Architectures of Water

Abstract

Water and the relationship we have with it are disloca- ted in the contemporary context of the city. Present-day structures of society represent water as a human made commodity, whilst it will always be an elusive element of nature, the human body and the environment. How can we redesign city water into practices that reconnect us to the element and its natural and social qualities?
A litterature study sets out the extent of meanings and underlaying structures of water in the city. The typo- logy of the 19th century bathhouse is used to elaborate on the way architecture has shaped use and culture.
Three contemporary case studies expand on architecture that supports a richer relationship with water.
Water moves through a multitude of spheres, we have physical, emotional and imaginative interactions with it. The idea of a sublime nature or a nature we have control over is a lie, in the context of the city water is more a product of culture than it is of nature. A more hybrid mentality that encorporates the differnt spheres would lead to a more sustainable view of city water. Wa- ter in the city is a common good, it’s part of society and the individual and should therefore be accessible and understandable. Architecture is not the solution to the disconnect, but has the responsibility to touch upon the different spheres and is in the first instance about trans- parency and accesibility.