Water and Public Spaces: 19 Pools Around the World

Often times in architecture, the way that a project’s ability of its underscored elements to subtly carry a dialogue with the existing site is one of the most powerful moments in design. Swimming pools are a great example of these types of projects, since their designs often are a direct response to a variety of existing site conditions, including occupying both inside and outside spaces, assuming different forms, and incorporating a variety of finishes that might completely transform the aesthetic of the space.

The swimming pool typology as a whole represents a wide range of site adaptation and material expression in architecture that, when well executed, has the power to produce beautiful effects. Below, we have compiled a list of swimming pools located around the world that demonstrate these achievements at all scales.

Camping Stella Maris Swimming Pool and Reception / NFO

Hubertus Pool / noa* network of architecture

“Tournesol” Swimming Pool Refurbishment / Urbane Kultur

Therapeutic Pool / meier + associés architectes

Pool and Spa in Mallorca / A2arquitectos

Feng Shui Swimming Pool / Mikou Studio

Carpa Olivera / Colectivo Urbano

Swimming Pool Extension in Bagneux / Dominique Coulon & associés

Indoor Swimming Pool in Litomyšl / Architekti DRNH

Swimming Pool in “Bola de Oro” Sports Centre / José Luis Rodríguez Gil, Jorge Molinero Sánchez

Riberão Swimming Pools / Pitagoras Group

Municipal Sports Center and Swimming Pools / Alfonso Reina

Thermal Springs Pools Poça da Dona Beija / m-arquitectos

Therapeutic Pools for La Esperanza School / FUSTER + Architects

The Therme Vals / Peter Zumthor

AISJ Aquatic Center / Flansburgh Architects

Leça Swimming Pools / Álvaro Siza Vieira

National Stadium Aquatics Center / Iglesis Prat Arquitectos

Badeschiff / Wilk-Salinas Architekten

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on March 9, 2020.