Introduction 

Part of my dissertation had as an aspect of exploration the element of water; an element which I would like to link with my design thesis and have as a reference point. More specifically, what I explored on my dissertation was the architectural quality - the tangible and intangible materials (natural materials, lighting, acoustics).

Thermal Baths in Vals, by Peter Zumthor, was the main case study which designated my dissertation. In order to gain my own personal experience of the space and its atmosphere, I decided to undertake a visit there, sense the space and record my own observations. What impressed me the most, was the combination of the materials - the surfaces' natural stone, water, and light-  the reaction  they had with each other, and most importantly the way that Zumthor's material compatibility influenced my body and psychology. Another remarkable fact about the building,  was the impression one gains from the internal voids into the bigger idea of a semi-natural , semi-man made "cave" of the  body and the senses coming to an end  respectively where the sense of materiality (tangible-intangible) stops. Water plays an  essential and catalytic role in this building, and the atmosphere it composes is undoubtedly seductive.

That atmosphere, and that sense of space is what I would like to apply on my scheme. Having that experience I had from my visit to Zumthor's Thermal Baths at the back of my mind and the atmosphere that was applied there, what I am aiming to do afterwards is to study the element of water further and explore the ways it could be employed in a design program.

httpwww.dezeen.com20130206peter-zumthor-at-the-royal-gold-medal-lecture-2013
It is difficult to express with words how amazing was the atmosphere in Thermal Baths which wasmainly composed by 3 materials: stone, light and water.

httpwww.presidentsmedals.comEntry-11800
The body  feels and experiences the materials with all its senses.

rsjorda2.wordpress.ncsu.edu author rsjorda2
It is amazing how the water is confused with the vapor and the light composing a significant and interesting brur that triggers you to explore.

Barmpouti, 2/11/12

The windows of the Thermal Vals are not directly connected with the wall creating a nice gap in between. Through the reflection on the window you can see the Swiss mountains and the amazing view bathers have from inside.

sesquipedalist.blogspot.co.uk 2010 05 therme-vals.html

On the ceiling there are slits of 6cm where the light comes in and falls on the stone texture creating amazing shadows.