The geometries in the midterm proposal weren’t really working for me. The irregularity of the layout resulted in some awkward spaces, and at no point in the midterm version was there a space where the entirety of the project really opened up and gave the patron a sense of scale: the entire thing seemed like it would become a collection of cramped rooms.

For the final proposal, then, I implemented a much more linear parti, limiting my use of angles only to the places they seemed needed. As a result, the entire program seems to flow better and the effect of a bath house cascading down the mountain seems to be more strongly implied. Also, the entrance to the main bath areas after the changing rooms becomes a double height lofted space, unifying the programs and creating an “anchor” for the entire structure.

This also allowed for an almost doubling of available area within the project. Roofs of lower levels become the decks of upper level creating a duality of experiences; those within the structure and those on the structure. The patron is invited to experience either the interior baths and spas with their selective views, or the exterior pools and decks, exposing him or her self to the surrounding elements.

Because of the pristine site proposed for the project, I wanted the bath house to appear to blend into the mounainside. The idea was to have the patron approach the bath house and continually discover something as he or she made their way through the structure. The bath house, then becomes a part of the hillside and appears to be a natural rocky formation tumbling down the mountain side.

For starters, the program is evolved linearly, beginning high on the mountainside and gradually stepping down to the main bath areas. The entrance is prominent, but the rest of the structure is secluded, at times literally buried within, within the mountainside. The patron is introduced to the structure on a serene entry step where he or she can appreciate the views of the natural beauty surrounding them, but is then asked to descend into the mounain, literally, to go through the main lobby and changing facilities. This is meant as a transition point for the patron.

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To reach the baths the patron must literally travel through the mounain and trek through the changing rooms meant to not only as physical changing rooms, but as areas to change the patrons mood before entering the main spaces.

Exiting the changing spaces, the rest of the structure is meant to evoke a sense of discovery, both of self and of structure. The bath house takes many turns as it snakes its way down the mountain, and this is meant to mimick natural cave formations. Behind every turn there is a programatic reward, adding the the sense of discovery. The cave-like atmosphere is punctuated at times, as in the main pool and numerous decks, by expansive opennings exhibiting the views beyond the hillside, connecting the patron to the environment. The experience culminates at the open air baths which are open to views of the valley below.

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Western view of my never-quite-finished model.

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Southern view of my never-quite-finished model.

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View of main lower bath area on my never-quite-finished model.

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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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We had to produce drawings, create two presentation boards, and create “conceptual models” of the project. These models were not meant to be literal interpretations of the work, but rather intended to evoke the spiritual and conceptual nature of our chosen projects.

The layout for the boards was done by Hugo and Alex, I’m pretty sure. Here are the three boards:

• Board One
• Board Two
• Board Three

These are the two conceptual models I came up with:

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