Commissioned by the City Council of Ourense, in Galicia, Spain, Amusement Logic has developed an aquatic and thermal complex that aims to recoup for the city the old Municipal Slaughterhouse and adjacent buildings, currently in disuse. The overall objective of the project is to use this urban space for leisure and tourism, not only for the citizens of Ourense, but also for visitors and tourists. The plot, on the north side of the Miño River, faces south and is therefore sunny for most of the day, which makes it an ideal location for a facility of this type. It is also very accessible, being next to the main road and just a few metres from the city’s train station. Finally, to avoid the seasonal nature of the area’s climate and to allow it to operate 365 days a year, the tourist complex will have an outdoor and indoor areas.
Theming in accordance with the Roman past of the city
The origin of the city of Ourense dates back to the 1st century, when the Roman army arrived in Galicia and settled there attracted by the gold deposits and hot springs. Therefore, in honour of this Roman imperial past, the theming of the new aquatic and thermal complex of Ourense is inspired by the architecture of the Roman period.
An aquatic and thermal park for all audiences
The design of the aquatic and thermal complex of Ourense is aimed at satisfying a full range of public, from families with children, to adults and youngsters. Within this general orientation, we distinguish two groups: the public formed by residents, who will enjoy the aquatic and thermal experiences at any time of the year, and visitors who come on holiday in summer. For this reason, as we have said, the tourist complex has an open-air area and an indoor area. In addition, to meet the demands of this varied public, we have incorporated into the project a children’s area, a swimming and family area, a water slide area, an aquatic relaxation area, and a restaurant area. All that remains to be added to these are the service facilities and a two-storey car park, sufficient for the comfort of all users.
Children’s water play area
We have strategically placed the children’s area next to the main entrance, adjacent to the changing rooms, for the comfort and safety of the little ones and their families. It consists of a shallow water area, with bridges, hidden slides, ruins, water-spraying animals, cannons and many other water games. The area has adapted places for parents to accompany their children in a refreshing and entertaining environment.
Slide area for youngsters
The slides, typically attractions for teenagers and youngsters, are integrated into the complex thanks to careful theming. Artificial rocks, themed elements and vegetation will blend them with the environment, according to the general history of the Roman past of Ourense. Finally, as it is an area of intense activity, screams and diving, we have placed it at a sufficient distance from the rest of the areas of the water and thermal park, away from the places for relaxation and tranquility.
Family, swimming and aquatic relaxation area
This is an area between rocks and waterfalls, streams and waterfalls that give visual homogeneity to the whole ensemble, with swimming pools, solariums and spaces for rest and relaxation, with shades and open places to enjoy the sun. Among the facilities, visitors and residents will also find jacuzzis, neck jets, water beds and elements for other complementary activities, always with Roman bath theming.
Themed restaurant area
The restaurant area, according to our design, is located near the family area, with access from both the indoor thermal centre and the entrance building. The project anticipates that the restaurant will be independently accessible, also outside the operating hours of the aquatic and thermal complex. With a carefully selected culinary offer, based on the rich local cuisine, the restaurant will function as a lure for potential customers of the complex. Once again, the Roman period will provide the thematic treatment for its architecture and therefore the area will be integrated with the overall visual style of the leisure and tourism complex. Ponds and waterfalls will enliven the atmosphere of the site, while large glass windows will offer views over the open water area.
An aquatic summer cinema and a rock climbing wall
To make the most of the outdoor facilities of the water park, we propose two special attractions: a very unique summer cinema and a climbing wall. Indeed, the car park’s façade is an ideal area for showing summer cinema, so that visitors can watch a film while resting on a float or bathing. This is a unique activity in the region, which will act as an lure for visitors, something they will only be able to do in this leisure and tourism complex. On the same façade, we are adding a climbing wall to extend the park’s offer. Both activities will help to prolong visits to the water park, which will make it more profitable, either by offering year-round activities, such as the climbing wall, or by allowing the restaurant to offer a dinner service, in the case of the summer cinema.
