DESA1002 'Continuous City' Michelle Watson

Abstract

Since the Roman times, thermal steam baths have been both a necessity and a cultural treasure of Tunisia. They provide an environment for relaxation, socialisation, and cleaning facilities that may not be available in all homes. Currently many of the most popular thermal baths in Tunis suffer from serious overcrowding. Furthermore, the rich and cultural experience of attending a Tunisian bath is an up and coming tourist attraction, placing additional demand on already crowded bathhouses. With all this in mind, it has been my ambition to design a thermal steam bath that will embrace and enrich the city of Tunis. The Tunisian Thermal Steam Baths are a public and private bathing complex which reinvigorate the Tunisian bathing ritual. The organic, concrete design is inspired by the exquisite use of geometry in Islamic architecture. The interaction of three circles inform the building design, enclosing smaller spaces in each subsequent level. A circle is simple, soft and harmonious. A circle is all enclosing, and creates a spacious interior. A circle references the beautiful, inspiring geometry of Tunis’ Islamic architecture. And yet, a circle would stand apart from the box-building grid of the city, identifying my building as a place of peacefulness, and escape. Coloured glass block windows and skylights create dramatic interior lighting, while achieving a sense of escape and privacy. The first floor addresses the public bathing ritual, which has slowly developed in Tunis since Roman times. The floor features a circuit of three baths; the frigidarium, tepidarium and caldarium, as well as changing and staff facilities. The second floor features small, enclosed spaces for private bathing. This style of bathing particularly addresses the expansion of Thermal Baths as a tourism industry in Tunisia. The third floor boasts a luxurious master bath, and three large balconies which provide a stunning view over the Medina.