Bathhouse in Reykjavik, Iceland

One of the main qualities of life in Icelandic society is the earth’s heat that has been harnessed and fed into the homes of the citizens. The swimming pool is the clearest and most visible manifestation of these qualities of life. Bathhouses are a regular part of many people’s daily lives, and human life in the pools is a fascinating part of Icelandic society. Architecture plays a key role there, and the development of the bathhouses reflects a lively dialogue between architects and society. Over time, the culture and architecture surrounding swimming facilities have undergone a significant transformation. Initially, these facilities were designed to serve as training centers to help people learn how to swim and maintain clean, healthy bodies. However, today, Icelanders view swimming pools as therapeutic places to relax, socialize, and play with their family and friends.The following work will examine the evolution of Icelandic bath culture and its impact on bathhouse architecture through the centuries. The project is situated in Fossvogur, an urban recreational area between two densely populated residential neighborhoods. The goal of this project is to propose a design for a public bathhouse that will contribute to the evolution of swimming culture in Iceland. The proposed bathhouse design aims to provide access to the pools in a new way, with the intention of accommodating the needs of all social groups who visit the bathhouse on a daily basis. The design will enhance people’s experience by considering their different functional needs. Additionally, the unique elements of the site will be incorporated into the building’s design, emphasizing the natural surroundings and appealing to people’s senses.