The town of Bad Nauheim will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its Trinkkuranlage, or pump room, in 2012.
This charming element in the vast Sprudelhof spa complex that includes technical buildings and a plant nursery, was built between 1910 and 1912. In building the Trinkkuranlage, the architect Wilhelm Jost moved away from the Jugendstil, or Art Nouveau style, towards a new classicism, thus reflecting the tastes of a younger, well-educated, middle-class generation, one which favoured a dignified yet simpler environment. The main entrance, with its Doric columns and triangular pediment, strongly reminds one of a classical temple. Upon entering, visitors are surprised by a horseshoe-shaped layout. Columned arcades curve away on both sides while facing the entrance is an orchestra stage with a shell-shaped roof and a water basin before it. On the right-hand side, the arcade ends in an octagonal building. This was where milk therapy was offered during the Belle Époque. To the left, an identical building contains a fountain for dispensing the healing mineral waters from three natural wells. This fountain with its gilded top and unique Scharvogel tiles in grey-green tones is still an eye-catcher today.
Next to this room, one of the wells is sited in dignified surroundings within an octagonal building reminiscent of a Roman baptisterium. One hundred years ago, the Trinkkuranlage constituted a meeting point for international guests, who would stroll leisurely while they talked, sipped their water and listened to music.
In 2012, a number of events will pay special attention not just to the Trinkkuranlage but also to the Sprudelhof. These include the annual Jugendstilfestival, the exhibition "Bauen für ein neues Leben" (Building for a New Life), which was first presented during the Symposium of the Réseau Art Nouveau Network six years ago, as well as special guided tours. A detailed programme has not yet been finalised. However, the spa areas will be the pièce de résistance at Bad Nauheim 2012.