Exploring Materials
Fig 31 | Relationship with water, materials and skin, when the body connects with the walls of the tiled walls of the pool (Author’s Own, 2020)
‘There are a thousand different possibilities in one material alone’ (Zumthor, 2006, pg. 45) 52 | Experiencing Water
As can be seen from figure 33 and 34, the relationship between water, tiles and skin ‘is strengthened and articulated by this constant interaction’ (Pallasma, 2012, pg.44). When the body connects with the white glossy tiles of the walls, the water interacts with the body and materials, providing a soft gentle surface that enhances the sense of touch. This results in the smooth materiality creating a calming environment that can ultimately improve health and wellbeing. Literature relating to experiences has suggested that ‘architecture involves several realms of sensory experience which interact and fuse into each other’ (Pallasma, 2012, pg. 45). The fusion of touch and sight enhances the experience of a pool environment. Through phenomenology and the experience of being immersed in water, it is evident that the relationship between water, materials and skin within a pool environments creates a playground for the senses where memories and moments are created.
