A Symphony of the Grounds.
Architecture reflects its time. In the Imperial Era, a thermæ means opulence, the celebration of modern engineering and an exclusive gathering in a pagan society. And we always live in the present. 2024, the natural, the openness to the public and the spiritual are now to be celebrated.
Today, the Curinga thermæ is a ruined relic in need for protection. It has lost its capacity to enclose, and lost its capacity to house functional programs. Nature as fauna and flora has taken over and the ruined structure has an aesthetic in itself to be accepted and enjoyed. Rather than proposing a return to the past, which would be both heavy in resources and vain in spirit, we propose to simply place a translucent veil on the relic to protect it from the elements and from further deterioration. As for the bathing programs, they can live differently.
Longitudinal Section
We move the fauna to the interior of the thermæ where it has already moved in centuries ago. Butterflies, birds and bees can have a bath in the once frigidarium and we will facilitate that with miniature tubs designed for their graceful presence. As for humans, they can bathe, but on the outer periphery, in a naturally filtrated pool on the northern side of the site, its shape a direct reflection of flooding the existing excavation with minimal additional intervention. Additionally, a series of 4 individual ice baths and a bigger hot tub on the southern side of the site.
To cover the relic, we draw guidelines aligned on the original Roman plan, and in the periphery of the ruin, we place 12 thin galvanized steel columns, interconnected by a web of tension cables like a web of underground roots having risen to the surface, or a constellation of stars at night. We place a translucent skin of hemp to cover it gently, with operable sides to raise the veil when needed to access the relic or to lower it and transform into a glowing beacon at night.
To augment the public space around the thermæ, we walk gently, therapeutically, towards the relic. Every gravel is an acupressure point, where every visitor is encouraged to walk barefoot. On the way, every grass blade is a color and every branch is a smell to notice. We propose small corners for painting as an activity, a few ethereal swings for a child to play. By the relic on the southeastern side, a large amphitheater for musical performances and poetic recitations. Its shape? A simple manipulation of the archaeological excavation, which is also heritage.
Project Masterplan
And once in autumn, comes the olive harvesting season. The site transforms again, and in the piazza on the northeastern side of the site, the green fabrics are laid, olives are selected and packaged before moving to the press. An architecture to celebrate every cycle, day and night, and every season, spring, summer, fall, winter and spring.
Conceptual Diagrams
As if nothing. A formless presence like an acupuncture to celebrate the existing nerves of the earth, its energy networks, tree roots communicating, bees flying and inseminating, olives growing from seed and back to seed. A ‘one’ presence as a totally open public space, like a vibrant open field, for bathing in various temperatures, enjoying together multiple communal activities and celebrating nature in silence, day and night. A new definition of bathing as a therapy in ecology, an eco-therapy.
Project Status: Competition Entry.
Designed by Karim Nader with Mounira El Halabi and Giulia Cazzaniga.