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Historically, public bathing was a fundamental necessity for hygiene, giving rise to communal bathhouses in regions where private bathrooms were a rarity. In Japan, for instance, sento bathhouses emerged during the early Edo period, serving as essential facilities when most households lacked their own bathing spaces. Similarly, in other parts of the world where plumbing and water management were considered luxuries, shared public baths became vital components of urban life. Over time, these spaces evolved beyond their functional role, becoming venues for socializing, relaxation, and a temporary escape from daily routines.

However, in the modern era, private bathrooms have become ubiquitous in contemporary homes, effectively addressing the hygiene concerns that once made public bathhouses indispensable. With the rise of alternative social spaces—cafés, fitness centers, bars, and jazz lounges—the traditional communal bath no longer serves the same essential function. While some may still appreciate the social aspect of public bathing, the inconvenience of changing clothes and getting wet in front of strangers can deter many from engaging in the experience.

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The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, United States, has reached a critical moment in its expansion project, revealing six finalist designs that propose new ways to engage visitors, integrate the museum with its surroundings, and create an open and inviting cultural space. The shortlisted teams - Kengo Kuma & Associates, Renzo Piano Building Workshop, Selldorf Architects, Studio Gang, Weiss/Manfredi, and WHY Architecture - bring a range of approaches, each responding to the museum's architectural legacy and evolving role within Kansas City.

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Design Doha Biennale returns for its second edition from April 16 – June 30, 2026, expanding its presence across Doha and reinforcing the city’s position as a global hub for design, creativity, and cultural exchange.
As we embark on this next chapter, Design Doha invites curators to submit exhibition proposals that spotlight the region’s rich cultural heritage and pioneering design talent. Selected exhibitions will be presented across various venues in Doha, contributing to a dynamic and inclusive dialogue on contemporary design in the region and beyond.

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