Exploring Materials

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) 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.

In addition, the colour of the water is illuminated by the surrounding materials. The white soft tiles make the crystal clear yet opaque water glow which creates a sense of welcoming and tranquillity. Whilst the materials surrounding the pool are cool and hard, this perhaps forces the individual to enter the water and prepares them for the experience.

The sense of depth and built design of the pool allows for the individual to feel enveloped by the water and somewhere one can experience how the water holds and supports the body, reinforcing respondent C’s experiences of being in water and how this has benefited his personal health conditions.

Fig 32 | Water is illuminated by the surrounding materials (Author’s Own, 2020)

‘Material is endless’ (Zumthor, 2006, pg. 25)