Genesis, final project Workbook by Encarni Muñoz Cabello at Marbella Design Academy

A FUTURE 

FOR MARBELLA 

INT63_2FMP 

Marbella Design Academy 

By Encarni Muñoz Cabello

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

01 02 03 

07 08 09 

BRIEF SITE LOCATION PROBLEM 

INSPIRATION 

BOARD 

MATERIAL 

BOARD 

RENDERS 

04 05 06 

10 11 

12 

SOLUTION / 

CONCEPT 

CONCEPT 

DEVELOPMENT 

TECHNICAL 

DRAWINGS 

BRANDING 

VIDEO 

CONCLUSION

01 

m a r b e l l a 

The aim of this project was to design a future for Marbella to the original 

project proposal from 2008 called ¨ La Bajadilla ¨. 

Marbella´s fishing port ¨ La Bajadilla ¨ was planned to be transformed into 

a new sleek, high-tech marina, which would expand the capacity of the 

existing port, allowing luxury cruise liners as a higher class of society to 

dock at what is considered one of the most luxurious places in the world. 

Figure 1 

The aim of this project was to design a future for Marbella to the original project proposal from 

2008 called ¨ La Bajadilla ¨. 

BRIEF 

Marbella´s fishing port ¨ La Bajadilla ¨ was planned to be transformed into a new sleek, high-tech 

marina, which would expand the capacity of the existing port, allowing luxury cruise liners as a 

higher class of society to dock at what is considered one of the most luxurious places in the world. 

1 

A FUTURE FOR MARBELLA 


2

02 

Marbella remains one of the most luxurious cities in Spain, a place where every year millionaires 

from around the world meet to spend their holidays and enjoy all the delights offered by 

this beautiful city. Well-known is Puerto Banus, situated a few kilometres from Marbella. 

The contract to enlarge Marbella´s La Bajadilla marina has been awarded to Nasir Bin Abdullah & Sons. 

This temporary consortium was headed by Sheikh Abdullah Al-Thani, a member of the 

Qatari royal family and owner of Malaga FC. With a cost of €84 million this would be the 

first harbour development in Andalucía that is funded with both public and private money. 

The main characteristic of this project was to reinterpret its goal, strengthening it 

and qualifying it as a strategic “new centrality” both in its urban and territorial scale. 

The construction of a spectacular exterior dyked formed in a circle 

of a 911m and surrounding the whole area of the current port. 

The plot I chose was the triangular plot because it is the one with the best access from the sea, it 

has good views and it is the most interesting plot of the port because of its shape, with which I can 

challenge myself, as it is not a simple square or rectangle. 

My area to work with was 37m x 52m x 63m allowing me to have around 1355m2. 

SITE LOCATION 

LA BAJADILLA 

Figure 2 

3 A FUTURE FOR MARBELLA A FUTURE FOR MARBELLA 

4

03 

MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS 

ANXIETY AND STRESS DISORDER: THE EVILS OF THE 21ST CENTURY 

According to statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO) there were some 

264 million people affected by anxiety and stress disorders worldwide, a pathology 

that in Spain, the health authorities recognize has grown by 15% since 2005. 

Also, after the pandemic anxiety and stress disorder have worsened, becoming as one of the 

biggest problems in society nowadays. The figures have tripled compared to the previous year, 

increasing to 22%. So, I asked myself: 

Have you ever thought about all the time that we spend inside buildings? 

The WHO calculated that it’is between 80% and 90% of the time that we are awake, which is why 

it is so important that our emotional and physical health is considered when these places are 

designed. Also, the pandemic has highlighted the environmental influence on emotional health. 

80% 90% 

problem 

For this reason I wanted to focus on the design of the building because it is crucial to solve these 

problems and the well being of the humans. 

5 A FUTURE FOR MARBELLA 


6

04 

S P A C E N T E R 

The idea to solve my problem was to create a Spa Center, in which people can relax and enjoy. 

WHY A SPA CENTER ? 

SOLUTION - CONCEPT 

A Spa center is a perfect place in which you can relax, rest, clear your mind 

and connect with your soul. As a function for my building this is the solution 

but in terms of design the solution to my problem is neuroarchitecture. 

N E U R O A R C H I T E C T U R E 

THE FUTURE OF ARCHITECTURE 

Neuroarchitecture is the application of neuroscience to architecture. This discipline allows us 

to study the cognitive-emotional state of the users in architectural spaces and, therefore, 

the effect that the different design variables have, in a more objective and exhaustive way ”. 

A relationship that is based on the fact that the artificial element has a significant impact on the 

mind and the entire psycho-emotional system. “Neuroscience analyzes the functioning and behavior 

of the human brain and architecture creates spaces for the human being, that is the connection. 

When design and architecture take into account the aspects with which the brain is 

comfortable, a series of physiological reactions linked to well-being are triggered. 



8

04 

This new branch of architecture, in which it work hand in hand with 

scientists, seeks to understand how the environment modifies our emotions, 

thoughts or behaviors. It is closely linked to sustainable architecture. 

Neuroarchitecture develops how built space affects cognitively. For this reason, natural 

and sustainable spaces will always be more beneficial for our health and, of course for 

the environment. 

SOLUTION - CONCEPT 

Neuroarchitecture establishes key aspects when configuring spaces to ensure that the mind 

is relaxed. Lighting, green areas, colors and ceilings are the keys of neuroarchitecture. 

-Lighting: Light attracts the human being, so it is a key element that will 

guide the individual in his experience in the building. Natural light helps 

people to concentrate and creates a kinder environment than artificial light. 

-Green Spaces: Together with natural light, human contact with green 

areas helps to open the mind, increase concentration and promote calm. 

The views to the outside of the buildings improve the mood of the people. 

-Colors: Colors influence and condition people's moods, so it is essential to study 

the effect of different shades on our brain and thus use them in the most efficient 

way. Green, blue, yellow and pink tones close to nature reduce stress, increase 

the feeling of comfort and affect the perception of space as a healthy building. 

-Ceilings: High ceilings reduce stress and the feeling of being enclosed. Also 

the sharp angles of the buildings favor the appearance of stress or anxiety, 

however, the curves or soft contours give us a feeling of security and comfort. 

- Architectural Elements: The marked angles of the buildings favor the appearance of stress 

or anxiety in the face of curves or soft contours that give us a feeling of security and comfort. 

LIGHTING 

CEILINGS 

ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS 

GREEN SPACES 

COLORS 

Figure 3 Figure 4 


Healthy buildings are not only those that use materials that are beneficial to the natural 

environment and human beings. It is also essential to achieve the best synergies between 

the human and structural factors of buildings to build efficient and happy spaces. 

For this reason, I chose neuroarchitecture as my concept and solution. It is perfect as concept and 

solution because it is innovative, sustainable and futuristic in terms of the future of archirecture. 



10

so 

05 

CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT 

This is my plot, in 

which I wanted to 

take advantage as 

much as possible. 

After that, I added a 

slope on the roof to 

play with a sunlight 

strategy, to get natural 

light from anywhere 

in the building. 

I curved the edges to 

avoid straight lines and 

have curved lines as my 

concept. Curved lines 

reduce stress and give 

safety and comfort. 

Finally, I divided 

the building into 3 

differents 

volumes, 

to obtained more 

natural ligth, more 

open spaces and also 

play with the sunlight 

strategy and the 

height of the ceilings. 

Then I converted it 

After, I designed an 

in a volume, to see 

open 

space in the 

better my design 

middle, to obtained 

and the building. 

natural light inside 

the building as 

much as possible. 

I chose this design, because it had connection with my concept, using different 

strategies such as a slope to play with different heights of the ceilings, a volume 

divided into 3 different buildings to obtained sunlight as much as possible 

and 

curved lines that it is one of the principles keys of neuroarchitecture. 

11 11 A FUTURE FOR MARBELLA A FUTURE FOR MARBELLA 

12

06 

TECHNICAL DRAWINGS 

L E G E N D 

1. Spa Area 

2. Zen Area 

3. Beauty Area 

3 

1 

2 

This is the site plan, in which we can appreciate everything that surrounding the 

building. Also , as you can see, we have the dimensions of the plot, 37m x 52m x 

63m allowing me to have around 1355m2. The building is divided into 3 diferent parts. 

The main part is the Spa Area, the second one is the Zen Area, then we have the 

Beauty Area and finally the outdoor space, in which all the buildings are connected. 



14

06 

This is the floor plan of the ground 

floor with all the dimensions. 

The Spa has 501m2, the Zen Area 

has 165 m2, the Beauty Area has 

183m2 and the outdoor area has 

493m2, in total we have 1355m2. 


´ 

´ 



16

06 

This is the floor plan of the ground floor 

in which you can see the distribution 

of all the differents areas. Also it is 

visible the harmonic and curved lines 

which I designed the different spaces to 

obtained the feeling of well being, relax 

and peace just looking at the building. 

I divided into 3 different spaces to 

have separated areas, in which you 

can have different experiences. 

In the main building we have 

the spa, the sauna room, the 

toilets and the changing rooms. 

The Zen area, is more focus to connect 

with your soul, doing meditation and yoga. 


´ 

´ 

The third one, is the Beauty Area, 

focus in beauty and aesthetic clinics. 

Finally we have the connection between 

the 3 different buildings in the middle 

of the plot, the outdoor area, in 

which people can meet and enjoy. 



18

06 

This is the floor plan of the first 

floor 

with all of the dimensions 

of the different spaces. 

In this case we have just first floor 

in the main building the Spa Area and 

the Beauty Area, because the Zen 

space it doesn´t have enough heigh 

ceilings to have the feeling that I 

wanted to transmit so it has just 

the ground floor with high ceilings. 




20

06 

This is the floor plan of the first floor, 

in which we can appreciate the upper 

floor. In the Spa building we have the 

sauna room and the changing room. The 

Zen building doesn´t have first floor 

because of the heights of the ceilings, 

in which I need high celings.The Beauty 

Area, we havee the aesthetic clinic 

room in which we have more privacy. 




22

´ 

´ 

06 

´ 


This is the section AA´ in which you can see with more details the inside 

of the buildings, The Spa and the Zen Areas, also you can appreciate 

the inclination of the slope, with which I wanted the sunlight strategy. 

´ 



24

´ 

´ 

06 

´ 


This is the section BB´, in which you can see with more details the 

inside of the Zen building 

and the Beauty building. Also, in this section 

is more visible than in the section AA´ 

the inclination of the slope. 

´ 



26

06 


+ 10 

+ 8,28 

+ 7,11 

This is the elevation A, in which you can see with details how 

looks like the building with materials and all the surroundings. 

Also is visible the inclination of the slope , as in the last sections. 

+ 5,30 



28

06 


This is the section B, in which is visible the main facade of 

the Genesis Spa Center with all the surroundings of the Port. 

+ 5,30 



30

so 

07 

inspiration board 

Figure 7 

Figure 8 


I got inspired by harmonic shapes 

with rhythm combined with green 

spaces , open spaces and pink 

pastel tones as my concept. 



32

08 

material board 

ECOLOGICAL 

CONCRETE 

WOOD 

PINK PASTEL 

GLASS 

The materials that I chose for my project were 

the 

ecological concrete, wood and pastel pink ecological paint. 

Green concrete is a form of eco-friendly concrete that is 

manufactured using waste or residual materials from different 

industries, and requires less amount of energy for production. 

Compared to traditional concrete, it produces less carbon 

dioxide, and is considered cheap and more durable. The aim 

of using green concrete is to lessen the burden on natural 

resources, and increase dependency on recyclable materials. 

There are numerous reasons why wood is an eco-friendly 

option. From retaining heat to having a positive effect on our 

mental health, and this is one of my principle goal of design. 

I chose pink pastel tones because colors is a key of 

neuroarchitecture and has influence in our menta health 

depends of the tones and colors. The color pink is a relaxing 

color that influences feelings, inviting them to be kind, soft and 

deep, and thus inducing us to feel affection, love and protection. 

Finally I used mirrored glass, in which if you are outside you can 

not see the inside, but if you are inside you can enjoy the views. 



34

s 

09 

The reception of Genesis Spa Center, is an environment in which you enter 

in and you can feel peace and relax with its structure, harmonic shapes with 

rhythm, materials, colors, green spaces, natural light and high ceilings. 

It has all the principle keys of neuroarchitecure, so the goal of well being 

is more than achieved .The ecological concrete simulating a natural rock in 

the walls, the ecological concrete painted with pink pastel tones, creates 

a beautiful contrast, in which the user feel good and relax. Also the green 

spaces looks like if you are in the middle of the nature and breathe fresh air. 

R E C E P T I O N 

RENDERS 



36

s 

09 

Genesis Spa, is the perfect place to well being. You can enjoy the views, 

relax and feel the peace, reducing any type of stress and axiety. 

It has natural light thanks to its mirrored 

glass windows that has one part of the facade. 

SPA 

RENDERS 



38

s 

09 

SAUNA 

The sauna, is a 

beautiful place, in which you can feel relax 

looking to its harmonic shapes which have rhythm and elegance. 

Also all the entire room is made by wood, which transmit 

good feelings, having 

positive effects in our mental health. 

The massage room, is a beautiful place, in which you 

can have the feeling of being surrounded by the nature 

and enjoy the beuatiful sunsets while you are relaxing. 

MASSAGE ROOM 

RENDERS 


40

s 

09 

The Beauty Salon is the perfect place to take care of yourself 

and pamper yourself, being relaxed and enjoy the views. 

The outdoor area, is the common space between all the 3 

buildings, in which it is produced a connection between all of them. 

Also is the perfect place to meet and enjoy with other people. 

BEAUTY SALON 

RENDERS 

OUTDOOR 



42

s 

10 

branding 

Genesis Spa Center is the branding of this project. Genesis meaning 

`` the origin or mode of formation of something´´ which that means that Genesis Spa 

Center is the origin of the future of architecture, from which neuroarchitecture is 

born, the fusion of the human mind and architecture to achieve human well-being. 



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11 12 

To see the video, clik on the link: https://youtu.be/xcS9Yh_dqUY 

In conclusion, I am really proud of what I have been able to achieve 

during these three years. Also, the last one, it has been more difficult 

than the rest of the years because I have been working while I have 

been studing, but finally I am here, working and finshing my interior 

architecture degree. Last but not least, thank my teachers for 

the support and really helped me grow up and expand my learning 

capacity to keep achieving the best. It has been a very nice experience 

video 

CONCLUSION 


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FIGURE 1: https://acortar.link/wrZdx 

FIGURE 2: https://acortar.link/wrZdx 

FIGURE 3: https://acortar.link/URxGV 

FIGURE 4: https://acortar.link/GZkZX 

FIGURE 5: https://acortar.link/KvWIf 

FIGURE 6: https://acortar.link/y1zH1 

FIGURE 7: https://acortar.link/l6Nr5 

FIGURE 8: https://acortar.link/P535q 

FIGURE 9: https://acortar.link/JbIgk 

FIGURE 11: https://acortar.link/JbIgk 

The rest of the document is made my Encarni Muñoz Cabello. 

references 

By encarni muñoz cabello 


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Genesis, final project Workbook by Encarni Muñoz Cabello at Marbella Design Academy

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