Tranquil Vertical Bathhouse in Hong Kong

The title of the project is From “Hortus Conclusus” to Tranquility Space in the City. By taking inspiration from the form, materials, and elements of medieval monasteries, the aim is to explore how to create physical and spiritual spaces of tranquility in contemporary cities. By examining the processes of human “entry” and rituals influenced by architectural forms and the acoustic environments shaped by materials, I seek to understand how tranquility can be fostered in the urban context. The PDM project involves the construction of a vertical bathhouse in Hong Kong, providing a sanctuary where individuals can experience tranquility. On a site located between Victoria Harbour and Victoria Peak, it repurposes an existing public bathhouse from the 1940s. Given Hong Kong's reputation for high-density urbanism and towering architecture, the challenge is to create a spiritually serene space in an environment that may feel oppressive or aggressive. How do the activities within the bathhouse, traditionally considered private, relate to the surrounding context? Furthermore, the research investigates how architecture can evoke a sense of tranquility. The project seeks to provide an architectural solution for cultivating tranquility in a bustling urban environment. By integrating the principles of medieval monasteries, enclosed gardens, and utopian concepts, the proposed vertical bathhouse aims to offer a transformative experience, providing respite and serenity amidst the cityscape of Hong Kong.