[ f i n a l ] d e s i g n  

 

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN [SIX]

 

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

 

[2014] A natural pool is a chemical-free pool which is cleaned by a system of mixed water plants. The system consists of a variety of filtering layers. It is similar to a wetland, but the pool area is separated from the regeneration zone by a wall that ends a few centimetres below the water level. This allows the pool and regen area to be seen as one seamless stretch. The regeneration zone consists of a substrate mixture of coarse bark and a deep layer of gravel. For an effective circulation system, two pumps are added. This creates a growing medium for the plants, a filter layer of varying aggregates and a habitable area for micro-organisms to consume any pollutants. For the natural cleaning method to be most effective the pool size needs to be equal to the regeneration zone. The water is less harmful to the skin because it has less chemicals in. The natural pool area will serve as a green spill-out space for the city.

 

The canal is a hidden and seamless walkway, a corridor that stretches from Fountains Valley to the Pretoria Zoo. An unexplored layer of the city where time can pass as the noise and street activity is not present. The canal and design proposal could act as a breathing space for when the city becomes too busy. Some sidewalks are inefficiently narrow and pedestrian activity can be distributed more evenly along the Nelson Mandela Corridor. If the canal is converted into a contemporary natural river, it could be more enjoyable as a movement route. The design proposal could act as a future guideline for new buildings next to the canal. The landform could increase the water cleaning capabilities. It could link the schools in the surrounding area to the swimming pool, establishing the eduction hub.

 

 

 

 

building 1 // gymnasium building

The focus is on swimming and gym enthusiasts to allow for movement between varying areas. Next to the building a walkway leads to a temporary pool that is filled as the canal level changes.

 

building 2 // restaurant building

The building becomes the main link between the two swimming pools, it is therefore zoned as the most public building. It will accommodate noisy swimmers, restaurant goers and where necessary, quiet spaces are available. The first floor stretches across the Aapies River as a sculptural pedestrian bridge where access is controlled via a follie.

 

building 3 // lap pool building

The building serves as the main entrance from the canal. The movement in the building starts with a large entrance area, from this point to entering the pool area, the building focuses on preparing the swimmer. That is why the corridors become narrower and why the design explored the transition space between inside and outside. The staircases individually praises the swimmer before an event.

 

The honeycomb wall acts as a spatial divider between public and private movement areas. The skylights bring in early and late afternoon sunlight. The interior skin of the roof becomes an attractive sixth elevation.

 

The hot room is connected to the swimming pool via ramps. Cement brick honeycomb sunscreens allow visual connection between inside and outside. The hot room is the final destination after swimming. Warm air from the geothermal system dries swimmers afterwards and the building is ventilated through a custom louvre system at the top of the vault roof.

 

The honeycomb wall is used in the bathrooms to filter the natural sunlight that enters through the frosted glass window.