Leopold Banchini’s Roundabout Bathhouse Redefines Public Space
Leopold Banchini bathhouse reimagines an urban roundabout in Logroño, Spain, transforming a neglected fountain into an intimate communal bathhouse. This architectural intervention, built for the 10th-anniversary edition of the Concentrico Festival, challenges how we perceive and use car-centric spaces in modern cities.
A Forgotten Fountain Reclaimed
At the heart of Plaza Salón, a semi-circular fountain surrounded by relentless traffic stood largely unused—until Swiss studio Leopold Banchini Architects intervened. They enclosed the basin with a timber structure, converting the impersonal space into a temporary bathhouse complete with a steam room and changing facilities.
The studio drew inspiration from 19th-century public baths, once a symbol of social progress and hygiene, now mostly replaced by privatized wellness centers. Banchini’s reinterpretation revives this communal spirit in a modern context.
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A Structure of Simplicity and Purpose
To shield bathers from noise and create privacy, the architects built high walls from raw, uncut timber panels around the fountain. The semi-enclosed area houses the cold-water bath, while the steam room, constructed around an open fire, vents through a chimney wrapped in matching grey paneling.
Despite its simplicity, the space balances functionality and symbolism. The elevated chimney signals activity and warmth, drawing in the curious from outside the roundabout.
A Commentary on Urban Space
“The Leopold Banchini bathhouse transforms a trapped, inaccessible public fountain into a space where undressed bodies share water,” the firm explained. The contrast between the modest materials and profound purpose mirrors larger critiques of how cities prioritize vehicles over people.
With the panels set to be reused after the festival, the temporary installation questions not just urban planning priorities, but also material waste and sustainability.
Public Design with Lasting Impact
While the bathhouse is temporary, its message lingers. It demonstrates that forgotten urban spaces, often overlooked because of traffic or disuse, can be reimagined into hubs of community and connection.
Leopold Banchini Architects, founded in 2017, continues to redefine public space through bold, minimal architecture. Previous works include a stilted house in Switzerland and a creek-side shack in Australia, all exhibiting the firm’s commitment to radical contextual transformation.
