Guiding Architects, article-oaa: Out & About: Open air swimming pool FLOW (Fig. 1)

The creators of Open air swimming pool FLOW will offer a guided tour to visitors while the swimming pool is following its usual Sunday morning operation (pool open to the public from 10:00 to 12:00). FLOW’s architectural structure, technical functioning as well as operation will be presented. Possibility to take a dip at the end of the event.

Guiding Architects, article-oaa: Out & About: Open air swimming pool FLOW (Fig. 2)

Open air swimming pool FLOW by Decoratelier Jozef Wouters; POOL IS COOL

The pool’s compact shape, wrapped around a 17 m × 7 m basin, incorporates basic facilities such as changing rooms and showers. Characteristic for the design are the multi-tiered sun decks that surround the pool, where visitors can relax without disturbing the privacy of the swimmers. Decorative elements by local artists enhance the feeling of the space as a temporary phantasm, a dream made of water. While a biological water treatment was initially not possible for legislative reasons, POOL IS COOL achieved this goal in 2023 through the implementation of an ecological water purification system with plant filters.

Decoratelier developed a design that consists of repeated patterns of identical wooden pieces, made from reclaimed and sustainable wood, that are tailor-made to fit re-used metal racks. This choice was not driven by aesthetic motives, but by a desire to build together. The parts are assembled with techniques that can be easily passed on among inexperienced builders in a horizontal learning experience. This way of building also enables future adjustments, disassembly and reuse, supporting a sustainable vision.

Guided tour: 2 June / 11:30 CET

Meeting point:
Entrance of FLOW
Pierre-Marchant bridge,
Rue de la Petite Île 14,
1070 Anderlecht

◾ In collaboration with Decoratelier, POOL IS COOL

Language: Visit (English), Q&A (ENG, FR, NL)

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.es/e/866152494427?aff=oddtdtcreator

Out & About 2024

“Out & About. Discovering Architecture. EUmies Awards 2024” will take place from April onwards in over 30 European places in which shortlisted works of the prize are located. Organised by Creative Europe, Fundació Mies van der Rohe and the indisputable expertise of Guiding Architects, everybody has the opportunity to know much more about buildings and public spaces in their cities or in places that they are visiting with the authors, clients and people who know them well.