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The traditional Sento makes very clear a lack of distinction between the male and female sides of the interior - it is entirely symmetrical with the exception of a few amenities. Situated in an urban Vancouver setting along an East-West axis, this project diverges from the typical symmetry at particular moments in order to advantage desired qualities of light and air. In addition, the boundary between interior and exterior spaces is dematerialized.
The permeable enclosure around three sides of the washing area frames a more intimate space, yet remains visible to the other functions and procession of the bathing experience. In fact, it acts as a warm cocoon structure that is surrounded by fresh air. The only light that reaches this space is diffused via the wood and glass skin. Counter to this, the bathing area opens itself up to the outdoors with natural cooler light and ventilation from the neighbouring vitrine and skylights.
The confrontation between differing climates (hot and cold, dry and humid) makes ambiguous the border between interior and exterior. To add to this experience, a continuous descent from the street to the pools tries to elicit the feeling of a natural landscape. In essence, the project blurs the distinction between environments in order to create an experience of the in-between and leave open the potential that this bathhouse could provide an outside within a dense urban environment.
