Polar Bear Sauna
type: unsolicited proposalyear: 2023
In this proposal, the vacant polar bear enclosure in Stanley Park would be converted to a Nordic -style, public sauna. Borrowing from various sauna cultures around the world, this complex would become a public place for people to congregate, socialize and rest; especially in the wet winter months when social interaction is in short supply.
Imagine dipping into a cold plunge where, only a few decades ago, captive polar bears swam. The site's complicated history would make this sauna unlike any other in the world. It would re-engage a corner of the park that has been off-limits, while adding to the diversity of activities that make Stanley Park so vital in the first place.
For more information, please visit the project website: polarbearsauna.ca
Vizualizations by Miguel Orellana.
The project has received a 2023 AFBC Architectural Award of Excellence for the Unbuilt Category
press:
2023 AFBC Architectural Awards of Excellence
- Western Living
A spa in Stanley Park's polar bear enclosure? Park board chair would 'love to see' idea move forward
- CBC News
Proposal to turn former Stanley Park polar bear enclosure into a spa destination
- Daily Hive Urbanized
Polar Bear Sauna
type: unsolicited proposalyear: 2023
In this proposal, the vacant polar bear enclosure in Stanley Park would be converted to a Nordic -style, public sauna. Borrowing from various sauna cultures around the world, this complex would become a public place for people to congregate, socialize and rest; especially in the wet winter months when social interaction is in short supply.
Imagine dipping into a cold plunge where, only a few decades ago, captive polar bears swam. The site's complicated history would make this sauna unlike any other in the world. It would re-engage a corner of the park that has been off-limits, while adding to the diversity of activities that make Stanley Park so vital in the first place.
For more information, please visit the project website: polarbearsauna.ca
Vizualizations by Miguel Orellana.
In November the project has received a 2023 AFBC Architectural Award of Excellence for the Unbuilt Category
press:
2023 AFBC Architectural Awards of Excellence
- Western Living
A spa in Stanley Park's polar bear enclosure? Park board chair would 'love to see' idea move forward
- CBC News
Proposal to turn former Stanley Park polar bear enclosure into a spa destination
- Daily Hive Urbanized