"RECESS is conceived less as a spa and more as a contemporary ritual—an 'ode to stillness' that encourages people to pause, reset, and reconnect with themselves and others."
"Shared physical discomfort produces a specific social chemistry that casual conversation does not, creating a rhythm that bridges individual restoration with collective presence."
"The elongated tunnel wraps the perimeter, guiding visitors along a gentle ramp as refracted light patterns flicker across its surface—a spatial cue that references water before it is ever encountered."
"The post-plunge lounge, where layers of diffused curtains encircle the room, doubles as projection surfaces for a rotating program of art installations, DJ sets, and guided breathwork sessions."
RECESS is a 4,500-square-foot project in Griffintown, Montreal, designed to merge thermal bathing with social infrastructure. It offers a 75-minute hot-cold circuit experience that includes 20 minutes of heat, a two-minute cold plunge, and intervals for rest and conversation. The design features a linear sequence of spaces that facilitate individual restoration and collective presence. The post-plunge lounge hosts art installations and guided sessions, enhancing the social aspect of the experience and promoting a sense of community.
Read at Design Milk
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]