urban therme spa proposal for chicago lakefront kiosk competition

urban therme spa proposal for chicago lakefront kiosk competition

during the few, but enjoyable months that are chicago’s summer, some sixty to seventy thousand people visit the lakefront on a daily basis. that number quickly dissipates as the weather turns sour, turning the loved location into nothing more than a desolate ice field.

relaxing in ‘urban therme’

‘urban therme’ by kyle bigart, andrew sommerville, and alex paulette hopes to change that. drawing from ancient roman spa archetypes, the kiosk proposal allows chicagonians to congregate and relax in a fully-operational, lakefront facility.

a soothing spa after a lakeshore ride 

the gentle, curvaceous form is made to serve multiple experiences (hot and cold baths, dry sauna) without adjustments in a single unit. its shape doesn’t impede on the landscape, and it also keeps it simple enough to be relocated relatively easily.

during summer months, the kiosks becomes a shady respite for beachgoers, family, and friends 

‘urban therme’ provides a dynamic space for personal wellness regardless of snow, or shine. during summer months, the spa points east — utilizing the cool lake breeze from its large covered patio. when winter comes around, it faces oppositely, shielding from the wind and looking towards chicago’s skyline.

experience concept and form development

the thermal bath is able to remain largely autonomous from city resources. a roof cavity acts as a rainwater catchment, which is stored in a series of reservoir tanks embedded in the back wall. a solar water heater maintains consistent temperatures where needed.water is cleaned through an electro-magnetic filtration system powered by an array of 24v batteries kept charged by photovoltaic paneling. 

the ‘urban therme’ plan calls for a herd of spas to move along the lakeshore

floor and roof plans

sections/details

north and west elevations

south and east elevations

sustainability plan and seasonal orientation

urban therme branding and reservation interface/app

project info:

purpose: competition entry
team: kyle bigart, andrew sommerville, alex paulette
program: thermal spa kiosks
location: chicago, illinois, USA
date: march, 2015

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.