THERAPEUTIC VISIONS HEALTH RETREAT

by Raluca Rimboaca

The proposal is a spa retreat run by a pharmaceutical company for
antidepressant clinical trials. Iceland has the highest antidepressant
use per capita in Europe but also a long standing culture of
therapeutical use of geothermal bath houses. The retreat analyses
the effects of combined and separate use of the two in depression
treatment of consumers. The space separates users by status. The
main consuming space is an idyllic, relaxing space. The performers
are at focus in a main pool space, unaware they are being
watched. The observers are outside the main space, camouflaged in
the envelope of the building. The space puts them in an analytical relationship - the consumer performs and is being observed by the provider over a period of time. The space would feature overnight accommodation for the subjects, monitored by the observers.