Reconstruction of Beitou Hot Spring in Taiwan

Abstract

In Japan, hot springs are a place where people can recover both physically and spiritually by relaxing their bodies and their minds. It is a very important social and natural resource. This paper tries to study Japanese style public bathing, (Sento), in order to understand the value and culture behind public baths. Through this research, we would design public baths in Beitou that can incorporate the same elements of social value, environmental sensitivity, and unique local cultural characteristics. In this research, We will reconstruct the old public bath building, exploring the impact of scale on the bather. Applying innovative thinking about space and design will enhance the relationship of the user to the hot springs bath to create a more holistic and interesting experience. We would further like to explore the feasibility of reintroducing elements of sexuality and pornography into this re-imagined public space. The problem of using unnatural structures in a natural environment is one of the topics to explore, for example: using local natural materials to assimilate the structure into the native environment. Using low carbon building designs is a way to create symbiosis between existing naturals environments and constructed building elements. Environmental integration is one of the key goals of our research.