Naturist Design input

[amr]

I'm an Architecture student at a university in Canada. For one of our projects this term we have been given a site in the middle of a large urban centre. My group and I have decided that we want to but a nudist (or naturalist if you prefer) "retreat" on the site. It is right next to a river and has some wonderful green space, but it is also surrounded by some of the most historic buildings in Canada.

The premise of the project is to design a "welcoming place" while taking into consideration sustainable design and the concepts of global e-connections.

I was hoping that you might be able to provide some input as to what you look for in a space of this nature. What makes you comfortable? How can this place be a welcoming environment?

Also, not really knowing anything about the lifestyle (if that's an appropriate term to use) I was hoping that you might be able to enlighten me to some of the fundamental beliefs/philosophies, maybe any etiquette practices that someone just being introduced to the practice of naturalism might not be aware of.
Are there any places like this anywhere else in the world?

Thank you for any info that you can provide. It will all be very useful. Any stories of how you came to be a nudist would also be a great help.

[amr]

I'm an Architecture student at a university in Canada. For one of our projects this term we have been given a site in the middle of a large urban centre. My group and I have decided that we want to but a nudist (or naturalist if you prefer) "retreat" on the site. It is right next to a river and has some wonderful green space, but it is also surrounded by some of the most historic buildings in Canada.

The premise of the project is to design a "welcoming place" while taking into consideration sustainable design and the concepts of global e-connections.

I was hoping that you might be able to provide some input as to what you look for in a space of this nature. What makes you comfortable? How can this place be a welcoming environment?

Also, not really knowing anything about the lifestyle (if that's an appropriate term to use) I was hoping that you might be able to enlighten me to some of the fundamental beliefs/philosophies, maybe any etiquette practices that someone just being introduced to the practice of naturalism might not be aware of.
Are there any places like this anywhere else in the world?

Thank you for any info that you can provide. It will all be very useful. Any stories of how you came to be a nudist would also be a great help.

[Gary Naturist]

First, amr, please don't post in multiple forums. It drives us crazy.

Your project to design a retreat is interesting. I'm presuming that it's a virtual project and that it's not actually going to be built.

For inspiration, you could investigate the English Garden in Munich. This is an urban park that borders on the Isar River. Part of it is designated clothing-optional. Office workers on their lunch break, families, couples etc. enjoy warm weather nude, in full sight of the rest of the park's users. Germans are very positive about nudism (organized nudity started in Germany in the 30s).

I'll suggest some ideas in a second message.

To learn more about nudist philosophy, visit http://www.netnude.com and read through the many sections of this website.

Gary

[Gary Naturist]

Some people find that nudity allows them to get closer to nature. For example, they would find walking naked through a forest to be a much more intense experience then when clothed.

Nudity is very sensual -- with the sense of touch being most important. The warm sun beating down on your skin; breezes caressing your body; a warm rain showering your body, soft, warm earth under your feet.

Given the location, it would be great to build a place where non-nudists could experience nudity in a safe and non-exploitive environment (no weirdos or gawkers).

I picture a maze, with stations along the way. In one implementation, people could gradually shed their clothes (not sure how to collect them back) -- enter as a non-nudist, exit as a nudist.

Another, perhaps better, idea. Enter the maze nude. Each station could emphasize one sense:
-- sight: view over the river.
-- smell: various plants having a pleasant fragrance.
-- touch: see ideas above.
-- hearing: zen-type music, falling water.
-- taste: fresh fruits, popsicles.

Another possibility would be to incorporate some or all of the following characteristics in a protected site overlooking the river
-- various places to sit or lie to sunbathe, offering nooks and crannies, different heights, more private/public, different textures.
-- several stations to do gentle stretching exercises.
-- an artificial waterfall with a pool at the bottom for soaking.
-- social aspect of nudism: one area that encourages a number of people to sunbathe in the midst of a crowd of other nudists -- results in everyone getting to know everyone else very quickly (doesn't happen in a non-nudist environment). But this may not be consistent with a retreat.

If you want to discuss naturism and design ideas further, send me a private message (click on icon above) and we can arrange a phone discussion.

Gary

[amr]

Gary,

Thank you very much for you input, it will be very helpful. And I do apologise for the multiple posts, I really should have known better.

Thank you again

[Ian ftlotlwc]

Maze idea sounds great....how much space do you have, most maze designs are out and back so the clothes thing is easy, as long as you can get yourself back to were you started.

[amr]

can anyone tell me how the distinguish between the clothing-optional areas and the clothes-mandatory areas?

thanks for all the help

[David77]

amr,
Post large signs. One traditional sign on a beach, or even at the entrance of a naturist camp reads, "Beyond this point you may encounter nude sunbathers".

Another sign reads "Swimwear not permitted - skinny dipping only", or maybe the wording could be, "Nude swimming only".