rómulo neto arquitectos’ sculpted ‘belife’ wellness center is soft and playful

rómulo neto arquitectos introduces its bright and playful ‘belife’ wellness center to the coastal city of aveiro, portugal. the integrated health offices are organized to maximize natural sunlight and are organized into four main programs — integrated medicine, ‘dermatofunctional’ offices, physical therapy, and group classes. secondary areas are organized around the wellness functions including a reception space as well as a living and kitchen area for employees. the interiors are characterized by their softened corner conditions and sculpturally undulating corridor.

images by ivo tavares studio | @ivotavaresstudio

the team at rómulo neto arquitectos designs its belife wellness center with influence from the organic form of the human body. the body is the central focus of the project, both formally and programmatically. the curves are expressed along the interiors in a way that suggests fluidity. the undulating wall which defines the corridor is not only designed as a sculptural feature, but as a functional solution meant to conceal the preexisting protruding pillars. the strategy serves to introduce a softness by filling the hard edges which disrupted the cohesive design language.

rómulo neto arquitectos makes use of color to organize the interiors of its belife wellness center. the four programs are express with colors that correspond to the four elements of earth, air, fire, water. the design team explains: ‘the intention is that those who visit the space, feel good, in communion with nature, with more health and more energy, and that is also the function of the architect, offering through light, shape, textures and colors, emotions and moods that provide a good experience to the user of the space.’

project info:

project title: belife wellness center, integrated health offices

architecture: rómulo neto arquitectos

location: aveiro, portugal

completion: 2021

photography: ivo tavares studio | @ivotavaresstudio