Liljeholmen cold bath; - the re-birth of a historical meeting place in Stockholm

Abstract

Whether it’s a moment for yourself or time spent with others, public baths should be a space free from the hectic pace that characterizes the city-life. Liljeholmsbadet in Stockholm, a now closed public bath built in the 1930’s, is presently discussed to be demolished and rebuilt as a replica of the original building. This thesis is offering an alternative to the replica by exploring how a new version of Liljeholmsbadet can be designed with the ideals of today, while still incorporating the values of the original building. The aim was to create a space for recovery and increased social cohesion among urbanites, within a building with a long lifespan flexible to meet uncertain future demands. Driven by a research by design approach the final proposal was created through model testing, analysis of built references and studies of historical examples of architecture around the bathing ritual. The resulting building consists of the construction principle of a pillar and beam grid, which allows for changing the layout of the outer and inner walls without having to change the load-carrying structure. Standardized building components, techniques and materials have been used in order to promote replacement of parts instead of building with a predestined lifespan