Les Bains des Docks is an aquatic center in Le Havre, France , designed by architect Jean Nouvel .
The center measures 5000 square meters and consists of 12 swimming pools , including an outdoor pool of 50 x 21 meters, a sauna , hammam , spa and fitness room .
The interior is covered with white mosaic tiles and brightly colored foam blocks for the children’s area.
” It’s a paradox, a building with the scale of a port, inspiring simplicity and robustness, which betrays its complexity the moment one enters its volumes ,” says Nouvel. ” One enters a deep, white universe .”
The center opened in July of last year and is part of a general plan to regenerate the entire port area .
The following information comes from Jean Nouvel:
AQUATIC CENTER
The Aquatic Center comprises three main areas : a 50-meter-long, 20-meter-wide outdoor heated lap pool , an indoor/outdoor play pool , and a spa . Access is through a single reception area that leads to either the changing rooms for the play and lap pools or the changing rooms for the spa.
On the same floor, visitors can access other suspended beaches and two more suspended pools from the play pools. An internal connection links all these pools for visitors with a specific pass. The cardio-training center and its changing rooms, the administration office with a separate entrance, and free access to the cafeteria are all located on the same floor and are directly connected to the lobby. Access to the facilities located beneath the beaches is via a light well at the rear of the building.
via Dezeen
