Ruin reuse; transforming piscina mirabilis into modern spa through sensory healing design

Abstract

Nowadays, the preservation and reuse of traditional cultural heritage has become an important issue. Some abandoned underground reservoirs, including Piscina Mirabilis, have become ruins in the city, and it is worthwhile to think about how to reuse this ancient and huge reservoir. Meanwhile, with the continuous development of the society, increasing pressure, depression and anxiety becoming common, people’s demand for leisure and health is gradually increasing. An abandoned underground reservoir is chosen as the object of study, and the study is aimed to rethink the potential use of this abandoned space through sensory healing design, to transform it into a spa space with unique sensory experience, to reactivate the function of the Spa as a community center, and to emphasize the importance of its health and social aspects. The theoretical framework of the study is based on the concept of sensory healing, which emphasizes the stimulation of the five senses to reduce anxiety and promote physical and mental health. The design provides different experiences of water through space shaping that focuses on the human scale. Elements such as the reflection of sunlight, the flow of steam, the change in water temperature, and the sound of water droplets are introduced into the design to create a spa space that provides relaxation and healing. At the same time, the design starts from the perspective of ruins regeneration, thinking about how old spaces, materials and structures can adapt to new functions. Through the analysis of different spaces and functions, the original materials and structures are used, while matching new materials and structures are added. The structure forms a strong contrast between the old and the new, adds a sense of story to the space, and reactivates the space.