MAGDALENA KELLER STUDIO

Light & water - The transformation of Liljeholmsbadet

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.

My vision: New Henriksberg – an eco-village focused on wellbeing and community.

In the year 2044, I imagine that some of the existing buildings will be preserved, while others will be restored and repurposed for shared activities. At the same time, new housing will be introduced for creative individuals and their families.

I want to honour the area’s historical connection to recreation – a place where people still visit the 4H farm and walk along the water.

Stress-related health issues are becoming increasingly common and are rising every year. Standard treatments and recommendations often focus on the individual’s responsibility to set boundaries and prioritize their wellbeing. However, current research shows that time spent in nature has a direct positive impact on the brain and lowers levels of cortisol – the body’s primary stress hormone.

My design proposal includes a shared outdoor environment for rest and recovery – a place where people can connect with nature, be alone or together, reflect, meditate, or simply sit in peace and quiet.

It is a non-commercial space, open to the public – not just for the residents of “New Henriksberg.