Tulle : Bains of the Barrière Bridge

The shower baths, built between 1907 and 1910 thanks to a municipal initiative, aimed to improve the hygiene of workers and disadvantaged persons. Their architecture is adapted to the different functions of each space. In the east is a pavilion of two levels, inspired by the seaside style, with wooden arguments and a crossing skylight. To the west, a single-storey structure is surmounted by a double cornice, while the roof of this section, which covers the vestibule and the showers, is in reinforced concrete and serves as a terrace. This part includes the entry and the showers, the decor being very sober, the ornaments being limited above all to emphasize the forms and embellish the windows of the windows. This building, designed to be functional, was made with the intention of minimizing construction and decoration costs. The architect Auberty has integrated here the freedom of forms, the variety of interpretation, as well as the attention paid to the decoration that characterize Art Nouveau. The use of circles and arcs brings dynamism and elegance to the geometric windows while remaining practical.