Nadena Ghousi
The design of public spaces, particularly those geared towards the wellbeing of women, has always been a crucial aspect of Architecture. As a final year project, the aim is to create a traditional Hammam, an Arabic public steam bath, for women only, that is inviting, bold and authentic. The project aims to incorporate traditional aspects of a Hammam, while also creating an inviting and relaxing environment for women to engage in mindfulness practices. Additionally, it seeks to preserve some of the materiality in Whitevale Baths to maintain the site’s history and orginality. The design of the Hammam goes beyond the usual services of a traditional Hammam, with a focus on providing a space that reduces anxiety, stress, and improves concentration, happiness, and self-love. The design seeks to encourage women to feel comfortable and relaxed in their own skin, providing an opportunity for them to connect with themselves by showing care and love for their body, mind, and soul.
Site Context
The Whitevale baths site, situated on Gallowgate near the Forge Shopping Centre, offers a unique opportunity for redevelopment. Currently, only the front of the building remains intact, while the surrounding area has been transformed into housing. The site benefits from its quiet and peaceful ambiance, away from busy and crowded areas. With various amenities nearby, such as St Mungos Academy, the Crownpoint Sports Complex, and transportation options like the train station, the location is already favourable.
Swimming Pond
Incorporating a swimming pond in a Hammam specifically for women can offer numerous benefits for their physical and mental well-being. Firstly, swimming is a great form of exercise that can help strengthen the body, improve cardiovascular health, and boost energy levels. Furthermore, swimming in a natural environment can have a calming effect on the mind and help reduce stress and anxiety levels. In addition, the tranquil atmosphere of the swimming pond can promote relaxation and provide a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Lastly, having a designated space for women to swim can create a sense of privacy and exclusivity, allowing them to feel more comfortable and at ease while enjoying the benefits of this rejuvenating activity. The swimming pond in a women-only hammam can provide a refreshing and peaceful environment for women to unwind, exercise, and improve their overall well-being.
Steam Chamber & Courtyard
The steam room with small holed skylights is an essential feature of the traditional hammam, providing visitors with a range of physical and mental benefits. By heating the room to high temperatures and releasing steam infused with essential oils and fragrances, the steam room helps to purify the skin, relax the muscles, and stimulate circulation, offering a rejuvenating and invigorating experience. Along with its physical benefits, the steam room also serves as a place of spiritual and social connection, where visitors can engage in conversation, share stories, and enjoy a sense of community. The small holed skylights allow for natural light to enter the room, creating a tranquil and serene atmosphere, while also helping to regulate the temperature and humidity levels. .
The courtyard accessible from the steam room as well as the swimming pond. It’s a crucial aspect of the hammam experience, providing a tranquil and rejuvenating outdoor space for visitors to relax, connect with nature, and socialise. It allows visitors to cool down and unwind after the intense heat of the steam room. Additionally, the courtyard offers a variety of aesthetic and functional benefits, such as providing natural light and ventilation to the interior spaces of the hammam, reducing noise and improving air quality, and creating a sense of openness and spaciousness. Furthermore, the courtyard provides an opportunity to incorporate natural elements, such as plants, water features, and natural materials, into the design of the hammam, which can help to promote a sense of harmony and balance between the built environment and the natural world.
Second Floor
As you enter the tea room, a sense of tranquility washes over you. The space is minimalist yet elegant, with soft wood and stone textures creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The bespoke tea table, inspired by Japanese modern design, stretches out before you, its long and narrow form offering a spacious yet intimate setting for sipping on organic Moroccan tea.
On the bespoke shelf screen, inspired by Moroccan designs, tea cups and accessories are carefully arranged, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the room. The balcony, with its intricate Moroccan detailing, provides a stunning view of the courtyard below and the swimming pond building in the distance.
The skylights overhead allow natural light to flood into the tea room, casting a warm glow on the indoor herbal garden on the upper floor. The garden is a striking feature of the tea room, where organic herbs are grown to create a selection of fresh, healthful teas for visitors to enjoy.
As you sit back, sipping on your tea and enjoying the serenity of the space, it’s easy to forget the outside world and lose yourself in the peaceful oasis that is the tea room.
