Before designing my second iteration of my model we looked into human ergonomics and understanding space in different scenarios in class. This helped inform my design giving me a better understanding of how much space is needed for people of different physical ability preparing to bathe in my pool.
Daughter assisting disabled Mother
Mother assisting child
Daughter assisting mother with belongings
Daughter assisting Mother with belongings
Mother changing child. Space needed is 120cm squared roughly
Mother changing child on bench – 120cm
Taking into consideration what worked well and what didn’t in my first model I made some changes to my second model.
I made my pool smaller and added two smaller pools within the big pool with different temperatures of 39 degrees in one and 42 degrees in the other. continuing with the natural aesthetic of my pool design I tried to emulate the pink and white terraces with the hottest pool flowing into the cooler ones in a step formation. The main pool will be the natural temperature of the water that gets pumped in estimated to be between 12 degrees and 20 degrees.
I made the bathrooms smaller as I realised it was unnecessary to have such a large space dedicated to the bathrooms considering the amount of people who would be needing the facilities. I now have 3 standard toilets for general use and one accessible toilet to be used by anyone with any physical limitations.
I incorporated lockers and a seating area near to the entrance to provide a space to store your belongings whilst bathing and a spot to rest your belongings on or to sit and get organised.
I designed a refreshments bar near the pool thats nice and long to provide a comfortable space to sit, get a beverage and a snack. With it being close to the pool it allows the bathers to easily transition from the pool without getting water all over the space.
I made the entrance larger to create a more grand threshold moment drawing people in from the concrete jungle outside to the peaceful sanctuary of the bath house inside.
I incorporated a filtration room for the pool pump, mechanics and any gear for pool maintenance to be stored.
Water mechanics and functionality:
Pump and filtration systemSolar heating process for hot pools.
For filtration I wanted a natural alternative to keeping everything clean without using lots of chemicals and found that sphagnum moss can be used as a natural filtration system. poolcareguy.com/eco-friendly-pools/
To develop the design further I will need to incorporate more wheelchair accessibility. My design is currently not easily accessible for wheelchair access and I need to design a way for people with disabilities to get into the pool easily.
In the construction of the pocket forest Emma, Claudia and I created a variety of miniature trees and plants at different heights to create an understory, canopy and emergent layer for our collective model.
We also covered the ground with soil, boulders and fallen leaves to create a forrest floor.
To construct the trees we used sticks and moss gathered from the garden and varying forms of glue.
To attach the trees to the forest base I had to drill a hole first then fill it with hot glue and put the tree into the hole to create stability in the model as the trees are quite top heavy and wanted to fall over.
To gain further understanding on the context surrounding the site I looked into the different GIS maps.
Contours
Aerial View
Overland Flow Paths
Wider Context of Overland flow paths
I also looked into the lighting conditions of the site, wind conditions, surrounding buildings and the local iwi to the site.
Surrounding buildings of site
Wind zones
Mana Whenua areas of interest
The building is north facing so is able to get a bit of natural sunlight into the area despite being surrounded by tall buildings especially around mid day. The associated Iwi to the site is Te Patukirkiri and the local Marae is AUT’s Ngā Wai o Horotui.
The Maori influence is important to consider as it is necessary to contact the local Iwi in regards to any cultural aspects of the site and the effects the site has on the environment. The Iwi’s intentions are always to care for, protect and add to their spatial environments through the use of considered design and applying the Te Aranga Principles.
Site Map:
Site Map
My site map explores the contours, water ways, wind and light conditions, local parks and surrounding buildings of my site.
In my first plan I designed a large pool taking over the majority of the floor space with staggered depths as you move deeper into the pool simulating a natural rock pool.
The wall facing the pocket forrest will be open to allow the bathers to experience the forrest as they bathe similar to the traditional Japanese bath houses.
First Iteration of Basement Design Floor Plan.
The pool is my main focal point. Once I had that down I then incorporated the bathrooms.
In class we were given a 1:100 scale floor plan of a mens and womans bathroom unit to refer too as a guide for our own bathrooms.
I found the research on doorways (39) and accessible toilets (54) especially helpful.
First iteration of model
First iteration of model
First iteration of model
In constructing my first model I found that with having such a large pool it didn’t leave much room for a refreshments area or much space to move around when not in the pool. I felt that it made the space feel a bit cramped. In my next iteration I will design a smaller pool and a smaller bathroom space to allow to space to open up and feel more spacious.
Venetian-style grotto at the Vizcaya Museum designed by Robert Winthrop Chanler.
The natural light bounces off of the creme coloured stone walls allowing the space to feel open and light. I love how the natural coloured stone walls also allows the reflection of the water to to colour the ceiling and walls bringing the art that has been painted a new dynamic. It creates the effect that the water is above you and bellow you a bit like when you’re in a cave pool.
The use of soft lines on the joinery, corners and trimmings gives the space a more natural feel and makes the space feel soft and inviting.
Bunny Williams 18th-century Connecticut estate – by interior designer Bunny Williams
I love the use of the stones as the formation of the pool. It creates a strong feature out of the pool and helps the pool assert its dominance over the space making is clear that this is the star of the show. It also gives the pool an organic feel purely because of the use of natural materials. This also would have been an environmentally friendly option being able sourcing the rock from the local area, reusing available materials.
Ryokan Gyokushoen Arai Hotel – Traditional Ryokan
This traditional Japanese bath house achieves what I would love to incorporate into my design with the indoor outdoor flow. The feeling of bathing in nature whist being in an indoor bath. The lighting conditions of this space is very dim allowing the water to reflect the forest bringing the outside in. it also allows for a stronger sense of privacy and relaxation as our bodies are conditioned to prepare for rest in darker spaces.
Kengo Kuma’s Horai bathhouse
The use of natural wooden beams, clear corrugated roofing and the absence of solid walls provides a natural bathing experience where you’re surrounded by nature whist still being protected from the elements and in a man made, temperature controlled pool. This combines the best of both worlds in a very simplistic way.
Bath House In Karuizawa – Ken Yokogawa Architect Associates
This bath house is a modern take on the traditional Japanese baths. It combines the natural environment with a big open wall (which I love) and natural materials with a modern architectural style using clean lines and a minimalistic interior. Again the lighting conditions are dim and rely more on the natural light coming in from the open wall. The dark polished stone floor also allows some of the natural light to reflect off of its surface carrying the light further into the space. I think this lighting technique is very clever and I will consider working it into my design to allow for more natural light in the space.
One purpose of bathing is for personal hygiene. It is a means of achieving cleanliness by washing away dead skin cells, dirt and soil, and a preventative measure to reduce the incidence and spread of disease. It also reduces body odors.
Bathing may also be practised for religious ritual or therapeutic purposes or as a recreational activity. Bathing may be used to cool or to warm the body of an individual.
Therapeutic use of bathing includes hydrotherapy, healing, rehabilitation from injury or addiction, and relaxation.
Benefits of swimming in cold water:
It helps you sleep better – We’ve all seen athletes plunge into ice baths to relieve muscle soreness. This is because our parasympathetic systems, responsible for rest and repair, are stimulated by cold water. Cold water swimmers often speak about being able to sleep particularly well after a quick dip.
It gets your blood pumping and improves circulation – A 2012 study of 43 older men and women found that those who swam a few times a week lowered their systolic blood pressure. This is because when we are cold, blood rushes to our organs – urging our hearts to work a little bit harder. A regular dip will help flush circulation and pump blood through capillaries, veins and arteries.
It’s an immune booster – Diving into ice cold water can cause quite a shock to the system… Particularly the immune system. A Czech study found a significant increase in the white blood cell counts of subjects immersed in cold water for one hour. This is because the immune system feels as though it’s being attacked and is startled into action.
It enhances happiness– Swimmers often report a “high” after delving into cold water, and many people take regular dips to fend off depression. This addictive sense of wellbeing and happiness is all down to endorphins. The body’s natural painkillers – these happy hormones kick in when you jump in to take the sting away from the cold. The cold also triggers the release of dopamine and serotonin – which help keep us chirpy.
It’s great for the skin – Immersing yourself in cold water has an exfoliant effect on skin – helping it appear smoother. The cold also improves circulation which helps combat cellulite and flush out impurities. What’s more – when we’re cold, blood rushes to the skins surface creating a glowy effect.
It increases your metabolism – Swimming in itself is great exercise, but delving into cold water helps to burn extra calories. This is because your body has to work twice as hard to keep you warm and get you back to your normal temperature. Your metabolism can increase by up to 550% of its resting level.
It has a calming effect – Swimming creates the same relaxation responses as yoga and is highly conducive to meditation. Many outdoor swimmers speak about the calming effect the exercise has on them, which lasts all day.
It increases alertness – If you struggle to stay awake in the morning, a plunge into cold water ought to help you out. The shock of cold will create a surge of adrenaline making you feel alert and energised.
Hot springs contain different materials like calcium and sodium bicarbonate. With that being said, when you rest in the water you absorb the minerals. According to livestrong.com, when you soak up the minerals “your hydrostatic pressure rises”. Your blood starts pumping and you get to feeling like you’re working out. Blood circulation helps your body feel not so stiff and tired as it would if you were lying in bed all day.
Relieves stress and calms you down.
While you sit in the pool, the heat deeply relaxes your muscles, resulting in the release of body tension. By relaxing and de-stressing, your body is able to fall asleep faster. De-stressing in general is very beneficial to your health. It takes the tension out of your body and therefore allows your mind to relax and get your blood flowing again and your heart beating. In turn, you can make better decisions with a clear mind and you can, even if it is just for a minute, forget your problems.
Hot springs are great for people with chronic pain.
According to leaf.tv, who cited Dr. Andrew Weil, a hot spring can help with joint pain, muscle fatigue, tissue damage, and others. The Chinese and Japanese have evidently been using hot springs to cure these pains for thousands of years. The heat loosens your skin from your bones and the muscles and helps you move freer.
Skin conditions can also be helped with hot springs.
In natural hot springs, there is something called silica that can actually really help your skin. If you have eczema or psoriasis, the sulfur in the water really helps to heal it. Sulfur is used to make collagen, which keeps your skin healthy and smooth. Sulfur also helps with dry scalp, arthritis, and other possible medical conditions.
The heat helps with nasal congestion and digestion problems.
The heat and steam rises to your sinuses, clearing out the pathway. The saltwater is what helps the digestion tract. Something else along these same lines, hot springs can help exercise your autonomic nervous system as well as stabilise your endocrine system. Detoxification of oils and dead cells can occur through you sweating it all out.
Nature can be a very strong mood enhancer, helping many people across the globe to feel happier every day. In one study, published in the science journal PLOS One, those that interacted with nature routinely showed a significant increase in their own happiness. This effect lasted not only for the entire duration of their study, but for months after the study was finished.
Makes you healthier
Being out in nature also makes you healthier, in a number of different ways. For example, being out in nature exposes you to phytoncides, airborne chemicals that plants produce to protect themselves from insects. However, by breathing in these chemicals, you actually increase the activity of certain types of tumour and virus-killing white blood cells.
Reduces stress
Being outside amongst nature can also reduce the amount of stress you feel. One study found that people who were exposed to a forest environment had lower levels of cortisol – a hormone that is often used as a marker for stress. The conclusion of that study? “Stressful states can be relieved by forest therapy”
Increases focus
Nature is also widely known to help improve focus. Focus is something that is severely lacking for many of us, as our lives get increasingly busier with jobs, school and family life. Mental fatigue is real, but one thing that can help you to focus more is exposing yourself to restorative environments. Restorative environments were found to have increased the attention span of people who were exposed to them over those that weren’t.
Enhances cognitive function
Spending time in the great outdoors can also have a restorative effect on the human psyche. People with mental health issues, such as depression, were found to have reported an increase in their own mood. Other cognitive benefits of being outside in nature include increased working memory performance, as well as decreased anxiety and rumination.
The water temperature shouldn’t too far exceed your own body temperature. While a hot bath feels great, a warm bath is better for your skin and immune system. Add oils like rose, lavender, calendula, aloe, oil, or coconut and also oatmeal for your skin. Epsom salt is great for your muscles and reducing any chances of infection. Keep part of your body, like your face, out of the water to prevent over-heating. Soak for 10-15 minutes, breathe, relax, enjoy. – https://www.townandcountrymag.com/style/beauty-products/a18673205/hot-baths-benefits/
“80% of our trees, ferns and flowering plants are endemic (found only in New Zealand).
About 10–15% of the total land area of New Zealand is covered with native flora, from tall kauri and kohekohe forests to rainforest dominated by rimu, beech, tawa, matai and rata; ferns and flax; dunelands with their spinifex and pingao; alpine and subalpine herb fields; and scrub and tussock.”
80% of our trees, ferns and flowering plants are endemic (found only in New Zealand).
About 10–15% of the total land area of New Zealand is covered with native flora, from tall kauri and kohekohe forests to rainforest dominated by rimu, beech, tawa, matai and rata; ferns and flax; dunelands with their spinifex and pingao; alpine and subalpine herb fields; and scrub and tussock.
Beech forest – New Zealand’s beech forests are made up of five species of southern beech.
Cabbage tree/tī kōuka – The cabbage tree is one of the most distinctive trees in the New Zealand landscape, especially on farms. They grow all over the country, but prefer wet, open areas like swamps.
Chatham Island forget-me-not – The threatened Chatham Island forget-me-not, a much loved, stunning garden plant, grows naturally on the Chatham Islands – on coastal cliffs, rock outcrops and sandy and rocky beaches.
Dactylanthus – Dactylanthus is New Zealand’s only indigenous fully parasitic flowering plant.
New Zealand ferns – New Zealand has an unusually high number of fern species for a temperate country and about 40 per cent of these species occur nowhere else in the world.
Freshwater algae – Green slime and brown scum on stream beds is usually regarded as an unattractive nuisance however, it is a vital part of stream ecosystems.
Harakeke/flax – There are two identified species of flax in New Zealand – common flax (harakeke) and mountain flax (wharariki).
Kākābeak/ngutukākā – Kākābeak is named for its beautiful red flowers, which hang in clusters of 15-20 blooms and are shaped like a kaka’s beak.
Kauri – Kauri are among the world’s mightiest trees, growing to over 50 m tall, with trunk girths up to 16 m, and living for over 2,000 years.
Kōwhai – The kōwhai is one of the best known native trees in New Zealand and it’s our unofficial national flower.
Lancewood/horoeka – Lancewood, or horoeka, is a unique, small tree with lance-like foliage that changes dramatically as the tree matures.
Mānuka/kahikātoa and kānuka – Although mānuka/kahikātoa and kānuka have a superficial similarity and are collectively known as ‘tea trees’ they are genetically very distinct from each other.
Matagouri/wild Irishman – Matagouri, or wild Irishman as it is sometimes called, is a thorny bush or small tree that can grow up to six metres high.
Nīkau palm – The nīkau palm is the southernmost member of the palm family and New Zealand’s only native palm species.
Podocarp-hardwood forests – Podocarp trees include rimu, kahikatea, miro, mataī and tōtara.
Pōhutukawa – Pōhutukawa is New Zealand’s Christmas tree, and holds a prominent place in Maori mythology.
Rātā – Rātā trees, along with the pōhutukawa, are one of the best known native trees in New Zealand.
Shrubby tororaro – The shrubby tororaro is a very ecologically and culturally significant shrub.
Wetland forests – There are three distinctive types of wetland forests – swamp forest, peatland forest, and intertidal forest.
A forest is made up of many layers. The main layers of all forest types are the forest floor, the understory and the canopy. The emergent layer exists in tropical rainforests. Each layer has a different set of plants and animals depending upon the availability of sunlight, moisture and food.
Forest floor contains decomposing leaves, animal droppings, and dead trees. Decay on the forest floor forms new soil and provides nutrients to the plants. The forest floor supports ferns, grasses, mushroom and tree seedlings.
Understory is made up of bushes, shrubs, and young trees that are adapted to living in the shades of the canopy.
Canopy is formed by the mass of intertwined branches, twigs and leaves of the mature trees. The crowns of the dominant trees receive most of the sunlight. This is the most productive part of the trees where maximum food is produced. The canopy forms a shady, protective “umbrella” over the rest of the forest.
Emergent layer exists in the tropical rain forest and is composed of a few scattered trees that tower over the canopy.
Flax – Phormium tenax (New Zealand Flax) The plant grows as a clump of long, strap like leaves, up to two meters long, from which arises a much taller flowering shoot, with dramatic yellow or red flowers. A flax bush will often support a large community of animals, providing shelter and an extensive food resource. Tui, bellbirds, saddlebacks, short tailed bats, geckos and several types of insects enjoy nectar from the flax flower. Flax can also be used as a material for weaving and creating a wide range of natural tools, clothing and other items. http://www.terrain.net.nz/friends-of-te-henui-group/plants-native-botanical-names-m-to-q/nz-flax.html
Manuka – Creates shade and shelter from the wind, they provide an excellent nursery for other, slower growing native plants. Captain Cook and early settlers called mānuka/kahikātoa ‘tea tree’ because they used the green leaves to make a substitute for tea. Mānuka/kahikātoa flowers smell very sweet and they provide an important source of pollen and nectar for native bees, flies, moths, beetles and geckos. https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-plants/manuka-kahikatoa-and-kanuka/
Canopy/ Sub Canopy:
Nikau – The Nikau grows up to 15 m tall, with a stout green trunk which bears grey-green leaf scars. The trunk is topped by a smooth bulging crown shaft up to 1m long. The fronds are up to 3m long, and the closely-set, sometimes overlapping leaflets are up to 1 m long. The tightly packed flowers are unisexual and coloured lilac to pink. The fruit is elliptic or oblong, and generally measures about 10 by 7 mm, and is red when ripe. The Nikau produces flowers between November and April, and fruits ripen from February to November, taking almost a year to fully ripen. These are a favourite food of the Kereru, the native wood pigeon. http://www.terrain.net.nz/friends-of-te-henui-group/trees-native-botanical-names-r-to-z/nikau-palm.html
Puriri -Puriri is one of the few native trees with large colourful flowers. The bright colour, the tube shape, copious nectar production and the hairs at the base of the flower tube all point towards birds pollinating this flower. Grows up to 20m. Traditional uses by the Maori: An infusion of the leaves from this noble tree contains a powerful germicide. The leaves were boiled It was valued for bathing sprains and backache. http://www.terrain.net.nz/friends-of-te-henui-group/trees-native-botanical-names-r-to-z/puriri.html
Titoki – It is an attractive tree with glossy dark green leaves and a spreading canopy (height 4 – 18 metres). The Titoki tree seeds are a hairy woody capsule that splits to reveal bright red fruit and black seed. The fruit can take up to a year to mature. These trees are attractive to bees, butterflies and birds. The Maoris used to bruise the seeds and then steamed them to release oil. The oil was used for an earache, for eye problems and as a lotion for a wide range of skin ailments. https://www.terrain.net.nz/friends-of-te-henui-group/table-1/titoki.html
“The Te Aranga Principles address the processes of economic, social, environmental and spatial development changes. They are a set of outcome-based principles founded on Māori cultural values and formulated to provide practical guidance for enhancing outcomes for the design environment” – Exploring Te Aranga Design Principles in Tāmaki by Jacqueline Paul (2017)
Being a designer in NZ we always have to consider the cultural, social, environmental implications our work will have on the site out of respect for our Maori heritage among other things.
I will be focusing on three key principles in my design:
Kotahitanga : I think its important to think about the wider effect that the site has on its surrounding environment so will take care to design processes of sustainable waste management, sustainable energy use and a seamless relationship between the site and its surrounding environment.
Wairuatanga: I’m a firm believer that nature brings out the spirituality of people so will work to design a place that connects people who come to bathe with the nature of the space and the natural elements of NZ
Kaitiakitanga: Sustainability is important for the longevity of our natural environment. I want there to be a relationship of the environment helping the functionality of my site as-well as my site helping the growth and life of the natural environment that its in. I’d love for my design to partner with the natural environment to create a beautiful space to be enjoyed by all living creatures.
Te Aranga Principles
Rangatiratanga: The right to
exercise self-sufficiency authority and self-determination within one’s own iwi / hapū realm, and creating
employment prospects engaging mana whenua as co designers
Kotahitanga: (unity, cohesion
and collaboration) working collaboratively together. Considering wider
infrastructure, landscaping elements, sustainable ways of dealing with waste,
sustainable transport systems and providing community facilities and amenities
Wairuatanga: (considers the
connectivity to a wider interconnected realm by acknowledging the relationship
between Papatuanuku (Mother Earth) and Ranginui (Sky Father) ensuring
development recognises the spiritual connections to other spiritual entities
Tane ( god of the forest, Tangaroa (god of the sea) orientation faces towards
important landmarks and ancestors.
Manaakitanga: ensure that the
development supports access to traditional food sources to support the ethic of
holistic hospitality whereby mana
whenua have inherited
obligations to be the best hosts they can be
Whanaungatanga: Identify key
relationships and create places that reflect identity; providing heritage
markers linking to whakapapa, mana
whenuaconsultation and research on the use of
correct ancestral names, including macrons. Recognition of traditional place
names through signage and wayfinding
Kaitiakitanga: manage and conserve the
environment as part of a reciprocal relationship, based on the Māori world view
that we as humans are part of the natural world. Restore waterways and natural areas; using
passive design; create onsite mitigation of greywater and storm water; ensure
careful use of rainwater and solar energy; and clustering of buildings to
maximise communal reserves and restoration of natural features.
Material selection comes from sustainable renewable resouces
Life cycle analysis of material choice considers long term environmental
impact
Environmental health is
protected, maintained and / or enhanced
Attributes:
The wider development area and
all elements and developments within the site are considered on the basis
of protecting, maintaining or enhancing mauri
The quality of wai (water), whenua (land), ngāhere (forest) and
air are actively monitored
Water, energy and material
resources are conserved
Community wellbeing is
enhanced
Application:
Daylighting, restoration and planting of waterways
Contaminated areas of soil are
remediated
Rainwater collection systems,
grey-water recycling systems and passive
solar design opportunities are explored in the design process
Hard landscape and building
materials which are locally sourced and of high cultural value to mana whenua are explored in the design
process
Mahi Toi
Outcome:
Iwi/hapū
narratives are captured and expressed creatively and appropriately
Attributes:
Ancestral names, local tohu and iwi narratives are creatively
reinscribed into the design environment including: landscape; architecture;
interior design and public art
Iwi / hapū mandated design professionals
and artists are appropriately engaged in such processes
Application:
Mana
whenua assist
in establishing design consortia which are equipped to translate iwi/hapū cultural narratives into
the design environment
Shared spaces are created to
reflect local iwi/hapu identity and contribute to sense
of place
Reinscribe
iwi/hapū
narratives in the environment through public art and design
Tohu
Acknowledges a Māori world view
of the wider significance of tohu / landmarks and their ability to
inform the design of specific development sites
Supports a process whereby
significant sites can be identified, managed, protected and enhanced
Celebrates local and wider unique
cultural heritage and community characteristics that reinforce sense
of place and
identity
On Wednesday 17th we were able to enter into the site and get all the measurements for the basement area that we will be designing for.
It isn’t a very large space for a public pool area and the ceiling is quite low. We discussed this as a group and decided we would dig down on our collective site model to allow for a more open feeling space.
Over the rest of the week our group looked into the contours of the land that the Dadley Building is on in order to construct an accurate site model.
GIS map of site
On July 22-29th we worked on our site model. We decided to construct the model out of plywood as Chris had easy access to some but also provided a clean aesthetic and created a solid model.
My group has a few different pocket forests so we have left a space in our site model to allow us to swap out the different forests when it comes too presenting.
Georgia constructed our model of the top stories of the Dadley Building and the rest of the building that our model will be attached too. It is made out of a thick card to provide structural integrity whist also being easy to construct. it also provides an accurate 1:100 representation of the thickness of the walls etc. of the Dadley Building.
Fully Assembled model ready for our individual models to fit into the basement.
Deconstructed model showing where our individual models will sit and be easily observed.
Spatial Fabrication 