The Therme Vals

The Therme Vals built over the only thermal springs in the Graubunden Canton in Switzerland, The Therme Vals is a hotel and spa in one which combines a complete sensory experience designed by Peter Zumthor.

The size of windows is designed relating to function. And the interior and external environment are totally different. 

The stone texture is suitable for local environment, although the material is simple and color is not too colorful, the whole environment promotes a peaceful atmosphere with whole building.

This space was designed for visitors to luxuriate and rediscover the ancient benefits of bathing. The combinations of light and shade, open and enclosed spaces and linear elements make for a highly sensuous and restorative experience. The underlying informal layout of the internal space is a carefully modelled path of circulation which leads bathers to certain predetermined points but lets them explore other areas for themselves. The perspective is always controlled. It either ensures or denies a view.

“The meander, as we call it, is a designed negative space between the blocks, a space that connects everything as it flows throughout the entire building, creating a peacefully pulsating rhythm. Moving around this space means making discoveries. You are walking as if in the woods. Everyone there is looking for a path of their own.” Peter Zumthor

This fantastic architecture extracted from surrounding environment and totally fusing with surrounding.

Simple building sometimes are so beautiful, and this building teaches me the beauty of this kind of architecture. The real charm of building can be presented by environment and designing concept rather than pure technology.

Reference


"The Therme Vals / Peter Zumthor" 11 Feb 2009. ArchDaily. Accessed 5 Dec 2015. <http://www.archdaily.com/13358/the-therme-vals/>

"瓦尔斯温泉浴场（The Therme Vals ）" .ArchReport. Accessed<http://www.archreport.com.cn/show-6-1918-1.html>