Abstract

My design focuses on how nature and urban design can be incorporated to create a comfortable family friendly experience. The Japanese believe in the practice of shinrin-yoku, meaning forest bathing, which is taking time out to reconnect with nature in a mindful, relaxing way which benefits your mind, body and soul. In this design I have captured the essence of this through organic minimalist design . This creates a decluttered atmosphere for visitors to clear their mind. Additionally, my design includes infinity pools and perceived open spaces between pool and nature, to give a physically and mentally uplifting and freeing experience, for local kiwi individuals and families alike.

Kia Ora tatou
Ko Rangitoto te māunga
Ko Tamaki te waka
Nō Polska ahau
Ko Lila rāua ko Simon ōku mātua
Ko Aleksandra tōku ingoa

Tangible Limbo

I have named my project Tangible Limbo as it provides the experience of transitioning between two states. My bathhouse expresses the change from the busy, urban, work environment overrun by technology and materialism, to the calming and tranquil native New Zealand forest, while intertwining bathing, water, skin, and relationship between people. It is a tangible limbo, open to the public, walking in from the street side, entering from the crazy city to beautiful nature. Not only is this limbo occurring between these environments, but also the limbo between standing and lying down, with the limbo of people floating in the water. The infinity pools in my bathhouse direct the limbo to the forest with my natural pool system leading outside.

My design focuses on how nature and urban design can be incorporated to create a comfortable family-friendly experience. The Japanese believe in the practice of shinrin-yoku, meaning forest bathing, which is taking time out to reconnect with nature in a mindful, relaxing way which benefits your mind, body, and soul.

In this design I have captured the essence of this through organic minimalist design. This creates a decluttered atmosphere for visitors to clear their mind.

Additionally, my design includes infinity pools and perceived open spaces between pool and nature, to give a physically and mentally uplifting and freeing experience, for local kiwi individuals and families alike.

Im using repurposed rimu wood all throughout the ceiling of the bathhouse as a point of interest which ties in nicely to the forest outside. The white marble stone wall and white pebbled pool makes the space look fresh and clean and keeps it minimalistic. Vines scatter throughout, on walls and columns to add the nature inside and create a zen,calming look within. It helps guests further immerse themselves with the forest. 

The forest landscape includes native New Zealand trees, flax, and ferns which attract gorgeous NZ birds and wildlife creating an array of diverse colours, textures, and soundscape to the atmosphere. The water fountain feature and trickling water wall also add to this

The bathhouse includes three pools- a kiddie pool, the main pool with a food and drinks bar leaner, and a smaller seated pull with a water fountain feature. The white stone wall and infinity pool style was inspired by the old Pink and White Terraces that existed in the Bay of Plenty.

I’m using a biological filter as designed by Natural Pools NZ which uses the process of mineralization. It’s chemical-free, affordable and eco-friendly. My freshwater pools use a heat pump system for heating and I have chosen to go with a wooden macrocarpa coping to make the transition from floor to pool seamlessly.

Te Aranga Principles and My Design

Manaakitanga is central to Maori society and inspires the way that travelers are made to feel welcome when visiting New Zealand. In Maori culture, manaakitanga is a traditional value that is considered to be hugely important. It is basically the value of being hospitable. I have ensured to have this principle in my design through the hygiene products we provide for guests, the towels and slippers, as well as the food and drinks bar to serve our guests with whatever food or snacks they desire during their forest bathing experience. I want to ensure visitors feel welcome here.

Kaitiakitanga means guardianship or management. It is where the land all over Aotearoa is considered a resource to be respected according to this principle. I am meeting this principle with the restoration and recycling of Rimu wood (native to New Zealand, throughout my bathhouse. I am also enhancing the natural environment in my pocket forest, making sure native and significant flora and fauna is key to this natural landscape. I am wanting to re-establish the biodiversity in this area, attracting and bring back the native birds and insects.

Whanaungatanga is met through my bathhouse design as it is a public space where all is welcome. I encourage family, friends, strangers and individuals alike to come into this space to experience this connection with wai (water), whenua (land), ngāhere (forest). In doing so will acknowledge the relationship between Papatuanuku (Mother Earth) and Ranginui (Sky Father), Tane (god of the forest) and Tangaroa (god of the sea). This strengthens each member and gives them a sense of belonging.