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.