Designer Gwenael Nicola is involved in a wide range of designs, from interior and architecture to product design for stores for high fashion brands around the world such as Dolce & Gabbana and Fendi, as well as for GINAZA SIX, restaurants, and hotels. He has been based in Japan for over 20 years, building a unique worldview with his unique perspective. He also knows everything about Japanese aesthetics, Japanese architecture and culture, and by combining them with his own designs, he always gives us fresh experiences and surprises.

As we continue to live in self-restraint, we sometimes find ourselves missing nature. This is proof that nature has a positive effect on the brain, and it seems to be scientifically proven. As my desire to go on a trip and soak in a hot spring was growing, I learned about SEN RESORT, a resort project that is so dramatic that I have never seen it before. This is a concept for a resort created by Curiosity, a design studio led by French designer Gwenaël Nicolas, which does not actually exist. However, when you look at this plan, you can see the ideal form of Japan's next resort. Gwenael Nicola said that Japanese resorts lack the vivid experience and special feeling that nature provides.

"SEN RESORT" combines Japanese hospitality and nature.
A new resort project that combines modern design

``There are many wonderful hotels and inns in Japan, but I don't think there are any dramatic resorts where nature hits you.I grew up in a small town surrounded by nature in Brittany, France. I feel that nature is not only beautiful, but also more passionate and harsh.However, that is why the energy that nature emits is powerful and gives us great power when we are tired. When I went surfing or went on a trip with my family to a place surrounded by nature, I chose not to go to a beautiful, well-maintained resort but next to a cliff or a waterfall. It's a resort located in the middle of untouched nature.The time you spend in a place like this is sure to become an unforgettable memory.Japan is full of magnificent unexplored nature. We thought that by fusing modern design with the best of Japanese hospitality, we could create a new, one-of-a-kind resort."

Although there are no clients for the resort project ``SEN RESORT'' yet, he says that once the location is decided, it will be easy to complete the project to suit the location.
“Everything about SEN is dramatic.The entrance is a glass bridge over a rushing river.The restaurant, guest rooms, pool, and spa all look like boats floating on the river, and the bar is surrounded by a waterfall that splashes with water. It's right in front of you. No matter where you are, you can feel the rushing water and the looming mountains right next to you...I'm sure you'll be overwhelmed by the power of this place. The rain, the snow, and the wind are all part of the hotel. Guests will feel this with their bodies.Of course, we will carefully consider safety aspects, so please rest assured."

``This is a Japanese resort, so we make use of the techniques and spirituality of Japanese architecture. Imagine a Japanese temple or inn. From the outside, you can't see the size and depth of the inside, but once you go inside, you can see the depth. The scenery you see changes every time you turn a corner, and the view from the window offers a view of the world that could not be created from outside.This flexible idea is very fresh and exciting. Living is also a characteristic of Japan.The Japanese-style rooms can be partitioned with sliding doors and the purpose can be changed at will, and the food stalls are compact and can be moved around.This idea has been applied to the guest rooms at SEN so that they can be used depending on the time and purpose. Part of the tatami mat can be raised and lowered to provide a sofa during the day, a futon at night, and a bath that appears from below when needed.The three restaurants can be moved around depending on the season or purpose. The landscape will also change.”
After a certain period of time, all the buildings will be removed and returned to their natural state. Enjoy nature while protecting it. This flexibility and philosophy may become essential for new resorts.

SORANO HOTEL, which opened in Tachikawa in June 2020, was also designed by Gwenael Nicolas. Taking full advantage of the location overlooking Showa Kinen Park, the lobby is designed to resemble a glamping tent, creating a space where you can experience nature. The rooftop infinity pool is especially impressive.

``It feels really good when you step into the pool, which feels like it's fused with the sky.I don't think there's any need for extra design here.There's no design that can beat nature, so I carefully subtracted all the designs. It's a brave decision for a designer."
Gwenael Nicola tells us that it's wonderful to live a flexible way of life, ``surrendering yourself to nature and accepting things as they are.'' I can't wait to go to the new resort he is creating.

(Titles omitted)

Gwenael Nicola
Graduated from ESAG Penninghen Interior Design Department (Paris) in 1988 and Royal College of Art Product Design Department (London) in 1991, and came to Japan in the same year. After working as a freelancer, he founded Curiosity in 1998. He has worked on a wide range of projects, from interior design and architecture to cosmetics and graphic design, and is developing store designs for overseas prestige brands worldwide. His work collections ``CURIOSITY ESSENCE'' (Loft Publications) and ``CURIOSITY SENSE'' (Parco Publishing) have also been published.