Brief
To design an immersive Bathroom Experience which exhibit the new values of Gracious Living, focusing on Technology and Usages to provide benefits for the Working Couple without Children.
In collaboration with KOHLER
Designed with Manon GERARD, Hawa SOUCHAUD, Angela SORTINO
2015, 14 Weeks
PART 2 Conceptualization
Brainstorming & Ideation
We started the conceptualization phase by rapidly brainstorming and sketching ideas according to the different moments of the bathroom experience, namely - Morning, Evening, Resourcing and Relaxing.
We started the conceptualization phase by rapidly brainstorming and sketching ideas according to the different moments of the bathroom experience, namely - Morning, Evening, Resourcing and Relaxing.
In the end, we mixed and matched concepts to re-worked them into 3 different global bathrooms,
by playing around with the spatial arrangements and the features within.
Each bathroom is a holistic combination of the 3 axes - meeting, ritual and consciousness,
with their unique moods and interior styles.
CONCEPT 1
In this first concept, the strongest axis is the axis of Meeting. The bathroom provides the couple with their individual space, as well as a space where they can share precious moments of their day together.
In this first concept, the strongest axis is the axis of Meeting. The bathroom provides the couple with their individual space, as well as a space where they can share precious moments of their day together.
In the scenario, the couple enters the bathroom using separate pathways where they can tend to their personal care, and they eventually meet at the shower space.
The large open area at the sink allows the couple to carry out his / her individual routines while being able to see and connect with each other.
An area for feet care or a station to set the clothes sits at the center of the bathroom. The slate flooring is warm to touch, and the copper seat has a heating element beneath to make it warm and cosy.
A fiber separation demarcates the shower space, where the structure of closely-lined fibers can keep water out and at the same time, allow the play of light and sensuality through the small gaps.
For the shower space, heat radiates through the copper bar to keep the water warm. The slate bench and walls keeps the space enclosed and cozy. The bench allows the couple to lie down side by side, and enjoy different shower massages through the water ceiling above.
CONCEPT 2
This concept focuses on the axis of Ritual, where the couple goes through a pathway within the bathroom to carry out their daily routine. The spatial layout creates a footpath that follows them through steps along their personal care rite, allowing them to enjoy their individual space at their own pace.
This concept focuses on the axis of Ritual, where the couple goes through a pathway within the bathroom to carry out their daily routine. The spatial layout creates a footpath that follows them through steps along their personal care rite, allowing them to enjoy their individual space at their own pace.
In the circulation scenario, one person enters the corridor to take a shower, another enters to take a bath. During this time they are separated but they can see each other through the lined separation. After, they converge at the drying space and later at the sink.
We wanted the global atmosphere to be of spirituality and mineral elements. Therefore, we took inspiration from antiquity, by using references from temples, volcanoes and gold elements.
The most symbolic element of the Ritual is the corridor. It serves to lead users implicitly to do their own ritual and bring importance into each and every step of the bathroom experience. At the shower space, the thermo-chromic floor changes color in warm running water, resembling lava.
The separation system adds a mysterious and sensual aspect as it moves to hide and reveal the couple to each other. Enclosed within 2 glass surfaces, the bars rotate slowly at different times, forming a gradient of revelation and camouflage.
At the sink, the spiral patterns represents the merging connection and synergy of the senses between the couple. Furthermore, the integrated water outlet through the wall keeps its it simple and natural.
CONCEPT 3
In this third concept, the focus is on Consciousness, where the open layout provides a space for the couple to indulge in their own consciousness, using their senses to feel each and every element of their surroundings.
In this third concept, the focus is on Consciousness, where the open layout provides a space for the couple to indulge in their own consciousness, using their senses to feel each and every element of their surroundings.
In the circulation scenario, one of them enters and goes into the shower, dries and goes to the sink, while the other enters and goes to the sink to seek information about his body before proceeding to the bath. This spatial layout of the shower space and a open bath allows the couple to have moments of interaction while they carry out their different washing routines.
Here, the global atmosphere is natural and airy. The aim was to use materials such as light coloured walnut wood and striato which makes the atmosphere look lighter and fresher.
For the shower elements, chrome is being used, and striato is used for the flooring to highlight the steps down the area.
A full length wall mirror is installed to give the illusion of a bigger bathroom, which also functions as an interactive surface for understanding your body conditions. In relation to the sloped bath, the sink also has the same sloped feature.
Evaluation
After evaluation of the three different bathroom concepts, we felt that the third bathroom is a more innovative and meaningful space plan to cater to the needs of the couple. Although it focuses on mainly the axis of Consciousness as of now, we felt that it was the concept that had great potential for the other 2 axes of Meeting and Ritual to be enhanced as well. We made refinements to our ideas and concentrated on the arrangements of our bathroom by taking into account ergonomics, physics of waterfalls, and also cleaning and safety aspects.
After evaluation of the three different bathroom concepts, we felt that the third bathroom is a more innovative and meaningful space plan to cater to the needs of the couple. Although it focuses on mainly the axis of Consciousness as of now, we felt that it was the concept that had great potential for the other 2 axes of Meeting and Ritual to be enhanced as well. We made refinements to our ideas and concentrated on the arrangements of our bathroom by taking into account ergonomics, physics of waterfalls, and also cleaning and safety aspects.
Our vision for our final bathroom design is one that could provide a holistic experience encompassing all 3 axes - Meeting, Ritual and Consciousness.
