The Water Welcomes All - "Design flows with everybody--intuitive, shared, and barrier-free"
Water is inherently inclusive. It flows around every body, embracing difference without question. Our design mirrors this generosity. We believe accessibility is not a separate feature to be added; it is a foundational quality, embedded invisibly into every moment of the user's journey. By eliminating the need to distinguish between "standard" and "accessible," we create a swimming experience where everyone, including athletes, casual users, seniors, children, spectators, and staff, moves with ease, dignity, and autonomy. Accessibility becomes an experience of equality without effort, felt rather than noticed.
Vertical
This feature creates a single, sculpted pathway that supports many ways of moving. Whether walking, using a wheelchair, or pushing a stroller, users follow the same continuous route. The form encourages choice without division and blends movement into one shared experience. Natural light and subtle sensory cues support intuitive wayfinding for all.
Universal Changeroom
A single, non-gendered and inclusive changeroom replaces traditional binaries and isolated "accessible stalls." Flexible pods with varying levels of privacy, adaptable seating, intuitive layout, and family-friendly design support every user equally. No one is "accommodated"--everyone is simply welcomed.
Pool Interface
The water's edge is reimagined as a democratic threshold. Integrated, gradual ramps and leveled entries allow users to enter the water fluidly, without assistance or delay.
Wayfinding Tiles
Thresholds: 9 dot markers to indicate major changes of program space and circulation.
To The Changeroom: Long rectangular markers to indicate the path(s) to the changeroom.
To The Pool: Small square grid markers to indicate the path(s) to the pool.
Direction: Large square cross markers to indicate attention level changes, forks, and other directional movements.
(From competitor's text)
This proposal features a fluid pathway and effective signage that facilitates access to the changing rooms and various pools. The ramps are judiciously integrated into the design, while respecting the regulatory dimensions of the pool, which is appreciated. The jury noted that the presentation is well thought-out, and the principles of the proposal are clear and easy to understand.
(From jury report)
6 scanned / 6 viewable
- PDF presentation
- Perspective
- Perspective
- Plan
- Section
- Axonometric Drawing
