AISJ Aquatic Center / Flansburgh Architects

AISJ Aquatic Center / Flansburgh Architects - Windows, BeamAISJ Aquatic Center / Flansburgh Architects - Beam, SteelAISJ Aquatic Center / Flansburgh Architects - WindowsAISJ Aquatic Center / Flansburgh Architects - Facade, Windows, ColumnAISJ Aquatic Center / Flansburgh Architects - More Images+ 11

Johannesburg, South Africa
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Design Challenges:

The challenge was to create an economic covering for a state of the art pool. Johannesburg sits on a plateau known as the “highveld,” 5,000 feet above sea level, with earth rich in iron ore, causing frequent lightning strikes. Although the climate is temperate, night-time temperatures can drop significantly.The new pool was required to be both covered and heated.

Exploded Axonometric
Floor Plan

Site Description:

A 58 acre campus located on the northern edge of the greater Johannesburg area, formerly a horse farm, which is reflected in both the architecture of the original buildings and the rural nature of the campus.

AISJ Aquatic Center / Flansburgh Architects - Image 7 of 16
© Stephen O'Raw

Design Solutions:

Tubular steel framing system minimizes the depth of the steel and incorporates lateral bracing seamlessly into the span. The criss-cross pattern recalls the geometric patterns of native African beadwork and basket weaving.In this way, elegance is brought to something basic.

AISJ Aquatic Center / Flansburgh Architects - Beam, Steel
© Stephen O'Raw

Operable louvers modulate daylight and provide protection from the rain. Staggered, corrugated acrylic skylights of a standard panel width create a dramatic, cost-effective solution.

Section Diagrams

Fabric panels at each end of the structure modulate the air flow, preventing a wind tunnel effect. The combination of fabric panels, acrylic skylights, and louvers minimize glare, creating a gentle dappled light.The simple palette of white and light gray combined with local stone at the entry simulates an outdoor environment.

AISJ Aquatic Center / Flansburgh Architects - Facade, Windows, Column
© Stephen O'Raw

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Project location

Address:Johannesburg, South Africa

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Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "AISJ Aquatic Center / Flansburgh Architects" 26 Mar 2014. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/489577/aisj-aquatic-center-flansburgh-architects> ISSN 0719-8884

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