| Summary: | For the Venice program the key focus for my design strategy was to gracefully incorporate a built program that was not only individualistic and original but also sympathetic to the surrounding architecture. This idea of ‘sympathetic infill’ was considered deeply throughout the design process helping me to prune my growing library of materials as well as their function. Following these ideas I started to research the existence of ancient Roman baths that were immensely popular to the Venetians for both their ritual and social reason. In contrast, the more modern and contemporary spa designs provided me with a deeper insight into other architectural approaches which I found could be incorporated in my design. The first step in the formulation of my program was to choose a part of my overall block to host a building that could not only serve as a public or tourist attraction but also a building that could be privately experienced from both the inside and out. A thermal baths would fit this concept perfectly for a number of reasons. It would highlight the ancient customs of ritual bathing which was an immensely popular activity during Roman times. The idea of cleansing and invigoration would appeal to the human senses in addition to the overall essence of my program i.e. emphasise on the light, circulation or texture within the space. Intended for the public, three floors of public bathing with the main entrance via the Piazza San Marco elegantly fold into a well circulated and luminous space. The Ground floor accommodates the essentials of the baths including male and female change rooms and a reception area. A winding staircase take you up the the 1st floor with a heatd pool, carbonic acid bath, sauna, mud bath and a spa. The third ascends you higher to a public indoor pool area with outdoor terrace . The second program at the back has an outdoor pool area and terrace with access via a curved stair. The finished program was successful and in the end a gracious building incorporating the ritual and social aspects ...
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