Thermal baths in Arosa by Mario Botta

In Arosa in the Swiss canton of Graubünden, thermal baths designed by Mario Botta were opened on December 1st. The "mountain oasis", covering three and a half thousand square meters, is an extension of the Grand Hotel Tschuggen. On the roof of the baths are "light sails" that rise up to 13 meters high, illuminating the interiors during the day and lighting the surroundings at night. Botta's baths are connected to the five-star hotel by a glass bridge. Guests enter the luxurious restaurant with a glass ceiling through a wide corridor featuring polished granite flooring and a wooden ceiling. The interior of the sauna is lined with raw pine logs, while the relaxation rooms are adorned with velvet and taffeta (one of which even has an open fireplace). Typically for Botta, the high cathedral-like spaces are only above the pools and gym. The glass western wall allows for direct views of the sprawling alpine valley from the baths. The entire construction cost 35 million Swiss francs, and a day ticket will cost 129 Euros. Link>
Comment: I don't believe that Botta's baths will become a second Vals. Graubünden already has a similar attraction, and architects seeking a bathing experience should rather head to Northern Italy for the nextENTERprise or to Grimshaw's baths in England.