In the heart of Edinburgh, a captivating collaboration between Studio Three Sixty and Sauna Sessions Arts Club has birthed a unique fusion: the UK’s largest sauna transformed into a theatre. This innovative venue, conceptualized by Studio Three Sixty director Lucy Osborne, serves as the UK’s first purpose-built sauna arts center.
A Space for Art and Wellness in the UK’s Largest Sauna
Nestled in the rear courtyard of Summerhall Arts, this distinctive venue will host performances throughout the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Centered around the ritual of Aufguss, the performances combine wellness with dance-based “rave” sessions, crafting a multifaceted cultural experience in what is proudly the largest sauna in the UK.
Designing an Immersive Experience
The sauna theatre merges traditional sauna architecture with theatrical elements. Ayous timber benches form a horseshoe shape around three major sauna stoves, creating a warm, communal ambiance that blurs the line between social gathering and formal performance space. “We wanted the room to feel warm, social, and collective,” Osborne explained, emphasizing the gentle and calm atmosphere crafted by the choice of materials.
The Intersection of Theatres and Saunas
Founders Osborne and James Grieve observed parallels between saunas and theatres—both are communal spaces that encourage a shared experience. The venue hopes to harness this communal spirit, immersing attendees in a transformative and intimate environment within this expansive sauna.
A Technological Marvel
Integrating theatre lighting and sound into the sauna posed unique challenges. Conventional equipment couldn’t withstand the sauna’s heat and humidity, prompting a creative solution: overhead glass windows housing a lighting rig above the room. This design allows for theatrical atmosphere control while maintaining optimal conditions in this spacious venue.
A Portable and Comprehensive Venue
The sauna theatre boasts bright signage and is designed for dismantling and relocation. It includes essential amenities such as showers, changing rooms, lockers, and a cold plunge pool, enhancing the overall experience for visitors.
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A Vision for Art and Wellness
Osborne and Grieve envision the Sauna Theatre introducing newcomers to the joy of sauna while incorporating theatre into wellness routines. Their hope is to show that art and culture play a vital role in human wellbeing. “Good theatre sends you back into the world a different person,” Osborne shared, highlighting the transformative power they aim to harness within the sauna.
Explore a similar creative fusion of culture and spaces with Edward Telleria’s gaze-inspired murals that transform urban intersections into captivating art experiences.
Source: dezeen.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK’s largest sauna being used for?
The UK’s largest sauna is being used as a theatre. It hosts performances throughout the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, combining wellness with dance-based ‘rave’ sessions.
How does the sauna theatre address heat and humidity challenges?
The sauna theatre integrates overhead glass windows housing a lighting rig above the room to withstand heat and humidity. This design maintains optimal conditions while allowing theatrical atmosphere control.
What amenities does the sauna theatre offer?
The sauna theatre includes showers, changing rooms, lockers, a cold plunge pool, and bright signage. It is designed for dismantling and relocation, enhancing the visitor experience.