Members Only - The private life of the gay and bi-sexual, male sauna

Article


Westthorp, M. 2019. Members Only - The private life of the gay and bi-sexual, male sauna. IE:Studio.
TypeArticle
TitleMembers Only - The private life of the gay and bi-sexual, male sauna
AuthorsWestthorp, M.
Abstract

Members Only - The private life of the gay and bi-sexual, male sauna.
'Space is a pressing matter and it matters which bodies, where and how, press up against it. Most important of all is who these bodies are with: in what historical and actual spatial configuration they find and define themselves.’ Elspeth Probyn 
This paper will explore the typology of the gay sauna, focusing specifically on one of London’s largest and most visited - Pleasuredrome. The author designed this venue and therefore is in a unique position to discuss this hidden and private world. Looking at the interconnection of sexual spaces and sexual identities, where the inconsistent nature of societal acceptance towards homosexuality is offset by closures in, along with the tightening to secrecy around, the sauna scene. Pleasuredrome, open 24/7, 365 days of the year, offers many of the standard facilities of this type of venue, however it is unique in its operation. Customers use the space as hotel, restaurant, bar, gym, nightclub, washhouse and Grindr meet-up joint, staying for up to 12 hours at a time. As it never closes, the venue is at times a refuge, at times a party space. The design attempts to reflects this paradox. The act of coming out implies a spatial imagery, moving from a private closeted stance to a more open one with public acknowledgement. The space's threshold, designed to be open and have a conversation with the streetscape, subject to an arson attack during construction, conflicts with the interior becoming more hidden, more private. Entry is very controlled, privacy and discretion remain paramount. The secret world, always populated, is an island site under a railway, part of the city, yet removed.

Research GroupFashion and Interiors
PublisherInterior Educators
JournalIE:Studio
Publication dates
Print30 Jun 2019
Publication process dates
Deposited04 Mar 2019
Accepted22 Jan 2019
Output statusPublished
Additional information

IE:Studio, Issue 4: The Hidden Interior

Web address (URL)https://interioreducators.co.uk/journal/the-hidden-interior/members-only-the-private-life-of-the-gay-and-bi-sexual-male-sauna
LanguageEnglish
ISBN
Hardcover9781999902735
Permalink -

https://repository.mdx.ac.uk/item/882y4

Restricted files

First submitted version

  • 67
    total views
  • 0
    total downloads
  • 1
    views this month
  • 0
    downloads this month

Export as

Related outputs

From architecture to community [Workshop]
Murialdo, F. and Westthorp, M. 2023. From architecture to community [Workshop]. London, UK
The Metaverse-In Common
Murialdo, F., Westthorp, M., Piccinno, G. and Zingales, A. The Metaverse-In Common.
One Kilburn: Imagining the Future of Kilburn [Exhibition and workshop]
Murialdo, F., House, N., Westthorp, M. and Scoot, J. 2023. One Kilburn: Imagining the Future of Kilburn [Exhibition and workshop]. Kiln Theatre, Kilburn High Road, London 23 Jan 2023
Middlesex University | KilburnLab: Imagining the future of Kilburn rethinking disused community spaces
Murialdo, F. and Westthorp, M. 2023. Middlesex University | KilburnLab: Imagining the future of Kilburn rethinking disused community spaces. London, UK 01 - 30 Jun 2023
Broadening horizons - employability opportunities within the Interiors Programme
Westthorp, M. and Scoot, J. 2023. Broadening horizons - employability opportunities within the Interiors Programme.
High Tide
Westthorp, M. 2021. High Tide. London, UK
Restaurant and bar design
Westthorp, M. 2014. Restaurant and bar design. in: Wiedemann, J. and Rebora, M. (ed.) Restaurant and Bar Design UK Taschen. pp. 250-253
Draft one, process
Murialdo, F., Fern, D., Mortimer, J. and Westthorp, M. 2016. Draft one, process. InteriorsMDX.