THE BATH HOUSE
4000 sqm
West Bank
2016
The proposed design creates a communal gathering space that reinterprets the traditional Arab bathhouse through a contemporary lens. The project aims to challenge prevailing perceptions of gender in Arab cities by fostering an inclusive environment for social interaction and relaxation.
Conceived entirely below ground, the building preserves the surface as a public platform, providing the surrounding neighborhood with an accessible open space for community use. The program is organized into three primary volumes: the entrance, the dry area, and the wet area. Within the bathing spaces, visitors can unwind among a forest of exposed concrete columns, where water gently cascades from above to create a serene and immersive atmosphere. The building's composition responds carefully to the site's topography, integrating contour lines and accessibility considerations to achieve a seamless relationship with the landscape.