| Title |
Bad Samedan as Verticalized Roman Baths |
| Authors |
박종진(Park, Jong-Jin) ; 남성택(Nam, Sung-Taeg) |
| DOI |
https://doi.org/10.5659/JAIK.2021.37.7.13 |
| Keywords |
Thermal baths; Independent entities; Sequential composition; Three-dimensional organization; Verticalized baths |
| Abstract |
The purpose of this study was to analyze the spatial characteristics of Bad Samedan introducing a new type of thermal baths. Bad Samedan
(2005-2009), designed by Basel architects group, Miller & Maranta, is located in the centre of a mountain village of the Engadin,
Switzerland. This contemporary thermal baths can be very considerable for the modernization of the ancient Roman Baths. Unlike today's
conventional public baths, the Roman baths was experienced sequentially in a series of independent rooms, like a ceremonial orders. Also, it
was not only a practical space for washing bodies, but also a complex space for various physical activities, sensory pleasures, spiritual
meditation, serenity, etc. Therefore, Roman Baths represented the very particular public space providing rituals and recreations. It brought
well-being culture in Roman society. Like the Roman baths, Bad Samedan consists of independent and separated rooms for baths. Their
sequential composition in a vertical mass offers more sophisticate linear order and mise en scene. Particularly, the three-dimensional
organization of the entities with spiral steps can be compared to Raumplan, the spatial composition of Adolf Loos, or it can be deduced the
influence of Engadin's vernacular architecture. Through this study, we intend to recall the fundamental characteristics of ancient Roman baths
and explore the meaning and application of verticalized baths. |