THE FIVE ROUTES

Finishing each section of the five main visitors routes through the buildings encouraged me to consider the ways in which these spaces would be received. Having increased thresholds such as elongated corridors, steps or ramps up or down into differing spaces and roof lights to draw people through, it was equally as important to consider the use of other lighting techniques to increase the sense of atmosphere and allow for the enclosed spaces to still feel inviting and warm despite the passages construction from concrete and stone.

Route 1

Having entered through the public foyer/reception area, the visitors of this route are then led downwards and along a corridor of changing rooms which, after use, direct users through to the staircase where they descend to the main pool area. The pool, despite being nearly 5 meters below the ground floor level, is in fact the most open and naturally lit along the visitors route.

Route 2

The second community member who’s route through the building has been outlined, would be a visitor who wishes to use or view the community space for its varied functions as well as the cafe area which overlooks the community gardens. This route sees the visitor ascending from a second entrance or foyer area, through to the open high ceilinged community space which then leads, by several short steps lit by a roof light to the cafe which has floor to ceiling glass to give views of the community gardens.

Route 3

A third route through the building is significantly more private than the previous two. Leading through from a separate, smaller foyer which is hidden from public view, the visitors enter a passageway through to a small room for private washing, which is enlarged compared to the changing rooms for the public baths and includes a bath as well as a shower. The visitor, once entirely clean, can then exit towards a small immersion pool before exiting through the bathing room and out of a separate exit after reclothing.

Route 4

Taking a hidden passageway past the edge of the main public reception and entrance to the baths, visitors of the community garden can exit the enclosed area and pass under a slatted roof structure which allows for an increase of natural lighting before entering the walled gardens. Protected by the rest of the structures, the walled gardens hide interior views to the pools but reveal a large cafe space just beyond the glazed end.

Route 5

The main spa area is revealed through a series of unfolding spaces. Moving through the reception to the pool, the visitor takes a short downward route through a passageway to enter the changing rooms and pass through the showers before entering warming pools to acclimatise to the heat of the spa. Once this is done, the visitors are lead through the sauna area, through possible treatment and massage rooms and back through a transitional temperature space before returning to the changing rooms.