WHF GERMANY ANDREAS RUDOW

Bagni Popolari - Commoning Thermal Waters
Following the closure of the historic open-air baths 150 years ago and then the demolition of the newer thermal baths designed by architect Otto Glaus, thermal water has gradually disappeared from the public space and the collective consciousness of the town of Baden. In contrast, a group of cultural workers and thermal water lovers formed to keep the precious water accessible and free to use. In the beginning, it was possible to bathe in public areas unofficially and at night only. Then the Bagni Popolari association was founded in 2017 to revive the 2000-year-old tradition of communal and non-profit public thermal bathing. Several temporary pools and events led to the two today’s permanent hot springs that are freely accessible. The temporarily revived old Raben/Raven bathhouse now offers the opportunity to establish a cultural and social bath where, enriched with artistic positions and events, the collective bathing culture can be further developed and explored.
bagnopopolare.ch/
@bagno_popolare @raben_baden