Magdalena Keller

My project is based on the transformation of Liljeholmsbadet – a 1930s public bathhouse, currently closed and threatened by demolition – into a new municipal spa centered around public health, well-being, and sustainability. The new bathhouse draws on the historical character of the original site, but is reprogrammed to meet contemporary needs and future challenges.

My vision is to create a space where people can find recovery in a calm and restorative environment. By offering a room in the city for both physical and mental relaxation – where the presence of water can act as a therapeutic element – the project responds to the growing need for accessible and meaningful spaces of well-being within an urban context.

In this process, I have worked with cyanotype – an analog photographic technique that captures the imprint of objects through light and time. The cyanotype becomes a metaphor for the memory of the place: what once existed, what is fading, and what leaves a trace. Like blue watermarks in the architecture, the technique carries layers of history and presence, but also the ephemeral. By integrating cyanotype into the design – as surfaces, layers, or narrative elements – I aim to reveal the transient while giving form to the enduring.

The future bathhouse, as envisioned in this thesis project, functions as a public spa with a strong focus on recovery and mental health. It is particularly directed toward individuals experiencing stress, exhaustion, or psychological fatigue. The ambition is to create a harmonious and safe space where rest, well-being, and human presence are placed at the core – a sanctuary within the city.