City swimming pool Dornbirn

Cukrowicz Nachbaur Architekten won the competition for the renovation and extension of Stadtbad Dornbirn, city baths dating from the 1960s. The challenge facing them was how to combine the serenity of the existing swimming pool with the more high-spirited facilities -sauna, water slide- of the new recreational baths. In the pool, artificial light is used to draw a clear distinction between swimming lenghts, relaxing and having fun. A blue LED light rod which emits intermittent pulses of light, gives the white swimming pool area a cool blue colour. The sauna section is less austere; here, lots of natural light enters through a number of patios. The only real indulgence the architects permitted themselves is the water slide. Screened from the pool section by a 'black box', the designers were allowed to create a minor spectacle. To the accompaniment of sound effects and flashing circles of infrared light, visitors slide downwards into a special pool.