At Heimtextil, Harm Rensink created a retreat for the fair visitor based on his own Japan bathing researches. The ‘Foot Spa’ was a salt bath for people to relax and massage their feet during the busy fair days. This spa was inspired by several Japanese elements like the Ganbanyouku, the Irori and the respectful, ritualistic and social side of both. It was about engaging people through physical stimulation, the sensation of space and aromatherapy.

For Harm Rensink the essence of bathing is not in the cleaning of the body but of the mind. This is achieved through the awareness of physical sensations that we normally don't experience in daily life. The wide variety of water facilities, the experiencing of light, skin, heat, cold, wind, nature and space - to name a few – are elements he investigated and incorporated in his designs in terms of shape and material.

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Text by city Sento

With special thanks to the Stimulerings Fonds Creatieve Industrie