A Place to Bathe

A Place to Bathe

Objective: Create a space that is userfriendly for everyone (that includes people in and out of wheelchairs.) One of the main purposes for this project was to design a ramp leading into a bathing area. I immediately started drawing in my sketchbook ramps, people in wheelchairs, and pools when I realized I needed some direction. That is where precedent study comes in. Searching the internet, I came across a number of different types of bathing. What really interested me, though, wasn't a bathing ritual at all. I started thinking of different types of gardens. Its very therapeutic to stroll the winding paths, and see different types of vegetation around every corner. I took that idea and abstracted it to the point where the final product didn't even resemble a garden at all, which I'm not ashamed of--that is what happens when designing something. You start with an idea that directs you in a certain way, then once you get going, the executionof that idea morphs and changes into something great, yet at first glance, seems to have nothing to do with the original idea.

artist: Lynn Keddie

Parti




After roughly putting some ideas on paper and taking the precedent research into account, I came up with the idea that I would be designing a space with winding paths that lead gradually down into small pools of water filled with flower petals and relaxing oils. These pools represent the flower bed aspect of gardens. At first, I thought to have the space outside and have vegetation all through it, but I thought the concept was being taken to literally. I wanted to go further with the essence of what I liked about gardens, but gave myself the challenge of trying to keep that essence while not using any vegetation at all in the design. That is there the surrounding wall around the "flower bed" pools came from. It is an abstract interpretation of bushes surrounding flower beds. The walls are made of glass blocks, which are slightly transparent. They allow privacy while still letting in light from the surrounding area.


Sketch Model


Floorplan Sketches


Floorplan


Elevations of Bath Wall


Schedule



Perspectives