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.

[dbickin]

Before you set up anything, you are going to have to figure out what legal situation is? Are there any anti-nudity statutes in place. If I recall correctly, in Canada, such statutes can only be made at the federal level. In the U.S., you could have municipal, county, state or Federal regulations to worry about.

Even if are no laws, per se, the police could use public disturbance laws to cause problems. You would need to make sure the prosecutors and the police are willing to buy in to what is and is not going to be allowed in your space.

I'm seeing this as a public space, if you are talking privately held land, than law enforcement issues have less of an impact, but you should still know where they stand.

David

[amr]

Thank you very much. That wasn't something that my group and I had been aware of, but we will definitely look into it.

[luvnaturism]

Sounds like a great idea. Obviously you'll need to provide for visual screening so that outsiders are not bothered by the nudes, and vice versa. That's easy if there are no tall buildings around, but harder if there are. There are countries where it wouldn't matter that much, but I doubt that Canada is one of them.

As far as the welcoming environment, a garden atmosphere really works well with naturism. Desert Shadows Inn in Palm Springs, CA is also in an urban area, though probably not to the degree that you are describing. They've done a lot to create a welcoming space, and communicate that they are a family place, by the use of sculpture. Their centerpiece is a wonderful contemporary fountain of a naked family playing.

Be sure to share with us what you come up with.

[Ian ftlotlwc]

Wow that sounds like a real cool dream come true, privacy and access the area via a small cafe would be a start. Often that seems to be what missing.... You drive in to places and there's BIG NOTICES : "NUDIST CLUB" " PRIVATE " and so on. It would be nice to have something that was a little less in your face.

[naturist62]

if you are looking to design a naturist campground or resort, some things we like to see... alot of activities to enjoy in the sunshine....such as volleyball, pool, horseshoes pit, ..etc.. We also like open meadows as well as hiking trails that might surround the campground. A tall privacy fence is recommended to avoid legal issues.
Us naturists arent different that anyone else,...we like to do what you like to do.. only without clothes. If youve never tried the lifestyle, maybe you should to really get a feel of what its about !!!