Understanding Materials

Understanding Materials Thermal Baths

Fig 04 and 05 | Relationship with water and stone, Thermal Baths, Vals (Martin, 2014)

One key theme that has emerged throughout the literature is the connection between architectural design, water and materials and how this enhances and stimulates all the senses to improve emotional wellbeing. Given that experiences are carved out by perception as well as physical elements, it is important to understand how architectural design connects with the building and the individual (Merleau-Ponty, 1962, p. xiv). This area of literature has been surprisingly neglected given that the majority of literature focuses on materials rather than the sensory connections that are created through the use of different types of materials.

Peter Zumthor is known for his sensory materials and immersive experiences, highlighting the importance of architectural building materials to create an atmosphere and sensory experience (Lalonde, 2012).

The Thermal baths, located in Vals, Switzerland, explore the idea of cleansing, bathing and the use of natural materials to create a place of memory and relaxation. Although water is not considered as a building material, here it is integral to the architectural design, creating significant connections throughout the building. This can be identified when Hauser, Zumthor and Binet states that ‘stone forms a room; the room of stone contains water; light filters through in chosen places and the stone lights up; the water begins to shine, sometimes like a mirror, sometimes like a solid mass – and there it is, this ambience, this special atmosphere’ (Hauser et al. 2007, p. 145). In this comment, it is clear that the relationship between materials and water is a significant factor that influences the connection between architectural design, water and the individual. In this way valuable knowledge is obtained of how each pool environment is unique in order to create memorable experiences that stimulates freedom and wellbeing. However, one key limitation is that Zumthor does not address the sensory connection that materials have on the individual from a first person perspective

Fig 06 and 07 | Relationship with water and stone, Thermal Baths, Vals (Martin, 2014)

Understanding Materials Mineral Pools

Similarly, it has been identified that water, with its many attributes, is the key material that creates an experience and stimulates the senses when immersing in mineral pool environments.

The Blue Lagoon retreat, Grindavik, located in Iceland focuses and celebrates the warm turquoise water that pooled on the lava rocks and silica-heavy soil in the 1970’s (Beautyman, 2018). Constructed from natural building materials, such as wood, lava and mineral water, the Blue Lagoon sits in harmony with the surroundings, connecting with all elements to sooth the body and to create an inviting experience (Gunnarsdóttir, 2018). When Basalt Architects stated that ‘we knew the biggest draw is really the water’ (Beautyman, 2018), this highlights the success of how the architecture connects with natural elements, which ultimately improves the overall experience. It can also be seen that the vapour created by the water within the mineral pool brings many benefits for the skin due to its natural healing effect, connecting with the individual as well improving emotional wellbeing (Beautyman, 2018). This supports Zumthor’s intent of connecting the water with the architectural design.

Fig 08 and 09 | Natural mineral water connecting with architectural design and natural elements, Blue Lagoon, Iceland (Griffiths, 2018)

‘Experience the wonder’ (Blue Lagoon, 2020)

Active Experience However, to appreciate the effects of the architectural design of the pool environment to the fullest, and to design a sensory experience that is both inventive and appropriate, it can be seen that the experience must be active. Peri (2015, p. 254) states that ‘the interplay between the perceiver and the surrounding is active’. This is emphasised through the Thermal Baths, Vals. Made up of fifteen rectangular stone blocks, each space is used to represent a different activity for instance, cleansing, relaxing and bathing (Hauser et all, 2007, p. 87). ‘Each is a different world that holds its own surprise’ (Hauser et all, 2007, p. 87). Through the idea of perception, it can be concluded that the moment of discovery and physical change plays an important role when creating an experience.

Fig 10 | Active experience, idea of cleansing and connecting with water, Thermal Baths, Vals (Circle Wellness, 2020)

Fig 11 | Spaces used for different activities, idea of relaxing, Thermal Baths, Vals (Marris, 2017)

Fig 12 | Idea of bathing and relaxing, away from the rush of everyday life, Thermal Baths, Vals (Philippou, 2010)