Bathhouse #8 (DEFECT)

On September 5, 1959, the Bathhouse #8, was put into operation. Architecturally, it is quite unique. A heavy, 42-tondome, consisting of reinforced concrete constructions, was used for the first time in Georgia to roof this bathhouse. The thermal insulation layer was later removed to decrease the weight of the roof, consequently increasing the level of condensation in the bathhouse and requiring the installation of special ceiling heaters. The bath house consists of four sections, each incorporating 28 individual bathrooms and accommodating 128 patients at one time. Groups of patients can be rotated every 50 minutes. The average capacity of the bathhouse is 134 people per hour. The facility is supplied with mineral water from 11 wells (the water wells ## 5 and 6 and the mechanical water wells ##12, 13, and 14). Once collected from the wells, a single pipe is used to deliver the water to the bathhouse, passing through a control booth, which measures the volumetric flow rate, and reaching the steering mechanism for water distribution in the center of the bathhouse, from where the water flows toward individual sections using the semiautomatic regulation equipment. The steering mechanism features four positions automatically to regulate the process of filling and emptying the sections: As one section is rinsed and prepared for procedures, the second is filled with water, and procedures are in full swing or about to be completed in the third and fourth sections, respectively.

The baths in each sector are arranged to resemble a daisy. Every sector features two such daisies with 14 individual bathrooms each. From the steering mechanism, the water reaches the center of each daisy and then feeds the individual leaves (bathrooms) around the daisy.

The temperature of the mineral water is 34.6 0C, radioactivity reaches 3.6 ME, and the volumetric flow rate is 24 liters/s. The less conditional mechanical water well #12 may be turned off and replaced with six new wells to increase the mineral water's volumetric flow rate and radioactivity.

The four walls dividing the circular area are adorned with eight identical relief elements.

Because of a design error, the Bathhouse #8 was shut down shortly thereafter.

Photographs of a building built by a dilettante architect on Mindeli Street in Tbilisi. Architectural regulations and rules were totally ignored in this building. The goal to realize the project with minimum costs was achieved by unexpected decisions, practical discoveries, and original solutions during the construction.

Minor details are the most important in this building. The windows are locked with bolts and screws and can be opened only by a screwdriver.