Change in Temperature

The Change in Temperature Roman Baths

Another key theme that has emerged through analysis of the literature is the change in the temperature of water as well as the temperature change in the surrounding environment which is seen to be a significant factor that contributes to the sensory connection and emotional wellbeing. According to Peri (2015, p. 254) ‘experience is based on the perception of depth through embodied changes within the environment’. Research has shown that the transition between inside and outside, the idea of experiencing ‘the edge’ and change from hot to cold is a fundamental architectural aspect which creates immersion and a space for tranquillity for the body and mind (Peri, 2015, p. 254).

The Friedrichbad Roman Baths in Baden-Baden explore the change in temperature and sensory experience through the sixteen stages of bathing pleasure. (Figure 13) The naked experience involves the journey through a variety of sensory pools with varying temperatures. Beginning with heat and steam, the body feels cleansed and relaxed, to which cold plunge pools await to maximise the experience (BadenBaden, 2019). This implies that the act of travelling and moving from one place to another builds up the experience of being on ‘the edge’ through the use of temperature. The architectural design stimulates each of the senses as well as creating the feeling of total rejuvenation and improving the wellbeing of the body. Sight is enhanced by each of the sensory pools having a different architectural design and pool environment. According to BadenBaden, 2019 ‘the changing temperatures and varying baths, with their precious thermal waters, guarantee a feeling of total relaxation’ emphasising the positive effects that sensory connections with water can create as well as stimulating the sense of touch and feeling. The relationship between temperature and architecture is successful in creating an impressive and memorable experience.

Fig 13 | Ground Floor Plan- sixteen stages of bathing pleasure, BadenBaden (Ricardo, 2008)

The Change in Temperature Thermal Baths

Peter Zumthor further supports this theme through the architectural design of the Thermal Baths, Vals. ‘Soft water envelops and stimulates as one moves from the main pool set at 32 degrees Celsius, to the fire pool set at 42 degrees Celsius, to the ice pool set at 14 degrees Celsius, and back again’ (Lalonde, 2012). The change in water temperature in each of the individual pools, provides an experience where the ‘wet skin becomes exposed to cool, crisp alpine air’ (Murray, 2007 p. 364) but at the same time still enabling connections with the warm water, creating a playground for the senses. This emphasises the importance of the role of change within the environment which enhances the true relaxation experience in order to create a sensory connection with a unique memorable experience.

Fig 14 | Change in bodily temperature depending on the seasons (Lalonde, 2012)