e x h i b i t i o n [ a n d ] p r e s e n t a t i o n  

 

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN [SIX]

 

[URBAN SWIMMING] THE DESIGN OF A PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL FOR PRETORIA CENTRAL

 

[2014] The aim of this dissertation is to provide a reaction to the current condition of the Aapies River canal. Every so often the canal floods and then the one and a half storey high canal becomes an essential space to continue the functionality of Pretoria. Descending into the quiet space dampens the surrounding noise, which resulted in the definition of an ‘Air pool’. Within the canal one feels disorientated within the city, but the spatial potential becomes evident. The water tries to flow naturally between the contours of the earth, but it is forced to follow the embankments of the man-made canal. The proposal should aim to return the site and canal to its natural state.

 

“It is said that good urbanism can be measured by the happiness of a city’s residents, for this is what draws people to urban areas and keeps them there.” (Campbell, 2012). The proposed swimming pool addresses two focus areas, the canal and the social status of the city.

The landscape serves its purpose as a silent worker to restore the quality of the water. The design must therefore become a space of gathering and relaxation. The daytime city dweller must become a part of the city. “...It’s our city, we are supposed to explore it...” (van der Berg, 2014).