Preserve through ritual performance: Liljeholmsbadhus transformation by repeating the Swedish bath traditions

Abstract

The tradition of using public bathhouses has become a unique regional feature in Sweden. This may be potentially driven by their desire to eliminate inequality between individuals and spaces. After all the more naked you are, the less different you will be from the people around you. It’s not sexual but rather fosters inclusiveness. Liljeholmsbadhus is a public bathhouse located in Liljeholmsviken in Södermalm, Stockholm. It was closed in 2016 because of the city’s concerns about its deteriorating condition and the incompatible renovation costs considered to the building’s value. Recent decisions on demolishing it have caused public protests, for the bathhouse’s cultural and historical significance. Almost a century has passed till now since Liljeholmsbadhus was built, this place has been witnessing massive changes in Swedish society over the decades. As private bathrooms have become prevalent nowadays, traditional public bathhouses have become less relevant with the function of cleansing, shifting their focus from hygiene and health to recreational and fitness purposes. History appears to be repeating itself, potentially culminating in the closure of Liljeholmsbadhus as its functions struggle to align with changing societal expectations again. Perhaps a transformation is needed for its survival, marking a necessary step forward in its journey. So this project explored the behavior of bathing in Sweden and its interaction with architecture, reevaluating the contemporary local bathing scene and bathing facilities on a cultural and empathetic level. People strengthen their sense of identity through collective behaviors. Participating and defending Liljeholmsbadhus may be the way for individuals to affirm their pride and love for their culture, uphold social norms and orders, and seek approvals. The aim of this thesis is to initiate an architectural transformation as a method to protect Liljeholmsbadhus and prevent it from being demolished for sustainable use, and also to revitalize it for the local who has deep attachments to it.