CREO ARKITEKTER and JAJA architects to Restore and Expand Roskilde Swimming Hall Outside Copenhagen

Entrance. Image © CREO ARKITEKTER A/S & JAJA architects

Written by Karissa Rosenfield
Published on January 23, 2015

CREO ARKITEKTER A/S and JAJA architects have won first prize in a competition to restore the mid-century Roskilde Swimming Hall outside of Copenhagen. The Danish team will “architecturally transform” the site’s existing building complex and 1960s water tower into a “cohesive spatial experience” that offers a range of naturally lit bathing areas and amenities directly connected to the surrounding park.

“We propose a diverse roof element that ties the entire complex – new and existing – into a cohesive architectural composition,” says the architects. “A horizontal window band will frame the landscape whilst creating a strong visual connection between the exterior and interior water space. A series of green courtyards will enhance the experience by bringing daylight and nature into the heart of the swimming bath.”

More about the winning scheme, after the break.

+ 25

From the architects: Roskilde Waterscape consist of three main architectural principles, 1) visual connection, between interior and exterior, 2) spatial relation between building and landscape and 3) specific spatial diversity relating to function.

Lobby. Image © CREO ARKITEKTER A/S & JAJA architects

The visual relation ensures a good overview for the lifeguards and parents watching their children – while giving visitors a peak into all the activities that the swimming bath has to offer. The horizontal roof element also frames the landscape visually integrating the surrounding into a spatial experience with the swim hall, where diverse fauna becomes a backdrop of changing color and light with seasonal change. During autumn, hues of red, yellow and orange will color the interior spaces, whilst in winter, the leafless trees maximizes the amount of ambient light. In spring and summer the surrounding trees offer natural shading, using the trees’ dense canopy to diffuse excess light into the swimming bath.

Olympic Pool. Image © CREO ARKITEKTER A/S & JAJA architects

Courtyard. Image © CREO ARKITEKTER A/S & JAJA architects

A series of courtyards enhance the relation between building and nature whilst ensuring abundance of daylight throughout the entire complex. The strong relation between interior functions and courtyards create a seamless transition between internal and external spaces. Together they form a diverse spatial experience where visitors can move freely in and out of the building. Conceived as blue/green break spaces, the courtyards merge the water elements together with the landscape. Various vegetation such as grasses, fruit trees, flowers and bamboo combined with smaller pools and ponds offers visitors a relaxing experience. The three courtyards are programmed as a multi-functional space, wellness- and café garden.

Wellness. Image © CREO ARKITEKTER A/S & JAJA architects

Apart from the aesthetic and spatial qualities, the courtyards also organize the internal spaces to allow a minimum of two access points to each water zone, which creates a flow concept that allows a flexible segmentation of the swimming bath. In doing so, a swimming tournament in the 50m pool can run alongside a children’s party in another area without disturbing the tranquil atmosphere of the ‘wellness space’. It also allows for maintenance in isolated areas while the rest of swimming activities remains uninterrupted.

Plan. Image © CREO ARKITEKTER A/S & JAJA architects

Whilst the courtyards organizes the plan layout, the roof element form vertical spatial differentiation. The roof element covers the entire complex – new and existing – but folds, extrudes and shifts up to create skylights and specific spatial qualities in relation to each program and swimming pool. The different heights, wooden ceilings and roof shapes together with the water and daylight creates unique identities and spatial atmospheres for each zone. Above the 50m swimming pool, a large extruded volume creates a vast space for large events that also appears calm for daily routines of athletes using the pool. Above the activity pools, a series of large circular skylights underlines the playful nature of the space while providing abundant daylight for the kids below. Above the hot water pool, a pyramid shaped roof with a translucent skylight creates a tranquil space, enhanced by the 180-degree view to the landscape. Above the café area, a monopitched roof diffuses northern light into the building and view to the monumental water tower.