Life-Saving Bathhouse

Communal bathing is widespread and extremely popular in South Korea. The country therefore has numerous public bathhouses. Like other industrialised nations, however, it also has an ageing population. It is thus hardly surprising that accidents in bathing facilities, some of them fatal, involve an increasing number of older people. The Life-Saving Bathhouse, developed by the INNOCEAN agency in collaboration with a team of architects and medics, addresses this issue. Initial research into the cause of the accidents showed that older people are particularly susceptible to heat shock and in Korea, people like bathing in very hot water. However, at an older age, the body is no longer able to adapt as quickly to sudden changes in temperature such as between the changing room and the bath, for instance. The design concept for this bathhouse therefore set out to include routines in the daily bathing ritual that gradually raise the body temperature. Part of the solution is a warm-up zone with traditional Korean underfloor heating and seating. Following medical advice, this area also includes a tea bar as warm tea likewise helps the body to adapt. Before bathing, users can check their blood pressure at a control kiosk which will advise them not to bathe if their blood pressure is too high. An acoustic signal that sounds every ten minutes reminds bathers to take regular breaks and prevent overheating. The concept behind the bathhouse thus uses design solutions to intuitively prompt safe bathing habits instead of applying rules or pressure. The interior design is also tailored to older bathers and features non-slip tiles, rounded corners and edges to prevent injury, safety handrails and emergency buttons. Even the mint-green colour of the tiles was a deliberate choice as it contrasts most with skin colour, which is helpful in an emergency. The jury made a point of praising this project. “Every design decision has been based on sound safety considerations targeted at saving lives. At the same time, use of the facilities is intuitive and holistic – an inspiration for all creatives who design living environments for older people.”