Release: Breakaway

In designing a spa, one does not often consider the specific challenges of physically disabled clients. Furthermore, it is infrequent that a designer find oneself faced with the challenge of designing a spa environment focused solely on the needs of these physically challenged persons. Our studio was presented with just such a challenge; to design “a place to bathe” for wheelchair bound clients. This space was to include at least one ramp and follow the bathing traditions of a culture of our choosing.


My precedent research began with an exploration of global bathing traditions. I gathered information on the modest bathing traditions of the Quakers, to those extravagant traditions of the ancient Romans, to the spiritual bathing of the Japanese. Only after reading about the Scandinavian sauna, or sweat bath, was I able to begin developing my concept for my spa.



Because a handicapped client is confined to a wheelchair, it became clear that a spa should offer freedom from such restrictions. A health spa, incorporating the benefits of a sauna, became the focus of my design, paired with a progression from restrictions to ultimate freedom. My design reflects this progression as organic shapes progressively break away a grow from the confined geometry of straight lines.



The sauna has existed as a prominent Scandinavian tradition for much of recorded history. Saunas have been long believed to promote a healthy overall wellbeing and encourage social bonding. In the early days of the sauna, they were even referred to as the poor man’s apothecary, providing a sanitary environment for surgeries, births, and shelter for the sick. Even today they are often used in combination with fresh birch twig massage and cold water pools to improve circulation and promote healthy skin.



Upon entering my spa, the client passes through a foyer, assisted by an attendant if desired, into the Sauna. Here there is a bench for massage or relaxation. They then proceed to the cool pool, following a curved ramp. The pool is designed to cool and refresh the body after the intense heat of the sauna. The pool also offers benches or four feet of water in which the clients are able to release tension and achieve optimal wellness, according to Scandinavian beliefs.


The materials in the spa are intended to support the feeling of natural wellness. I chose to incorporate slate and rich toupes and purples, while utilizing natural light through the implementation of large skylights.