The idea of small, floating baths connected at the farthest end of pier 45 in Manhattan, NY came from the idea of merging human wellness with one of Hudson river’s most abundant natural resources: salt. By analyzing the rich history of salt in NY, a visual web-flow diagram was created to help inform the programmatic usage and circulation of the design akin to the archaic methods of passive salt evaporation. By integrating sustainably mindful Wave Energy Converters, this project can also function off-the-grid as water pumps, bath heating elements, and lighting are generated via collected wave energy. Via the localized salt harvesting done on the floating pier, the project not only creates a self-sustaining system
but also emphasizes the cyclical relationship between natural resources and human well- being. The harvested salt is used to salinate the baths, offering varying levels of buoyancy
and therapeutic benefits while connecting users to the Hudson River’s ecosystem. The design promotes introspection and relaxation, with each bath serving as a tranquil microcosm that fosters a deeper appreciation for the river’s natural abundance. Additionally, the excess filtered water is returned to the river, contributing to environmental stewardship and underscoring the project’s commitment to sustainability and climate resilience.
