Wellness Center at the Green Lane Recreation Lane
The project is a proposal for a subterranean public bath beneath a Green Lane Recreation Ground with a glazed openings and saunas complex at street level. The proposal sets to re-establish culture of public bathing lidos. Since early 1900 public lidos have played a central role in not only in the area but in the UK.
Drawing inspiration from Scandinavian and Japanese bathing rituals, the off-grid saunas, which fits up to twelve people each, are intended to promote well-being and connect city dwellers to one another and nature. For me – Saunas are places that fascinate, I felt it was natural to explore a space that unites and encourages conversation. Saunas are sacrosanct places where you can discuss all manner of things – from the big to the small.
As populations rise and public spaces continue to shrink, levels of anxiety and loneliness are increasing. The proposal aims to address these urban symptoms through engaging visitors in an intimate public ritual. Through a heightening of sensory awareness, visitors are invited to explore deeper connections to self, to others, and to nature.
For its main concept, the project draws inspiration from the local typology of Hogsmill River, its design was influenced by surrealist painting, The Gold of the Azure by Joan Miro and building technique by Japanese architect/ artist Junya Ishigami.