Challenging the conventional western idea of a “spa”, The O thrives to create an experience that brings back the value community and gathering within the context of Cambridge.  

The Project utilizes the spa as a vehicle to explore the juxtaposition of spa and community similar programmatically to the Japanese Bath House. Situated near an edge condition within the urban fabric of downtown Galt, the O aspires to integrate itself with daily life within Cambridge to return its visitors to the pace and rhythm of the city itself.  Inspired by traditional Japanese bath houses, the spa should not be seen as a weekend getaway but rather a time for community and daily rejuvenation much like a yoga class or a social activity. 

The O presents a number of contrasts and tensions and explores their implications and how it effects the users programmatically, spatially, and in terms of sensual experience. 

The site presented a unique condition of having limited views of the river without the ability to dig very deep into the flood line of the site. Although the program of the spa is introverted in nature, the building that was envisioned hoped to be an integrated and social part of the communal fabric. The public gathering spaces of the from pitched roof area and the heated seating area in front of the soaking pool plays a very similar programmatic role of being a space of gathering and community but at significantly different scales.

The ritual of entering into the building and its many thresholds have been considered down to the little details, from the transition to the airy and warm wood overhang with its cafe and south facing gather space into the front, the visitor descends into the project into the change rooms. After the change rooms a light well marks the transition in section from the wood mass to the sunken concrete mass as they enter the co-ed shower area guided by the light of the oculus at the center of the spa area. The open seating area allows visitors to enjoy a heated seating and free exploration into the open-air pool and sauna area.

Careful consideration of scale and materiality was put into designing the section to distinguish and link the two masses together. The intention was only the front mass to be visible with the spa area being sunken with its green roof to blend into the environment creating a truly immersive experience for the spa area.

The climax of the scheme takes this open air oculus and puts it center stage. Open to the elements, the visitors can soak in temperature controlled water and reflect.