Badehäuser

The television documentary series "BATH HOUSES" tells the story of historic bathing
environments, allowing the viewer to dive into elegant, photographic images of
traditional wellness temples. Not only design and architecture but also bath house
culture across various epochs plays a central role in the series. These bathing
cathedrals integrated aesthetics and art into people's daily lives.
With its depiction of impressive bath houses full of history and stories, the television documentary series "BATH HOUSES" doesn't only draw in aquaphiles. Every episode leads to another country and culture, and to bath houses of various epochs and styles.
Whether in Hungary, England, Japan or Turkey, bath culture primarily reflects usefulness and aesthetics.The series illuminates the special architecture of bath houses, embarking on a journey through time.
It begins with the ancient Romans and a public thermal bath, moves to a historic hammam in Istanbul and travels on to one of the most famous Art Nouveau baths in the world, the Gellert Baths in Budapest. Varying architects and styles differentiate the bath houses on display. We have ancient Roman architecture, whose characteristic massive construction supported by heavy columns
was meant to make a statement. Then comes modern Japan, which invariably
allows its own culture and traditions to flow into its post-war architecture; and not least, European variations on Art Nouveau. They are all united by the desire to bring together form and functionality, art and hygiene, under one roof.
The bathing establishments of past centuries are artworks unto themselves, yet they also fulfill a purpose: of washing and caring for one's body – between pillars, under domes, and in the face of artistic tiles and playful sculptures. In so doing, they integrate hygiene and health into daily life.
The bath houses to be presented in this arte series all have unique stories – and we want to tell them.