Olympic Swimming Pool

The overall design solution implemented in this sporting complex is that of a new, modern and singular space, differentiated from the rest of Antigone in its extreme transparency, its openness to the surrounding townscape, and the overlapping layout of the various functional spaces: a construction stripped down to the essentials, and simple in form. All the component parts are visible in this complex that includes a sporting pool, leisure pool, seating for the public, and a sports hall—and all form part of the architectural spectacle.

The design evidences the architect’s desire to integrate this water sports complex into its surroundings, first by way of contrast, as the construction represents a departure from the classical architecture of Antigone, and then because it’s designed as a large square, a square under a broad flat roof combining water and recreation, which takes its place within the succession of squares that make up Antigone. This glass and steel construction opens generously onto the pedestrian axis, and is at the same time the centre and the final piece of the neighbourhood.

Above first-floor level, the building is nothing more than a light roof suspended over the two pools. From the entrance lobby, the view of the two pools and the sports hall is immediate. Visitors, who enter at the highest level of the public seating, are met with a view of the sporting pool below, with the leisure pool to its right. Spectators can watch competitions from either side of the sporting pool. Conceived of as two squares fused into one, although each with its own individual atmosphere, the leisure area and the sporting area are fully integrated visually, spatially, and functionally.

The Venus Olympic pool, 50m by 25m, with 10 lanes and underwater portholes, was designed as a venue for national and international competitions, and is adapted to the requirements of high-level training in swimming, water polo, and synchronised swimming. A mobile boom facilitates the pool’s division into two 25m sections.

The installations also include the Aphrodite training pool, 25m by 12.5m, with five lanes, a leisure pool equipped with massage baths, slides, and rapids, a solarium terrace, a gymnasium equipped for fitness training, and an 850m² multifunctional sports hall (suitable for handball, basketball, volleyball, etc.). A motorised mechanism opens a section of roof over the leisure pools, meaning sunlight can add to the installation’s comfort and ambience.

The public seating can accommodate 2000 spectators, and the complex also houses a restaurant, cafeteria, press centre, offices for the staff, and three shops.

The façade, a double skin of glass serigraphed with different tones of white, affords passers-by a privileged view of the interior.