A thermal spa, private apartments, commercial rental properties, and later a rehabilitation clinic: the spa district in Baden is multifaceted. Simon Rimann, project manager for the Baden spas, knows what this means for facility management and what challenges arise.
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Simon Rimann, Project Manager for Facility Management at the Baden Water Park, Bad Zurzach + Baden Health Promotion Foundation
Mr. Rimann, you’ve been managing the facility management of the new thermal baths for the Bad Zurzach + Baden Health Promotion Foundation since September 2022. What makes this workplace special?
Definitely the atmosphere and the ambiance. It’s a self-contained neighborhood, almost like a small island - that’s what makes it so special. And then, of course, the blend of old and new. From a facility management perspective, it’s the versatility that makes the Bäderquartier so unique. With the FORTYSEVEN and the associated tasks of welcoming and accommodating spa guests, as well as supporting private and commercial tenants in the other buildings, this assignment presents a wide range of challenges.
The building, designed by star architect Mario Botta, relies on natural materials. What challenges does this pose for facility management?
It’s a very complex building that demands a great deal of expertise, but that’s also what makes it exciting. Aesthetics and practicality don’t always go hand in hand. A practical example: The ceilings are very high, and accessing the technical systems - such as lighting or alarms - can be challenging. After all, how do you set up scaffolding when there’s a pool right underneath it? This is simply not your run-of-the-mill building, and you’re always tinkering with something. The special flooring poses challenges for the cleaning staff. And the thermal water itself - with its high mineral content - is a challenge for the technical team. And I have to admit: I’m impressed by the expertise that ISS has developed after just over a year.
What specific role does ISS play in this complex environment?
ISS provides us with the complete operational package. In addition to comprehensive FM services, ISS works closely with the on-site staff - and thus with the facility operator. From the owner’s perspective, ISS is the ideal partner, as our collaboration is based on partnership and a service-oriented approach. ISS’s experience really shines through, especially when the unexpected happens: everything proceeds in a very structured manner, and response times are quick. And with the opening of the rehabilitation clinic at Verenahof, the scope of our collaboration will continue to grow.
365 days a year, the ISS team ensures hygiene and cleanliness at the thermal spa.
ISS employees perform certain tasks while the spa is open and therefore work relatively close to spa guests. What’s important here?
Facility management is a key service for building operations. And since our core business is welcoming and accommodating guests, this service also has a direct impact on that core business. That’s why it’s important for ISS employees to understand and embody the operator’s values. Although the uniforms say “ISS,” ultimately ISS and the operator’s employees form a team - and guests perceive both as one. That’s why we maintain close communication, express our wishes, and ISS implements them accordingly.
What is your interim assessment, just under a year and a half after the opening?
We’re very satisfied. The interesting thing about the service industry is that you usually only get direct feedback from customers when something isn’t going well. And in fact, we receive very little negative feedback. That’s very encouraging. However, guests can really only evaluate the visible part of the spa. But once you’ve been down in the catacombs and seen the scale of the building’s technical systems for yourself, you begin to understand the additional challenges this building presents. And the ISS technicians are mastering these challenges behind the scenes with flying colors.
Bäderquartier
The spa district looks back on at least 2,000 years of history as a spa resort - even the Romans used the local thermal springs for healing purposes. Today, the area - located directly on the Limmat River - is home to the FORTYSEVEN wellness spa, a mixed-use residential and commercial building offering various medical services, as well as another facility that will open its doors as a rehabilitation clinic in the foreseeable future. The common thread: All facilities located in the Bäderquartier prioritize human well-being above all else.