WATER TOWER
Chicago,2008
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The water tank is reminiscent of the first building in Chicago, the tee-pee. This project aims at transforming water tanks into traditional "inipis", the Native American version of modern saunas. Using Finnish sauna technology, the bathers will sit around a pile of heated rocks just as the Native Americans once did in their 'sweat lodges'. The circular benches will follow the form of the tank and be placed around a central glowing bed of hot stones. The circular surrounding terrace includes seating incorporated into the railing.
The sauna is heated within the hour by an electric stone stove which is ventilated through pipes in the floor and upper walls. In Finnish style, a bucket of water will be poured over the stones to create hot steam. The sauna can be used privately by the penthouse apartment or can be shared by the entire building underneath.