Living Waters- Bathing and Culture

Precedence: For my cultural model for bathing I choose Judaism and my specifically the act of Baptism, its symbolism and processes. Through Baptism Judaism has used "living water" ( water from nature ) to cleanse the spirit to show acceptance of God in their lives and as an act of purifying the soul from sin. Water in this is not only therapeutic for the soul but for the mental and physical as religion has been know to influence these.

Baptism a poem by Aumdoc

bathing in several spaces,

blending and mingling,

to cleanse old and new

fragranced and balanced,

primal tub of salted fluid,

mingles with my cells essence

a font in the night,

baptism of fluid moonlight,

and shadow

the fluid conforms to my body,

the moonlight envelopes my soul,

the shadow is my true self

old, old eyes.... yet a knew vision,

soaking and opening,

tales told and told.... the story unfolds

One of the things more specifically that was considered in my design process is a river as living water... In the Southern part of the US many baptisms have taken place in rivers and I developed my design on the idea of a river baptism and the idea as well that at a baptism event community id brought together to celebrate a dedication of ones self to ones beliefs.

Perspective of Living Waters Community Center: This area is where all therapeutic bathing occurs for everyone, friends and family gather here to have public and private conversation , privacy offered by the copper enveloped spaces provides for a more secluded space in a very public facility.Ramps are provided so that all can access all areas of bathing space and assistance is available when requested.

Floor Plan: the flow of traffic is very linear which gives you the since that you are going somewhere very specific and this journey is very special because you cannot enter the water spaces at just any point , you must go through the space which also encourages interaction between everyone.




Section of entrance and pool beginnings: This space is where you enter and exit the bathing area and may proceed to exit the center "Spa" it is equipped with a warm bath for those who prefer not to dip into the cold pool.

Elevation the length of the space : Show cool pool area where there is whee chair access and water levels of only 3 feet for easy play and wave action. The area is also equipped with seating space on both sides that offers a place to rest and relax.




Elevation of Curtain Wall and exit to other areas of the Center" Spa": In this 4.5 ' deep wall are 2 water falls that carry 60% living water to the pools in the space. also here is a tree encased in in the wall that acts a visual reminder of life and the power of water. The tree also acts as a visual aid to bring your eyes up to the ceiling to the unique track lighting installed.


Reflective Ceiling Plan: Shows layout of meandering track lighting (like the meandering of a river) and recessed and sky lighting that is in the space.


The final Perspective is of the Copper secluded swimming areas, these areas are the conversation spots of the facility with a circular shape they promote communication for group or individuals who require a more private place to relax.



FF&E:

Flooring: Dark Brown Corkin passageways and concrete flooring in pools
Walls :
Curtain wall : Mosaic tile
All others: polished and painted concrete. with with 4x 4 tiles throught in Cobalt blue and white.
Railing throughout space: Black painted stainless steel
Private bathing space:
Walls: sealed Copper
Seating: Keranji hardwood
Hardware:
Door Handles: round steel wire pull handle

Sketch Model of Secluded Space for bathing: