Sutro Baths

LOCATION: San Francisco, CA

PROGRAM: Bathing Complex

STATUS: Proposal

Sutro Baths is a redesigned bathing complex on the site of the ruins of the original bathing complex of the same name, built in 1896. In its heyday the structure was the world's largest indoor swimming pool establishment, and the ruins and landscape are a pilgrimage site for many residents and visitors.

In an effort to celebrate the history of the site and maintain the much loved landscape, the redesigned bathing complex placement is based on development strategies provided within Ian McHarg’s well known design guidebook Design with Nature. McHarg emphasizes the importance of determining the ideal location for development by placing a hierarchy towards ecology, culture, natural amenities, and so on. Thus the location for the building’s location was determined according to the area that has the least to offer to the ecology, region, etc.

This choice in placement maintains the current pathways and preserves the ruins of the original bathing complex. The new building becomes a protector for the old building, instead of overpowering or overtaking the historical site.