Modern Bathing Culture in Historical Ambience

Led by the Aquapark Management GmbH, which was contracted with the conceptual consultation and operation, Darmstadt’s art nouveau-influenced “Volksbad” (people’s bath) from 1909 is being reconstructed and expanded for around 18 million euros. The goal of the plans conceived by the architecture firm Krieger is to emulate a portion of the old brick façade in glass so as to merge architectural tradition with modernity, explained Aquapark’s Managing Director, Dr Michael Quell. Construction is to be completed by autumn 2007, and the new art nouveau bath is to bring the diversity of the bathing tradition in different cultures closer to guests. (eap)