case study 03 | Therme Vals
"The meander, as we call it, is a designed negative space between the blocks, a space that connects everything as it flows throughout the entire building, creating a peacefully pulsating rhythm. Moving around this space means making discoveries. You are walking as if in the woods. Everyone there is looking for a path of their own."
by Peter Zumthor
(Archdaily 2009)
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The Therme Vals hotel spa, is built from layers and layers of locally quarried Valser Quarzite slabs. It was designed for visitors to luxuriate and rediscover the ancient benefits of bathing. The interplay of light and shade, open and closed spaces and linear elements, creates a highly sensuous and restorative experience (Archdaily, 2009).
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Solid and Void Spaces Planning
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The slow elements in Therme Vals
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bathing, in general, is very relaxing.
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Emphasis of light and shadow, incorporating natural and artificial lighting.
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Open and informal layout with many negative spaces, allowing users to explore the space spontaneously.
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pleasure in the unique acoustics of the bubbling water against the stone wall.
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tactility and warmth of the stone on naked skin.
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Visitors could enjoy the framed views looking outside to the nature.
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