We first were to research different cultural histories of bathing, to gain a better understanding of the way in which water impacts our lives through cleansing.
When I first began my research, I was first struck by methods of geothermal energy, and using earth's natural sources is a sustainable and renewable energy source, which is significant in today's surge in green efforts. I was then drawn to areas of the world which primarily use geothermal energy- and extremely good thing. Iceland is one of two countries to generate a significant amount of power from renewable resources.. the other is the Philippines. Along with geothermal energy, Iceland also uses a good amount of hydroelectricity. Together, these two renewable and natural sources of energy make up over 99% of Iceland's primary energy needs. (source)
Iceland is located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge as well as the Iceland hotspot (responsible for the island actually being created), and has very high volcanic activity. With the abundance of tectonic activity, geysers, and hot springs, Iceland has a few famous public bathing spots. One in particular, the Blue Lagoon, is the most popular.
"The Blue Lagoon geothermal seawater is a part of an ecocycle where nature and science work in harmony. The seawater originates 2000 meter/6562 ft beneath the ground where it is heated by earth’s natural forces. At this depth the temperature is 240°C/464°F and the pressure is 36 times the pressure on the earth’s surface. The geothermal seawater comes into contact with cooling magmatic intrusions and captures the earth’s minerals, resulting in this unique natural source known for its healing power and actives." (source)
Learning about these geothermal processes and natural energy from the earth sparked ideas of the way the earth impacts the life that it supports. The earth is constantly healing itself, and through the use of these natural energy sources, it helps heal humans as well. We as humans have a responsibility to take care of the earth in return. This cycle of the earth supporting the life on it, and (hopefully) humans in turn living more responsibly on it, is an important one.
Imagine if more of the world were like Iceland, who hopes to be a zero carbon economy very soon (though their priorities may have changed, as the current economic crisis hit the country hard) by eliminating unnatural and non-renewable energy sources? Human life and the earth would be in harmony. These are big ideas I hope to bring into my design for my place to bathe.
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