
to the contour elevations on
line. the same floor
inside the
building.

The site The buildings

contains are symmetrical
historical and along the axis
religious and the spatial
Symmetrical Cultural Source
buildings as organization has
the resort's a strong sense
cultural of ritual.
connotation.

Table 4.1.3: Summary of Spatial layout strategy

Source: The author

31
4.2 Building Form Affected by Natural Source

The morphological characteristics of boutique resorts largely depend on their

natural environment. Here, we mainly pay attention to the mountainous environment

with large elevation difference (The most common location for boutique resort).

Due to the slope of the terrain, the mountain itself has become the background or

component of the resort. Combined with the change of mountain form, there will be a

variety of options for the grounding of the hotel building, in order to reserve the

original terrain and vegetation as far as possible, and make the resort in the form of

the expression of a unique regional charm.

4.2.1 Grounding Methods

The grounding methods refer to the relationship between architecture and natural

ground surface, which shows the different forms of architecture adapting to complex

terrain, transferring load and acquiring space20. Grounding methods directly affects

the degree of alteration to the original landform of the building and its structure

selection. In other words, the grounding methods determines the formation of the

architectural form and its basic relationship with the site. The architecture grounding

methods can be mainly divided into the following three types: surface type, overhead

type and underground type, among which, the surface type can be subdivided into

split-level type, dropped type, and stepped type. Each grounding mode corresponds

to different applicable terrain and has strong typicality.

(1) Split-Level Type

Split-level refers to the fact that the internal space of the same building has

ground with different elevations to adapt to the slope of the site, so as to reduce the

20
Peng Jie. 2005. "The influence of mountains on urban spatial morphology in southern hilly areas and its
application". Changsha:College of Architecture, Hunan University. 24-26.

32
amount of cut and fill work. The ground elevation difference is usually within one story,

adapted to the mountain slope of 10%~30%.

The use of split-level method is not only meets the requirements of the terrain, but

also enhances the spatial organization of the resort. KC Grand Resort & Spa is a

good example of the use of split-level grounding method to address site height

differences. (Figure4.2.1a) The project is located in Phanti Island, Thailand, with a

construction area of 8000 square meters and 79 guest rooms. The major building of

the hotel is divided into 3 parts, which follow the height difference of the site and use

the split-level method to rise along the mountain terrain. The interior of the building is

connected by steps to bringing a rich spatial experience.

Figure4.2.1a Section of KC Grand Resort & Spa

Source: Archidaily

（2）Dropped Type

When the height difference of the building is more than one floor, this grounding

method is called dropped form, which usually suitable for terrain with a slope of 30%

to 60%. A height difference of more than one floor means that parts of the internal

space will have only one lighting surface, even will not have natural ventilation and

light accessed.(Figure4.2.1b)

Figure4.2.1b Section of Lone resort

Source: Archidaily

33
（3）Stepped Type

The stepped form is a building in which multiple units or modules take on the

shape of steps along a slope. Because the elevation difference is deigned according

to the function of modules. Foe each module, the internal layout and circulation can

stay in same elevation and is not affected by terrain change. The designers can adjust

the depth of the guest room units or the size of the balcony to adapt to the terrain slop

and form.

Stepped Form is often used in boutique resort design. Instead of having one

piece of large volume, the use of the Stepped form divides the building into several

smaller volumes, which stacked along the terrain orderly to create a sense that the

building has grown out of its environment.

The Xiaoyao Manor located in Huzhou adopts the stepped grounding method.

The design divides the public areas of the resort into different floors based on

function differences, and the elevated height difference between the floors allows

each functional area to have an unobstructed view of the lake while maintain good

privacy. (Figure4.2.1c)

Figure4.2.1c: Stepped form of Xiaoyao Manor

Source: Official website of the resort

34
（4）Overhead Type

Overhead type refers to the whole or part of the building that is overhead from the

ground surface, and the load of the building is transmitted to the ground by the column.

Because the contact between the building and the ground surface is only the column,

which is beneficial to retain the original vegetation and ground texture.

The traditional dwellings of Hunan and Guizhou , Diaojiao Lou (Figure 4.2.1d）,

are using stepped form to protect the fragile and sensitive geological conditions of the

area while to reduce the impact that geological disasters, such as strom, and floods,

brought to the buildings.

Figure 4.2.1d ‘’Diaojiao Lou”, one of the traditional dwellings of Hunan and Guizhou

Source: Interesting Travel Website. http://www.uysly.com/line/print/id/1445

（5）Underground Type

As the name implies, the underground type refers to the construction of the

whole building below the surface. For architecture in mountainous areas, the

underground type usually refers to buildings like cave form, with only one light surface.

35
The first advantage of the underground type is that it can maximize the preservation of

the natural vegetation, terrain, and the original contour of the mountain. The second

advantage is that the underground building is warm in winter and cool in summer,

which is very beneficial to the energy efficiency of the building and can effectively

cope with extreme weather.

Traditional cave dwelling in Northwestern China ( Figure 4.2.1e) is one of the

examples of underground type. Its original intention is to adapt to extreme outdoor

climatic conditions and to adjust the indoor micro-climate. Because of the lack of good

lighting and ventilation, the underground style is rarely used by boutique resorts. It

often found in the desert or adjacent areas to cope with extreme weather, such site

location is odds with the healing concept. Therefore, in this paper, the underground

type will not be taking consideration.

Figure 4.2.1e Traditional cave dwelling in Northwestern China

Source: https://www.puchedu.cn/shouchaobao/594473.html

36
4.2.2 Summary of Grounding Methods

Type Form Scope of Characteristics

Application
Adapt to It not only fit to terrain, but also
Split-level mountain slope enriches the spatial organization
10%~30% of resort

It is suitable for In some cases, only one side of

Dropped terrain with the lost floor can be opened,
gradient of affecting lighting and ventilation
30%~60%

The room unit Form multiple balcony spaces.

Stepped depth and Maximize natural lighting and
balcony size can ventilation.
be adjusted to
adapt to different
slopes
The impact on the mountain
surface is small, which is
Overhead beneficial to preserve the
Deep slop area original vegetation and
hydro-logical status

It is very beneficial to the energy

Underground Adapt to extreme saving of the building. The
climates building can be warm in winter
and cool in summer, but the
lighting problem limits the depth
of the building.

Table 4.2.2 Summary of Grounding Methods

Source: The author

37
4.2.3 Summary of Strategy of Building Form Affected by Natural Source

Through the analysis of the cases and the summary of the grounding method,

the author believes that the design of the building form should comply with the

following three points:

(1) Reduce grounding area:

Boutique resorts are usually in scenic areas with excellent natural environment

conditions, so how to protect the natural landform and mountain landscape in the

construction as much as possible becomes one of the important purposes of the

design. In addition, disasters such as landslides and soil erosion often occur in

mountainous areas21, so people should minimize the damage of mountains and

vegetation during construction to reduce the possibility of geological disasters.

(2) Indeterminate Ground Surface:

Indeterminate ground surface means that the entrance floor elevation of the

building is indeterminate22. Although the undulating topography limits the freedom of

building extension in the horizontal direction, it creates favorable conditions for the

combination of buildings in the vertical direction. Entrances and exits of different

horizontal elevations can be set up in the building, so that the building has several

"base surfaces", which facilitates the organization of the functional flow of the building.

21
Yang Shenchu. 1993. "Hunan Traditional Architecture". Changsha: Hunan Education Publishing House. 263.
22
Wu Shuai, Tan Fang. 2013. “Discussion on Structural Design of Mountain Buildings” [J]. (11):38-41

38
(3) Integration between Mountain and Architecture

In Towards a New Architecture, Le Corbusier gave architects three memos:

volume, skin and plan23. The harmony of architectural form with the hilly environment

is one of the main requirements people have for hilly architecture. Therefore, in the

design of the boutique resort, the designer has to consider both the harmony between

the building form and the small environment of the base, and the harmony with the

overall mountainous environment.

23
Le Corbusier. 1995. "Vers une Architecture". Allemagne : Flammarion et Cie. 89.

39
4.2 Building Form Affected by Cultural Source

The influence of cultural factors on architecture is manifested in local aesthetics,

beliefs and construction techniques24. These factors are responsible for the

emergence of various housing forms and building types. In other words, traditional

architecture is the materialization of human historical evolution and cultural progress.

The inheritance of traditional architectural forms or construction techniques on

the one hand enables the building to harmonize with the local architectural style and

on the other hand evokes the memory of history and culture.

The response of resort design to regional cultural factors is generally reflected in

two aspects, one is to use local building materials or construction technology to

restore traditional buildings; the other is to extract the morphological elements of

traditional buildings and create buildings resembling traditional one with modern

design techniques. In other words, it is a relatively abstract treatment based on the

traditional style, thus emphasizing the symbolic meaning of the building and meeting

the contemporary functional needs25.

The Amankora, designed by Kerry Hill (Figure4.2), is a prime example of the

distillation of traditional architectural elements. In the process of designing Amankora,

Kerry Hill admits that one of his biggest challenges was to distill the essence of

Bhutanese traditional architecture and use it in the new building. The solution was to

use traditional Bhutanese temples as a source of inspiration, and to refine and

abstract its formal elements in terms of the sequential nature of the colonnade, the

relationship between light and dark in the construction of the facade, and the

proportions of the windows and walls, so that the new resort building is in harmony

with its environment while reinforcing the regional characteristics with a minimalist

modernist architectural language26.

24
Lu Yuanding. 2005. "Exploring the research methods of folk houses from the law of the formation of traditional
folk houses"[J]. Architect.(03):5-7.
25
Zhao Gang. 2001. "Return of regional culture and re-creation of regional architectural features"[J].
26
Xue Yuan. 2015. "Regional Characterization of Boutique Resorts - An Interpretation of Kerry Hill's Work".

40
 Figure 4.2 The comparison between traditional Bhutanese temples and Amankora

Source: Official website of the resort

4.3 CHAPTER SUMMARY

With literature analysis and case studies, this chapter summarizes the
planning and architectural form strategies of boutique resorts that effected by
both natural and cultural factors, use to guide subsequent design.

41
 CHAPTER 5: DESIGN STRATEGY OF BOUTIQUE RESORT

BASE ON THE CONCEPT OF HEALING

5.1 Guest Room

The guest room, the core component of the resort, is the space where guests

stay the longest. Therefore, making the guest room space with healing function

becomes an essential part of the design of the resort based on the concept of healing.

5.1.1 Area Ratio

Compared with traditional hotels, wellness resort hotel rooms are much larger

than traditional hotels, and the sleeping area, activity area and washroom area of the

rooms need to have a larger space scale to meet the needs of guests. The large area

becomes the basis for the rooms to be equipped with balconies, courtyards, hot

spring pools and other spaces with healing functions. The main differences can be

seen below (Table 5.1.1):

Type Traditional Resort/Hotel Healing Boutique Resort

Floor Plan

To meet the basic needs of Each function area is larger than the traditional
Difference living, building area of hotel suite, with a viewing platform and pool, an
about 50 square meter. area of about 120 square meters.

Table 5.1.1 Compare room area between traditional hotel and healing boutique resort27.

27
Zhang Jingqi. 2017. "The Research on the architectural design of resort hotel based on the concept of health".

42
5.1.2 Healing Space in Guest Room

Equipped with healing space is the biggest difference between healing boutique

resort and traditional resort hotel in guest room design. Healing space in guest rooms

are usually in the form of balconies, pools, and courtyards.

Figure 5.1.2 Guest room plan of selected boutique resort

Source: Official website of selected resort

The author compared the room plans (Figure 5.1.2) of a number of existing

successful boutique resorts (including Amanemu, Alila Wuzheng, Alila Uluwatu, Soori

Bali, Intercontinental Koh Samui, Aman Sumer Palace, and Roku Kyoto LXR), and it

is realized that the principles of spatial layout of guest room revolve around how to

maximize the introduction of nature into the interior. Specific strategies include the

following:

43
 (1) Rooms are often equipped with outdoor spaces such as balconies, terraces,

or courtyards to give the room a larger view interface. Hot spring tubs, daybeds, or

loungers are located in these spaces to maximize the amount of time that guests

spend outdoors. Some cases will increase the size of the balcony due to view, climate

and other factors28.

(2) Some rooms, especially villa types, often have multiple balconies and

courtyards at the same time, with the aim of blurring the boundaries between indoor

and outdoor spaces.

(3) The room's bathroom usually has access to the balcony and courtyard, which

allows it to also have views, ventilation, and natural light.

In addition to this, according to the case study, there are three different ways to

introduce healing spaces into the guest rooms as shown in Table 5.1.2.
Type A B C
Lay out

Characteristics Sleeping area Bathroom and Healing area

perpendicular to the bedroom are located in
view. Healing area arranged courtyard.
set on the balcony. side-by-side. Bedroom and
Healing area bathroom towards
integrated with healing area.
bathroom.

Applicable Room that large in Suite that large in Villa

Room Type length and short in width.
width.
Table 5.1.2 Guest room plan of selected boutique resort
Source: The author

28
Li Xiaoning. 2014. “Selection and Transformation of Holiday and Health Maintenance Unit”.

44
5.2 Public Healing Space

5.2.1 SPA Center

The word SPA is derived from the initials of the Latin Solus Par Agula: Solus

means health, Par means through, Agula means water. So simply put, SPA is the use

of water to heal the body. It can also be interpreted as the use of the physical

properties of water, temperature, and the natural elements it contains to promote

human health.

With the popularity of the concept of healing, the spa center has become one of

the essential spaces for boutique resorts.

Resort spas are often located in relatively isolated locations, such as forests,

caves, or even underground spaces to meet the privacy needs of guests while

creating a secluded atmosphere.

The SPA center at Naked Heart Valley Resort, for example, consists of a main

pavilion that hidden in woods land, and eight individual SPA rooms scattered around.

The main pavilion is primarily used for reception and relaxation, while the individual

rooms are used to provide private therapy services for guests. The spa is built in a

topographic context, with the main pavilion in an S-shape that fits into the surrounding

site. The building form is adapted to the topography so that it is completely

submerged in the forest and blends in with nature.

45
 Figure 5.2.1a Floor plan of SPA center in Naked Heart Valley

Source: https://www.nakedretreats.cn/naked-stables/

Figure 5.2.1b Picture of SPA center in Naked Heart Valley

Source: https://www.nakedretreats.cn/naked-stables/

The facilities of the SPA center mainly include reception hall, storage, cloakroom,

bathroom, shower room, private dressing room, waiting room and lounge. The design

requirements of each functional facility are shown in Table 5.2.1a29.

29
Zhu Shouxun. 2010. “Hotel Resort Development and Design”. China Construction Industry Press: 176-178

46
 Facilities Design Requirements

Reception Hall Have seating areas with wide views.

The storage area is accessible directly from the reception

Storage area and is used to store spa shoes, gowns and other
supplies.

The entrance porch is set to avoid direct line of sight. The size
of coat and hat cabinet is 915mm×380mm×510mm. The
Cloakroom opposite platform of the coat and hat cabinet shall be
separated by 2100mm, and a 900mm space shall be provided
between the bench and the cabinet surface.

Every 5 SPA rooms should be equipped with at least one

Bathroom
Bath.

The shower area should be located between the cloakroom

and the wet area (e.g. steam room and sauna). Usually there
Shower Room
is a shower room for every 3 SPA rooms. The size of the
shower is 1200mm x 1000mm.

Each cloakroom shall provide two private dressing rooms,

Private Dressing
measuring 1200mm x 1000mm. The combined size of private
Room
dressing room and shower room is 2400mm x 1000mm.

The waiting room is located between the cloakroom and the

SPA room, which is the waiting space before the guests enter
Waiting Room
the SPA room after dressing. The waiting room is directly
connected with the SPA area

The lounge should be adjacent to the SPA room and

connected to the cloakroom. The design of the lounge should
Lounge
be integrated with the environment, providing natural lighting,
and setting up outdoor areas if conditions permit

.Source: Summarized by author accourding to “Hotel Resort Development and Design”

5.2.2 Swimming Pool

47
 The swimming pool is generally located in the public area of the resort and has

good accessibility. Not only does the pool provide guests with a fitness function, it

sometimes acts as the landscape core of the resort, which plays a crucial role in

enhancing the hotel's sense of atmosphere and ceremony. Therefore, in boutique

resort design, how to integrate the pool with landscape to achieve the best visual

experience becomes particularly important. The diagram (figure 5.2.2) below shows

different type of swimming pool and how they fit to the natural landform.

Type Axis Exceeded Integrated

Plan

Location Flat Area Steep Slope Gentle Slope

Beyond the
The multistory pool
limitations of the
Located on the axis merges with the
Characteristics terrain, user can
of the resort. terrain to create a
enjoy the wide
waterfall effect.
scenery.

Case

Alila Uluwatu Naked Heart Castle Naked Heart Valley

Table 5.2.2 The form of swimming pool in boutique resort

Source: The Author
5.2.3 Restaurant

48
 The healing concept in the dining space is reflected in the maximum use of the

view interface. In the majority of boutique resorts, restaurants are often located in

areas with extensive and quality landscape. By bringing nature into the dining space,

the entire dining experience is enhanced for guests. There are generally two types of

dining spaces that based on the healing concept: semi-open and full open.

Semi-open type refers to the envelope structures such as windows or doors that

can be folded or fully opened. Some resorts also adopt the pavilion style structure that

completely eliminates the building envelope to further connect the visitor to the natural

landscape.

The restaurant at The Naka Phuket Resort has a semi-open design, and the

envelope of the restaurant are wooden doors that can be opened completely (Figure

5.2.3). The natural elements such as the sea breeze, the sound of waves, and the

swaying of coconut trees are added to allow guests to be completely immersed in the

warm island atmosphere while they dine.

Figure5.2.3a Restaurant in The Naka Phuket Reort

Source: The official website of resort

Fully open refers to the dining space without roof and enclosure, which is

completely integrated with the surrounding natural environment. This type is subject to

the influence of the weather, and can only have a good dining experience when the

climate is suitable. This relatively temporary dining space can be decorated according

49
to the needs of the guests and is highly ceremonial, which suitable for events such as

dinners for two or marriage proposals. Examples are Naked Heart Valley, and Six

sense Koh Samui.

Figure 5.2.3b Naked Heart Valley open dining space.

Source: Official website of The Naked Heart Valley.

Figure 5.2.3c Six Sense Koh Samui open dining space.

Source: Official website of The Six Sense Koh Samui.

50
 CHAPTER 6: THE STRATEGY OF HOW LANDSCAPE

DESIGN ENHANCE THE HEALING EXPERIENCE

In most architectural projects, landscape design often plays the role of the icing

on the cake. Excellent landscape design can enhance the aesthetics of the building

and enable a better connection and integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. In

hospitality design, landscape has a more prominent role. The landscape largely

determines the layout, orientation and volume size of the resort building, so that each

space can have the best view. Resort landscape design can be broadly divided into

water and vegetation landscapes, which complement each other to create the right

spatial atmosphere in different areas. When guests stroll, stop and observe in the

resort, the landscape will mobilize their senses, emotions and mental activities to

achieve a healing effect.

6.1 Water Landscape

Poets employ water as a metaphor for abundance and power, strength and

movement, temptation and adventure. In all cultures, rituals and symbolism are

influenced by the evidence and unlimited abundance of the “element” water30. One of

greatest boutique resort architect nowadays, Jean-Michel Gathy, once said that water

is a powerful tool for relaxation and peace. Once you are at the lake or river, peace is

restored to even the most complex of thoughts31. In addition, according to the

research on graph perception, water landscape area belongs to the combination of

land and water, which is often the place that is easy to attract people's attention and

appreciation32.This shows that water features have become an essential element in

the design of boutique resorts, and the healing effect of water has become the key to

30
U. Kirschner. 2006. “Poetic Water Images in Architecture”. WIT Press.
31
Official Account of the Architecture Archive. 2019. "Meet Jean-Michel Gathy: Local Life between Design and
Benefits"
32
Li Daozeng. 1999. "Introduction to Environmental Behavior". Beijing:Tsinghua University Press. 178-245.

51
creating a resort atmosphere.

Water landscape can contrast with the surrounding environment, for example, the

slow flow or rush of water highlights the quiet and peaceful environment, furthermore,

the lightness and transparency of water contrasts with the solidity of forests and

mountains and rocks. Secondly, the water surface can also make the hilly landscape

environment harmonious and compatible, through the reflection and refraction of the

water surface, the sky, rocks, trees and buildings can be integrated and harmonious.

6.1.1 Type

Based on the author's case studies of water landscape in different resorts or

famous buildings, boutique resort water landscape is generally divided into two types:

static water and dynamic water. Based on its shape, Water landscape can be

subdivided into geometric, linear, and organic type. Geometric and linear water

features due to the shape of the regular or symmetrical, often give people a sense of

solemnity, often used in the hotel plaza or the central courtyard. Its role is to serve as

a central focal point or to reinforce the axial relationship of the building group. Organic

type are the use or imitation of natural lakes or streams. Its outline generally shows a

natural curve with rocks and plants distributed around.

6.1.2 Effects and Atmospheres

Those different types of water landscape create different effects and

atmospheres depending on their relationship to the ground plane (parallel, sunken,

and convex as figure 6.1 shows), including: reflection, gathering, enhance axis, barrier,

infinite, create rhythm, and create hierarchy. Each effect is explained below with

examples.

52
 Figure 6.1.2a : The relationship between water landscape and ground plane

Source: The author

1) Reflection:

The reflection effect refers to the reflection of the building on the water surface or

the reflection of light and shadow onto the building façade. The reflection effect is

often used to better integrate the building with its surroundings to create a serene and

dignified atmosphere. When the water surface floats with the wind, it brings a dynamic

effect to the space, allowing the tenant to notice the subtle changes in the building

with the weather.

The Patio de los Arrayanes （ figure6.1.1 ） in the Alhambra in Spain is a good

example of using the reflecting pool landscape. The reflecting pool is located in the

center of the entire courtyard, flanked by symmetrically planted myrtles and verandas.

At the end of the water landscape is the Ambassador's Hall, which is projected into the

pool. The delicate columns, elegant arches, and traditional latticework on the outer

wall of the cloister are reflected in the quiet and clear water of the pool, making people

feel like they are in a floating and ethereal sanctuary. The water feature creates a

tranquil and dignified atmosphere, while the reflection increases the volume of the

building and makes it appear more magnificent.

53
 Figure 6.1.2b Patio de los Arrayanes

Source: http://www.mafengwo.cn/gonglve/ziyouxing/335432.html

2) Gathering

The "four waters return to the hall" is a unique layout of Chinese Jiangnan houses.

The front door of the house is mostly opened in the central axis, the front room is the

hall, and the two-story house is often built in the back yard. The small courtyard

enclosed by the quadrangle is called the patio, which is only used for lighting and

drainage33. Because the rainwater on the inner slope of the roof flows into the patio

from all sides, it is called the four waters return to the hall. The Chinese regard water

as wealth and health, so this design has the meaning of gathering wealth and health.

The pool of convergence is this design used to collect rainwater, which drips along the

roof to form a dynamic visual effect, and the sound brought by the dripping calms

people. The Capella resort in Sanya has placed the gathering pool in front of the lobby

33
Wang, Xing, Han Yi, Lu Yuanding, Yang Gusheng. 2004. "Research on the Application of Patio Space in the
Service Space of Sodern Cultural Architecture". Chinese Residential Architecture [M]. Guangzhou: South China
University of Technology Press.

54
of the hotel, and the visual and auditory sensation brought by the dripping brings a

sense of arrival to the guests to a large extent.

Figure 6.1.2c Arriving pavilion of Capella resort in Shanya

Source: The official website of resort

3) Reinforce axis

Axial relationships play a very important role in hotel complexes, reinforcing the

correspondence between buildings and highlighting the priority of buildings. The

linear water features above the ground are often not on the central axis of the hotel,

and the contrast with the surrounding materials has the effect of extending people's

sight lines.

Figure 6.1.2d Salk Institute for Biological Studies

Source:https://bbs.zhulong.com/101020_group_687/detail40424159/p1.html?louzhu=1

55
 4) Barrier

Above-grade water features also serve as a separation between driveways,

walkways and buildings. In many boutique resorts, overflow ponds are placed at the

entrances to distinguish vehicles from pedestrians and visually downplay the

incongruity of vehicles, etc. with the surrounding environment.

5) Infinite

Infinity pools are a standard feature of boutique resorts for swimming purposes.

Infinity pools are often located in the best view areas of the resort, which creating an

empty, magnificent visual effect by linking the pool to the distant natural landscape

through the overflowing water.

Figure 6.1.2e Infinite pool in Alila Ubud, Alila Uluwatu, and the Naka Phuket

Source: Taken by author

6）Rhythm and Hierarchy

The inherent fluidity of water can bring a sense of rhythm to a space. Adding a

small fountain or bubbling spring in a static pool can break the calmness of the space

and thus create a cheerful, dynamic atmosphere. Placing such water features along

the hotel's main traffic routes can stimulate the desire to explore the hotel, and the

visual and auditory experience of the fountains will also keep the guests from getting

bored during their walks.

Streams converge in rivers, and rivers converge in the sea. The process of water

flowing and converging is inherently hierarchical in nature. In resort design, stepped

water landscape are often used to suggest the next important place to be. Guests can

56
follow the water's guidance to another space,which the process itself is highly

ritualistic. Longhu Yunfeng Yuanzhu is a residential project located in Guangzhou,

China. As the figure 6.6 show, there are stepped pools of varying sizes spread out on

the way to the main pool. The water converges from the small pools to the main one

bringing a sense of hierarchy and ritual to the entail space.

Figure 6.1.2f Stepped pools in Longhu, Guangzhou.

Source: https://new.qq.com/rain/a/20210426a0b3wf00.

57
6.1.3 Summary of Water Landscape Strategy
TYPE POSIRION EFFECTS DIAGRAM CASE

Geometri Parallel Reflection

c

Geometri Parallel Refraction

c

Geometri Sunken Gathering

c

Linear Convex Axis

Linear Convex Barrier

Geometri Convex Infinite

c

Linear Parallel Rhythm

Geometri
c Any Hierarchy
or
Linear
Table 6.1 Summary of water landscape design strategist

Source: The author

58
6.2 Healing Plants Landscape

As an indispensable part of the landscape, plants stimulate the human senses in

different dimensions with their shapes, colors, smells, touches, and sounds. Healing

plants landscape refers to the planting of plants with healing effects in landscape

design, which can have direct or indirect healing effects on human physical and

mental health. Based on previous plant healing theories, the article will focus on three

main methods of plant healing: aroma therapy, color therapy, and auditory therapy.34

6.2.1 Type of Plants Healing Methods

1) Aroma Therapy

Aromatherapy refers to the ability of the scent emitted by specific plants to

stimulate blood circulation and accelerate new metabolism to a certain extent when it

enters the human respiratory system or skin circulation system35. The human immune

system becomes active under the stimulation of the smell, thus reducing the invasion

of harmful germs into the body. Studies have shown that the flowers, fruits, leaves,

branches and other parts of many aromatherapy plants contain aromatic oils or

volatile odor and have high ornamental value. Plants suitable for aromatherapy are

mainly concentrated in the Rutaceae, Camphoraceae, Labiatae, Rosaceae and

Asteraceae families36. Examples are oleander, lateral cypress, sandalwood, lavender,

etc.

2) Color Therapy

Color therapy focuses on indirectly guiding mood changes through the colors of

34
Zou Yuzen. 2014. "Research on Plant Landscape Design for Rehabilitation Gardens" [D]. Chongqing University.
35
Liu zhiqiang, Tu Suli, Huang Yong. 2004. "Aromatic plants and their garden applications in East China" [J].
Journal of Suzhou Institute of Science and Technology (1):60-66
36
He Mingxun.1996. "Resource Botany" [M]. Shanghai: East China Normal University Press.

59
plants. In color science, each color corresponds to a specific electromagnetic

wavelength, which is then transmitted to the human brain through visual perception to

promote hormone secretion. Color science shows that blue can slow down the heart

rhythm so that people feel calm and relaxed; yellow can create a cheerful atmosphere

and can promote blood circulation and saliva production; red can enhance people's

appetite; green can relieve fatigue to help people reduce stress37. According to

relevant statistics, there are more than 400 species of foliage plants in China,

belonging to 62 families and 108 genera38. In healing plant landscape design, the right

color of plants can be matched according to the function of the place and the

atmosphere it needs.

3) Auditory Therapy

Auditory therapy is to stimulate the human body's auditory system with the help of

natural sounds of plants to make people feel relaxed physically and mentally. The

sound of raindrops falling on leaves or the sound of plants swaying in the wind is

known to be calming and can help promote sleep. Plants such as rattlesnake poplar,

plantain, barberry, lotus, and bamboo are all good sources for auditory therapy.39

6.3 Chapter Summary

Landscape design plays a very important role in the hospitality design, especially

in boutique resorts where healing is the theme. The proper design of water landscape

and selection of healing plants largely determines the atmosphere of the resort, thus

guide the guests' emotions to achieve healing effects. This chapter illustrates the

healing effects that different landscapes can create through both water and plant

perspectives.

37
Li Shuhua. 2010. “Introduction to Horticultural Therapy”. China Forestry Press.
38
Dong Junlan. 2004. "The Resources of Foliage Tree Species in Beijing and Their Application in Garden" [J].
Practical Forestry Technology: 34-35.
39
Yang Sen. 2016. "The Impact of Horticultural Therapy on the Physical and Mental Health of Older Adults" [D].

60
 CHAPTER 7: DESIGN APPLICATION

7.1 Site Information

Jinsha County is famous for its production of wine, vinegar and tea40. Locals have

been drinking tea and vinegar since ancient times as one of the ways to maintain their

health. Jinsha is rich in natural resources, tea mountains, terraced rice fields, and hot

springs are among the necessary conditions for Jinsha to become a destination for

healing tourism. The tourism industry has been developing rapidly in recent years,

and governments at all levels are aware of the huge potential for industrial upgrading

and transformation in Jinsha County, and have given high priority to its tourism

development, which has reached a "mature" period. However, due to the late start of

tourism in the region, various tourism services and reception facilities are lagging

behind, which is difficult to meet the needs of the rapid development of tourism.

Therefore, the design and construction of a boutique resort with the theme of healing

has a good market conditions and policy conditions, and in line with the background of

the times.

(1) Regional Traffic Condition

The project is located in Andi Town, about 20km away from Jinsha County. Jinsha

County is located in the northeast of Guizhou Province, 170km to the south is the

provincial capital guiyang; 80km to the east is the famous historical and cultural city

Zunyi41; To the north, it connects mega-cities such as chongqing and Chengdu.

Located within the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle (figure 7.1.1), there are

several expressways passing through insha, which makes the transportation time

between Jinsha and the major cities in the province within one and a half hours, and

40
Jinsha County people’s government. 2014." Introduction to Jinsha County”.
41
Jinsha County people’s government. 2014. “Jinsha County road and Waterway Transportation 12th Five-Year
Development Plan”.

61
the transportation time between Jinsha and the surrounding large cities within 4

hours.

With the opening of a proprietary expressway from Guiyang to Jinsha by the end

of 2022, the travel time between the project site and the nearest airport will be

reduced to 40 minutes42, and Jinsha, with its rich tourism resources, will attract more

tourists from outside the province. Excellent location and transportation provide strong

support for the customer market of Jinsha tourism.

Figure 7.1.1 Regional transportation condition of Jinsha

Source: The aithor

(2) Natural Sources

There are plenty of hot spring resources around the project site. The hot spring in

the project area has a flow rate of 0.3 cubic meters per second, and the water is clear

and continuous all year round. The water temperature is maintained at 60 degrees

Celsius all seasons and no secondary heating is required. The hot spring contains a

variety of beneficial elements (calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, soluble silica,

42
People.cn. 2018. "Guiyang, Chengdu to add convenient passage".

62
etc.), it is an ideal place for leisure and healing43.

In addition, the site is located in an area with abundant forests, rice paddies and

water resources. Canals running through the area connect paddy fields to ponds. The

specific location of the project is in the hill side of the area, surrounded by forest on

three sides and facing the terraced rice fields on one side. The natural sources and

the accessibility are presented in the figure 7.1.2.

Figure 7.1.2 Satellite map of site and analysis diagrams

Source: Google Map and the author

(3) Culture Sources

The traditional dwelling of “Qianbei” (Figure 7.1.3) around the project is one of the

representative of the local cultural resources. “Qianbei” means the north of Guizhou,

and as the name implies, Qianbei dwelling are the houses located in the north of
43
Guizhou Architectural Survey and Design Co., LTD. 2020. "Jinsha Andi Hot Spring Planning Scheme"

63
Guizhou. Historically, northern Guizhou was part of Sichuan province until the

Yongzheng period of the Qing dynasty when it was assigned to Guizhou. Therefore,

the architectural structure and settlement characteristics of Qianbei dwellings are very

similar to those of Sichuan dwellings44. In addition, as one of the most economically

developed places in the province, northern Guizhou was the first place where

Guizhou started trade activities with other regions. As a large number of merchants

from Jiangsu and Zhejiang regions entered Guizhou for trade, the architectural

features of traditional Jiangnan dwellings were also brought into Guizhou. Small gray

tiles, sloping roofs, pierced square, corner buildings, carved windows, white walls, etc.,

with strong Jiangnan colors, gradually became the representative elements of the

residential houses in Qianbei area45.

The rich natural and cultural resources of the site provide a solid foundation for

the creation of a regional, nature-integrated, and healing boutique resort.

Figure 7.1.3 Architectural characteristics of “Qianbei” dwelling on site

Source: http://site.gog.cn/650003/10623765104216990.

44
Cui Fang. 1999. "Cultural Intention of Decorative components of Traditional Residential Buildings in Northern
Guizhou". Guizhou People's Publishing House.
45
Nie Shen. 2010. "Interpreting the Context of Folk Culture in Northern Guizhou from the Decoration of Local
Dwellings in Northern Guizhou".

64
7.2 Overall Spatial Layout

The site is located in a gentle valley, the terrain is high in the east and low in the

west. The surrounding environment is dominated by mountains and forests, and the

site is surrounded by forests on three sides, with rice paddies on one side, which are

lower and terraced, serving as the main view of the hotel.

The layout of the resort on the site responds to the existing natural topography,

and some individual buildings are slightly twisted on this basis to maximize the

landscape interface. Instead of a large volume with concentrated functions, each

functional area ( such as reception, bar, dining hall, private dining room, and so on)

are separated into small individual buildings, and most with only one story (Figure

7.2.1). This layout allows the hotel to better integrate with the mountain environment

and achieve a harmonious symbiosis with trees, stones and soil. In addition, the

relationship between the buildings, whether enclosed or open, creates a series of

courtyard spaces, which makes the whole spatial experience rich and layered.

Figure 7.2.1 Site Plan of The Boutique Resort

Source: The author

65
 The resort consists of three main functional areas, namely, the public area, the

guest room area, and the healing area (Figure7.2.2). The areas are relatively

independent from each other but are connected by linear landscapes and walkways.

Scattered among the functional areas are water features, plantings, courtyards, and

sunken seating areas. The interplay of landscape and architecture creates a series of

spatial experiences of different scales and themes, making the process of visiting the

resort versatile and interesting for the guest.

Upon entering the resort, the first thing that strikes the guest is a closed

landscape courtyard. Vegetation, architecture and the surrounding mountains in the

courtyard are reflected in the central pool to provide a sense of arrival. Visitors are

dropped off at the welcome pavilion, and vehicles are valet parked by resort staff in

the parking lot not far away.

Located to the left of the welcome pavilion is the resort reception, where guests

can walk to the outdoor sunken lounge area to enjoy the mountain and rice paddy

views while waiting to check in. The entire check-in process is no longer a boring wait

but an opportunity to get in touch with nature, allowing guests to feel healed from the

moment they arrive at the resort.

After checking in, guests can follow the corridor in the East Wing to the buggy

station and take the golf buggy to the resort centralized guest room area and villa area.

Alternatively, guests can choose to walk the entire distance to their room, from

reception, past the lounge, dining hall, private dining room, centralized guest areas,

pool, spa, and villas that scattered among the hills at the end of the resort.

66
 Figure 7.2.2 Functional divisions

Source: The author

The resort adopts the design strategy of separating pedestrian and vehicle traffic,

so that the whole walking process of guests will not be disturbed by the traffic (Figure

7.2.2). The walking distance is long, but with the natural beauty of the landscape and

the rich spatial experience that brought by the enclosing or opening of building

volumes, the whole walking process becomes a way to relax and heal the guests.

The overall layout of the resort adopts strategies of linear layout; converts large

buildings into small volumes and scatters them into the environment; creates a series

of courtyard spaces with a sense of sequence through the enclosing or open

relationship of the buildings; and separates pedestrian and vehicle traffic, so that the

resort is based on the organic integration of the environment, without losing

functionality and spatial experience.

67
 Figure 7.2.2 Resort circulation plan

Source: The author

Figure 7.2.3 Aerial view of resort overall layout

Source: The author

68
7.3 Partial Plan

7.3.1 Reception Area

The resort's arrival and reception area draws inspiration from the traditional

Chinese three-enter courtyard in its layout.

Figure 7.3.1a Plan and isometric view of traditional three-enter courtyard house.

Source: https://m.sohu.com/a/104258491_354905

Figure 7.3.1b Floor plan of resort public area

Source: The author

69
 The entrance space of the resort is the first courtyard enclosed by a relatively low

wall, which is close to the scale of the human body while satisfying vehicular traffic, in

other words, the volume of the entrance is reduced in perception to avoid creating an

overly empty feeling and thus causing tension.

Figure 7.3.1c Resort entrance courtyard

Source: The author

After a few steps of stairs, guests will enter the second courtyard, which is

enclosed by the reception hall, the lounge, and the corridor located on East wing. In a

traditional courtyard house, the second courtyard is considered a reception space for

guests, so it has a larger scale than the other courtyards. Seating areas are arranged

in the area to provide guests with a pleasant conversation space under the interplay of

vegetation, water and mountain views.

70
 Figure 7.3.1d Reception area

Source: The author

Figure 7.3.1e Sunken seating outside of reception hall

Source: The author

The third courtyard of the resort consists of a connecting corridor to the guest

area and a water feature, and this design is functionally in line with the relatively

private nature of the third courtyard in a traditional courtyard house. Due to the

mountainous terrain, the courtyards are not completely vertical as traditional, but turn

71
to the east after the second courtyard to connect the dining and guest room areas.

The courtyards are different in scale and contain different landscapes, thus giving

each courtyard a different spatial atmosphere to meet the different functional

attributes of the area where the courtyard is located.

7.3.2 Guest Room Area

In order to maximize the view for each room, the centralized room areas of the

resort are distributed linearly according to the mountain terrain and view interface. On

the left side of the area are the balcony suites with two story, and on the east side are

the courtyard suites. The backyard of courtyard suite provides guest with a large

outdoor recreational space while insulating them from the privacy and noise issues

associated with the buggy way.

7.3.2a Plan of centralized guest room area

Source: The author

72
 Between the two types of suites are walkways and slender linear public spaces

with water features, planters, and sunken seating areas. In Pu Miao’s "Essence Of

Tradition—The 13 Characteristics Of Chinese Traditional Architecture", he state that

regardless of scale or size, the plans of traditional Chinese environments indicate

outdoor public spaces tended to be linear. This is true whether it was a smaller

residential compound or an entire village. It has been said that the real culture of

China lies in the alleyways and courtyards, in the public realm of traditional Chinese

villages, people’s experiences mostly consisted of moving forward and backwards,

with interaction on the peripheries. The linear spatial strategy adopted by the resort

satisfies the topographical status of the site on the one hand, and fits in with the

Chinese perception of public space on the other. This spatial effect is what the literati

call "the winding paths lead to the seclusion".

Figure 7.3.2b Linear public space between guest rooms

Source: The author

73
7.4 Healing Concept in Resort Spaces

As a resort with a healing theme, the concept of healing is not only to provide

guests with a dedicated healing space, but also to make every space of the hotel with

a healing atmosphere, which includes hotel rooms, dining areas, public areas and so

on. The design of the resort takes into account how to enhance the healing functions

of the rooms, restaurant, and spa to respond to the healing system of living healing,

dietary healing, and physical therapy healing.

7.4.1 Guest Room with Healing Concept

Compared to traditional hotels, the rooms in the design project are significantly

larger, with an area range from 80 square meters to 180 square meters depending on

the room type, including balcony suites of 80 square meters, courtyard suites of

approximately 120 square meters, and villas of 180 square meters (Figure 7.4.1a).

Figure 7.4.1a Floor plan of different type of room

Source: The author

74
 The healing concept of the guest rooms is reflected in the large scale balconies,

courtyards, wooden decks, hot spring bath, and swimming pools. Take the balcony

suite as an example. Before entering the room, there is a transition area screened by

wooden louvers with a tree pool and changing seat. Next to the tree pool is a

rainwater collection tank, where guests can water the plants at their leisure. This is the

first interaction with the plants and water when guests arrive in the guest room area.

After guests enter the room, they will see a hot spring bath located on the balcony,

and then is the public swimming pool below with vast paddy field and mountain as

background. Throughout the process, the interaction between people and plants and

water is intensified, and the sense of healing is enhanced as the scale of the view

becomes larger.

In addition, the interior design of the rooms follows minimalism, eliminating too

many decorative elements, so that the natural landscape can become the dominate of

the entire space. The use of wood and rammed earth materials gives the entire room

a warm and natural feel.

Figure 7.4.1b Interior of balcony suite Source: The author

Figure7.4.1c Exterior of villa Source: The author

75
 Figure 7.4.1d Exterior of balcony suite and swimming pool

Source: The author

7.4.2 Dining Space with Healing Concept

The resort's dining space uses large floor-to-ceiling windows on the facade,

which effectively blurs the boundary between outdoor and indoor spaces and

maximizes the introduction of healing elements such as view, natural light and natural

ventilation into the space. Exposed to nature, decorated with lights and torches,

outdoor dining becomes a very ritualistic process, which helps to remove negative

emotions and achieve a healing effect.

Figure 7.4.2a The way to the dining space

Source: The author

76
 Figure 7.4.2b Outdoor dining area with rice field view
Source: The author

The restaurant adopts the design of visual kitchen, outside the restaurant is

planted organic rice, vegetables and other ingredients for the restaurant, guests can

have the chance to understand the whole process of food from growth, to preparation,

and then to eat.

Figure 7.4.2c Section cut through dining area

Source: The author

77
7.4.3 SPA with Healing Concept

As a typical healing space, SPA is an essential component of a boutique resort.

Since every room in the project features a private hot spring bath or even a swimming

pool, so the resort's SPA consists of only four private SPA rooms and a reception

waiting area (Figure 7.4.3a).

Figure 7.4.3a Floor plan of SPA area.

Source: The author

In the center of the Spa reception hall is a long reflecting pool that serves as the

axis of the space, leading guests to the lounge area at the end and enjoying the vast

view outside of the window. Dark wood and stone are used throughout the space to

create a deep atmosphere and thus enhance the visual impact of the distant

landscape, while two white walls in the middle of the reception hall suggest the

direction to the private spa (Figure 7.4.3b). The private spa includes a changing room,

hot spring bath, SPA bed, and a backyard as a view interface for the room.

78
 Figure 7.4.3b Reception hall of SPA

Source: The author

Figure 7.4.3c Section cut through SPA area

Source: The author

79
7.5 Design with the Poetic of Water

Due to the abundance of water resources on the site (such as hot springs and the

canals, creeks, ponds, etc. that surround the site), the water landscape is seen as a

tool to link the entire healing process of the guest. Different functional areas of the

resort are equipped with different water features. The design creates a suitable space

for the guests to heal through the difference of water features and their relationship

with the surrounding environment.

For example, the designer installed a reflecting pool above the ground at the

entrance of the resort. On the one hand, the volume of the reflecting pool can block

the guests' view, and on the other hand, the surrounding environment is organically

integrated through the reflection of water.The water landscape creates a calming

atmosphere and also promotes guests' curiosity to explore the resort when they first

enter. Then, a gathering pool was set up in the resort's reception area. The calm water

surface will be broken by rain dripping or breeze, and the water will also form ice and

fog due to the change of season. Here, water enhances guests' perception of

microclimate and seasonal changes and becomes a bridge between guests and

nature (Figure 7.5.1).

Figure 7.5.1 Reflecting pool and gathering pool in different weather and season

Source: The author

80
 In the guest room area, the stepped water landscape is set on the side of the

stairs leading to the pool. The importance of the pool as one of the resort's primary

healing space is implied by the flow of the water and its elevation difference (Figure

7.5.2). The pool is surrounded by a lotus pond, while lotus flowers and fish act as the

guests' swimming companions. Beyond the lotus pond are rice paddies, where water

overflows from the pool to the lotus pond and eventually returns to the rice paddies.

Guests' perception and experience of nature also progresses with the overflow of

water (Figure 7.5.3).

Figure 7.5.2 Stepped water landscape along the stairs to the pool
Source: The author

Figure 7.5.3 Section cut through swimming pool

Source: The author

81
7.6 Chapter Summary

This chapter takes the boutique resort design project at Andi, Guizhou Province

as a design example, to exam the feasibility of the design strategies of boutique

resorts base on the concept of healing that summarized in previous chapters. The

author finds that the previous summaries of the planning strategy of harmony with

nature; the architectural language of extracting regional characteristics; and the

strategies of understanding healing effects of landscape, all have good applicability in

the design of healing boutique resort.

82
 CHAPTER 8: CONCLUSION

The tourism boom in China over the past 20 years has accelerated the strong

desire of the industry to upgrade the hospitality architecture, which serve as the main

carrier of tourism activities. It is obvious that architecture, nature and culture

becoming increasingly intertwined under this trend. When the concept of boutique

hotels first emerged, it was positioned as architecture with regional nature and culture

characteristics. Therefore, the author believes that the study of boutique

hotels/resorts is forward-looking in promoting the development of the tourism industry

on which many Chinese provinces depend.

Based on the existing research on boutique hotels, this paper summarizes the

definition and regional characteristics of it as the foundation of design. The author

then takes the concept of healing as research perspective to explore how human

senses, experiences, and emotions can be utilized to create human-centered design.

It is easy to see that the concept of healing is not only applicable to hospitality design,

people are also eager to imply such function in residential, educational, public and

medical buildings. The strategies summarized in the healing are study are, to some

extent, applicable to other types of architecture, which become the second

significance of this study. Finally, the study focuses on the role played by the

landscape in the healing process. Water features, botanical landscapes interact with

natural elements such as light, wind, and rain to bring a serious of sensory stimuli that

largely promote human emotions, thus achieving a healing effect. However, as

architecture students or practitioners, landscape is often neglected or given the least

priority in the design process. The study attempts to draw people’s attention to

landscape strategies.

Through this study, the author realized that hotel/resort design is a

comprehensible task that encompasses all aspects from site selection, planning,

architectural design, landscape design, and interior design. There are areas that are

not covered in this study, such as how to create the sense of boutique while consider

83
the sustainability of building; can building construction techniques contribute to the

healing process? How do building materials affect the healing atmosphere of a resort?

Those are questions that worth to be considered in future research.

Finally, I sincerely hope that more scholars will join the study of boutique hotels to

provide for their future good development in China. I also expect that boutique resort

have the potential to sustain communities, advance cultural identity, and create

timeless spaces that will ultimately improve modern Chinese life.

84
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China. 2020. “Basic Situation of Tourism

Market in 2019”.

2. Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China. 2022. “Domestic tourism sample survey
statistical results 2021”.

3. Tourism Research Center of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. 2018.

“ The World Tourism Economic Trends Report of 2017”.

4. Liu ShaoJun. 2012. "The Development Advantages and Value Model of Boutique
Hotels in China: A Case Study of Royal Courier Station [J]. Beijing: China
Architecture and Architecture Press.

5. Ren Yang. 2014. “A preliminary study on the architectural design of boutique

hotels in China” [D].

6. Fan Zhiyuan. 2022. Analysis of the current supply situation and market size of
China's boutique hotel industry. Foresight Industry Research Institute.

7. Ministry of Health of China. 2004. "Nutrition and Health status of Chinese

residents".
8. Healing Hotels of the World (HHOW). 2015. “China Healing tourism white paper”.

9. Yu Ting. 2011. "Shanghai Modern Urban Architecture Design Institute Project

Group Boutique Hotel Thematic Research Results Report"[J]. (5): 28-49.

10. Center of Tourism Research and Planning of Peking University. 2012. "Tourism
Planning and Design: Boutique Hotels" [M]. Beijing: China Construction Industry
Press. 6-17.

11. Wang Yi. 2012. Hotel and Hospitality Design [M]. Beijing: China Water
Conservancy and Hydro-power Press.

12. WATG. 2002. "Designing World-Class Resorts". Shenyang: Liao Ning Science
and Technology Press. 1-187.

13. Zhang, Jingqi. 2017. "Research on Resort Architectural Design Based on The
Concept of Wellness".

14. Fu Yongsong, Jin Yongchao, Jiangzheng Yueju. "Absorption and Integration --

Exploring the Influence of Regional Culture on Architectural Design" [J]. Chinese
and Foreign Architecture Press. (1): 78-80.

15. Zhang Tong. 2003. "Holistic Regional Architecture" [M]. Nanjing: Southeast
University Press.

16. Anne M. Schmid&Mary Scoviak-Lerner. 1988. “International Hotel and Resort

85
 Design”[M]. New York : PBC International. 162.

17. Ren Yang, Lu Feng. 2014. The Way of "Boutique"-- Design for Boutique Hotels in
China[J]. Urban Architecture (19): 34-37.

18. Zheng Fulei. 2018. "Research on Architectural Design of Wenfan Boutique Hotel
in Qingyan Ancient Town, Guizhou"

19. Yang Kan. 2013. "Study on the Design of Boutique Resort in Hilly Region".

20. Peng Jie. 2005. "The influence of mountains on urban spatial morphology in
southern hilly areas and its application". Changsha:College of Architecture,
Hunan University. 24-26.

21. Yang Shenchu. 1993. "Hunan Traditional Architecture". Changsha: Hunan

Education Publishing House. 263.

22. Wu Shuai, Tan Fang. 2013. “Discussion on Structural Design of Mountain

Buildings” [J]. (11):38-41.

23. Le Corbusier. 1995. "Vers une Architecture". Allemagne : Flammarion et Cie. 89.

24. Lu Yuanding. 2005. "Exploring the research methods of folk houses from the law
of the formation of traditional folk houses"[J]. Architect.(03):5-7.

25. Zhao Gang. 2001. "Return of regional culture and re-creation of regional
architectural features"[J].

26. Xue Yuan. 2015. "Regional Characterization of Boutique Resorts - An

Interpretation of Kerry Hill's Work".

27. Zhang Jingqi. 2017. "The Research on the architectural design of resort hotel
based on the concept of health".

28. Li Xiaoning. 2014. “Selection and Transformation of Holiday and Health

Maintenance Unit”.

29. Zhu Shouxun. 2010. “Hotel Resort Development and Design”. China
Construction Industry Press: 176-178

30. U. Kirschner. 2006. “Poetic Water Images in Architecture”. WIT Press.

31. Official Account of the Architecture Archive. 2019. "Meet Jean-Michel Gathy:
Local Life between Design and Benefits"

32. Li Daozeng. 1999. "Introduction to Environmental Behavior". Beijing:Tsinghua

University Press. 178-245.

33. Wang, Xing, Han Yi, Lu Yuanding, Yang Gusheng. 2004. "Research on the
Application of Patio Space in the Service Space of Sodern Cultural Architecture".
Chinese Residential Architecture [M]. Guangzhou: South China University of
Technology Press.

34. Zou Yuzen. 2014. "Research on Plant Landscape Design for Rehabilitation
Gardens" [D]. Chongqing University.

86
35. Liu zhiqiang, Tu Suli, Huang Yong. 2004. "Aromatic plants and their garden
applications in East China" [J]. Journal of Suzhou Institute of Science and
Technology (1):60-66

36. He Mingxun.1996. "Resource Botany" [M]. Shanghai: East China Normal

University Press.

37. Li Shuhua. 2010. “Introduction to Horticultural Therapy”. China Forestry Press.

38. Dong Junlan. 2004. "The Resources of Foliage Tree Species in Beijing and Their
Application in Garden" [J]. Practical Forestry Technology: 34-35.

39. Yang Sen. 2016. "The Impact of Horticultural Therapy on the Physical and Mental
Health of Older Adults" [D].

40. Jinsha County people’s government. 2014." Introduction to Jinsha County”.

41. Jinsha County people’s government. 2014. “Jinsha County road and Waterway
Transportation 12th Five-Year Development Plan”.

42. People.cn. 2018. "Guiyang, Chengdu to add convenient passage".

43. Guizhou Architectural Survey and Design Co., LTD. 2020. "Jinsha Andi Hot
Spring Planning Scheme".

44. Cui Fang. 1999. "Cultural Intention of Decorative components of Traditional

Residential Buildings in Northern Guizhou". Guizhou People's Publishing House.

45. Nie Shen. 2010. "Interpreting the Context of Folk Culture in Northern Guizhou
from the Decoration of Local Dwellings in Northern Guizhou".

87