Bring back the water; a phenomenological adaptation of an old water plant into spa and café

Abstract

We interact with architecture every day and experience it through our whole bodies. Hence, the human body cannot be neglected in the design of buildings if we want humane cities. In addition, there is a need for the construction sector to reduce its emissions of greenhouse gases. One solution to this is adaptive reuse of existing buildings. Adaptive reuse is beneficial in environmental, socio-cultural and financial aspects. With this as a starting point, this master’s thesis aims to investigate how phenomenology and atmospheres can be used in adaptive reuse and how cultural heritage could be preserved during an adaptation. To do so, the thesis is based on two research questions: How can a design focus on atmospheres and phenomenology form a spa facility in an existing building? How can the old water treatment on Visholmen be revitalized while preserving its cultural heritage? To be able to answer the research questions, knowledge about phenomenology, atmospheres, and adaptive reuse was developed. Information about the topics was also gained from three reference projects, Therme Vals, Andrum, and Neues Museum. In the process a variety of methods were used and can be divided into three phases. In the first phase knowledge about the site, existing building and new program were gained. Knowledge from the first phase was then implemented in the second phase, which was characterized by iterative design work. The project was then finalized during the third phase. The project is an adaptation of an old water plant into a spa and café, located on a peninsula in central Strängnäs. The existing building is made of brick and was built in early 1900s. The condition of the building varies and the main strategy for the adaptation was to keep, restore or repair vital features from a cultural historical point of view and add new materials and functions suitable for the new purpose. To make the adaptation into spa and café successful, additional buildings were required