Spa operators are often looking for inspiration when it comes to creating social connections and fostering a sense of community. For residents of Sweden’s northernmost town, the answer has been found in a unique type of sauna: a sculptural chamber encased within a giant golden egg.
Designed by art and design duo Bigert & Bergström, Solar Egg is conceived as a social art work in which the people of Kiruna can meet and discuss the challenges facing their community. The town is being completely relocated so that mining company LKAB can extract more of the valuable iron ore seam that lies below its current location. While iron ore is vital to the survival of Kiruna, which was founded in the 19th century to supply another nearby mine, the move has sparked debate. The artists believe their egg can bring people together, as the sauna occupies a symbolic position in Lapland culture as a room for warmth and reflection.
Solar Egg is made out of stainless golden mirror sheeting and has a multifaceted form that breaks up the surroundings that it reflects into a multiplicity of different mirror images.
“Landscape, mine, town, sky, sun and snow are here combined into a fragmented image that can evoke associations with the complexity spanned by today’s discussion about climate and sustainable community development,” the artists say.
“We’ve developed a sculptural symbol that prompts thoughts of rebirth and an incubator that nurtures conversation and the exchange of ideas.”
While a golden egg may not be practical for a some spa resorts, operators may want to remember: sometimes a sauna is more than a sauna. And a little heat and sweat can bring people together.
