BÖLEBADET
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Type
Examensarbete för masterexamen
Master's Thesis
Master's Thesis
Model builders
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Abstract
This thesis explores how a public river
bath in Umeå, Sweden, can be designed
to accommodate the traditional Nordic
bathing rituals, and how architecture that
encourages sensory experience can create
a stronger connection to the natural
surroundings.
Located close to the city centre of Umeå,
about 2 kilometres upstream, lies a small
set of islets called Bölesholmarna. These
islets are part of a recreational walking trail
connecting the north and the south side of
the river. The cold bathing facility will float
just outside of the western point of the
islets and can be viewed as an extension
of this trail, thereby connecting the bath to
the busy city centre through another outdoor
activity. The design of the building
creates a connection with the surrounding
environment, directing the attention to
the river and encouraging visitors to slow
down and appreciate the natural beauty of
the area. The history of log driving on the
site will be explored and used as reference
in the building’s façade.
The design of the building is based on the
notion that partaking in a ritual can
strengthen the connection to place through
repetition and sensory experiences. By
designing for the traditional act of sauna
bathing, a deeper connection between
people and their environment can be evoked.
The thesis will therefore cover the background
and history of the Swedish sauna
bathing, as well as aim to describe why it
has become such an important and integral
part of our culture. By mapping out its
historical and cultural importance, the goal
of the thesis is to use it as a design tool,
and through research by design propose a
space meant for the experience of the
ritual. And by doing so further enhancing our
presence in nature, in order to take better
care of our planet and ourselves.
Description
Keywords
sauna | cold bathing | ritual | culture | sensory experience |