My project, a fusion of ephemeral beauty and comforting tranquility, draws inspiration from the captivating narrative of “Spirited Away.” It takes visitors on a transformative journey, where floating elements evoke childlike wonder and structured pathways mirror the organised chaos of the spirited away bathhouse. The entrance, flooded with green algae river water, is ingeniously cleaned by giant machines to fuel both the bathhouse and heat the water itself through a process of turning algae into biofuel. These machines create a sense of smallness within the building, emphasising the transition visitors undergo as they move through changing rooms to shed their exterior existence.
Inspired by the Roman baths and their cultural significance in bridging societal gaps, I aim to achieve a similar effect by incorporating Georgian tarred yarn into a Roman-style program. The building and its programs are older to suit the history of the site.
While appealing to older residents, I also want to engage young people with a weekly Sparty, featuring a DJ for a lively atmosphere similar to that at Széchenyi Baths. Allowing them to be a part of the history within the site and breathe life back through it. My goal is to create an environment where visitors can escape the hardships of Chatham, immersing themselves in a space that is both soothing and captivating, offering respite from the challenges of everyday life.
The Chatham Bathhouse, inspired by Spirited Away, blends Roman bath traditions and Georgian tarred yarn, creating a self-sustaining, biofuel-powered community hub. It bridges generational gaps, engaging all ages with historical significance and weekly Sparty events, immersing visitors in a sense of wonder and discovery.