For Charrette 03 we were to design one potential room of the future bath house we would be designing. The design was to relate to whatever we came up with for Charrette 02 and was to be designed anthropomorphically to an “average” woman.

The criteria was to include both a steam room area and a pool area. Since the space needed only to accomodate one or two people at time, I chose join these two elements of the program.

The steam area sits atop the bath area. Their combination, as well as the slatted nature of the structure, was derived from the geometry of Charrette 02. This combination of hot and cold creates a complimentig juxtaposition within the small space. Each space compliments engags the other not only aesthetically, but emotionally as well. The lower bathing space doubles as seating within the steam area while creating a secluded, private space. The patron must descend into the space without being able to see where she is going but is ultimately rewarded with a serene view to the valley below. Perched precariously over the valley, the bathing area creates the most intimate, secluded space.

It is inextricably linked to the steam area, however. Not only is it physically linked, but a patron must engage this cold bath before even stepping into the steam area because the water lever is at the same level as the floor of the steam area. One must walk through this cold water to enter the space.

The steam area itself is perched facing a the town below. Its slatted nature is meant to mimick the wooded site and on a foggy day this steam and fog join to create the illusion of being one. While the bath is meant to isolate the patron, the steam room assimilates her to the sites surroundings.

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