Public Bathhouse

Gdańsk Technical University (Politechnika Gdańska), Faculty of Architecture, Gdańsk

Project idea

The idea of a public bath as a diploma project came spontaneously. While mapping the functions present in Gdańsk, it became clear that this was one that was missing entirely and one that people might not know they needed until they experienced it. The absence of such a typology in Poland made the choice feel risky, but also worth pursuing.
The references came from two ends of history. From the one hand, Roman baths established the idea of bathing as a civic act, a public ritual rather than a private necessity. Though they exist today only as ruins, they demonstrate how central shared bathing once was to urban life. From the other hand, Japanese onsens: still living, still visited daily, woven into routine and community in a way that has survived centuries of cultural change. Gdańsk was also chosen intentionally. The city has a deep-rooted connection to water, shaped by the river, the bay, and centuries of maritime history.

Project description

This project proposes a contemporary public bathhouse that is accessible and affordable for everyone, while offering privacy and introducing a new typology to the city's public life. The design aims to create a place where people can reduce stress, relax body and mind, and dedicate time to physical and mental recovery - whether alone, with friends, or with family. The building is constructed from cross-laminated timber, reflecting a commitment to sustainable and natural materials that reinforce the overall atmosphere of warmth and rest.

The site is located next to the Gdańsk University of Technology’s sports hall, fronting Aleja Zwycięstwa, making it well-connected for students and visitors arriving by public transport, bicycle, or car. The building offers not only bathing facilities but also a café open to both visitors and passers-by. The project also features significant green spaces, including a park, children’s playground at the front and gardens along the sides and rear of the building.

Technical information

A single-storey, rectangular building with a butterfly roof and a metal, geometric structure. The building consists of three rectangular volumes connected at slight angles to one another, forming a semi-enclosed courtyard garden at the center. The main façade, following the building’s primary axis, is oriented towards the southwest. The main volume of the building, with its shorter façade facing north and its longer façade facing east, is designed to capture as much sunlight as possible throughout the day.

The building includes an entrance hall with a reception area, a café, changing rooms, a large bathhouse with saunas, and the necessary supporting facilities. The interiors of most spaces are constructed from exposed cross-laminated timber (CLT) without additional finishes, giving them a warm and natural character. The entrance hall and the bathhouse feature large, elongated roof windows that provide natural daylight throughout the day.

Documentation

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