The site has a rich history of use over time. Ute, Paiute, Goshute and Shoshone tribes used it for thousands of years as bathing and wintering grounds, due to the geothermal activity that kept the ground dry. They believed the mineral-rich waters had healing properties and treated the site with care. This usage was disrupted with the arrival of Mormon pioneers, leading to disease and contamination of the water, causing the illness and death of many indigenous people.

The project concept explores the relationships between the environment, the community and the built environment. The geothermal activity provides natural hot springs, which the current architecture does not utilize. The site’s history of colonization severed Indigenous peoples’ historic relationship with the site, making full reconciliation impossible. However, by acknowledging this painful history and creating a space that honors and educates about indigenous cultures, the project aims to foster healing and understanding. The existing architecture, both in style and state of disrepair, fails to serve the surrounding area or honor the natural hot springs’ significance. This leaves the site underutilized and disconnected from its cultural and environmental context.

The project thoughtfully incorporates earth from the steep slope behind the building into the existing structure, providing a natural incline for the new plunge pools. This intervention not only creates an accessible pathway but also restores the hillside with native, water-wise plants, ensuring ecological harmony. The seamless transition from the parks flanking the site enhances the site’s integration with its natural surroundings. Additionally, the design includes an indigenous medicine garden featuring a variety of Utah native plants. This garden not only serves as a tribute to the indigenous cultures that historically utilized the site, but also provides educational opportunities for visitors to learn about the healing properties and historical significance of these plants. By weaving the natural landscape into the design, the project honors the site’s heritage while promoting environmental stewardship and community engagement.

Jury Comments

“The adaptive reuse demonstrated here is commendable and represents an important typology in contemporary architecture. It highlights the increasing necessity of working with existing structures, a valuable approach for sustainability and urban development.”

“The sectional design, particularly the decision to place pools at different levels, is a simple yet effective strategy. While the shell could benefit from refinement, the overall concept is promising.”

“Encouraging the recognition of the value in adaptive reuse, particularly through student projects, is crucial to fostering innovation and sustainable practices in architecture.”