urban swimming pool in lisbon's river tagus doubles as amphitheater and solarium

x atelier and atelier baum imagine loop pool tejo

As a proposal for the city of Lisbon, X Atelier and Atelier BAUM have joined forces to design an urban swimming pool on the River Tagus. The idea for the Loop Pool Tejo came about in response to the need for an immediate bathing option within the city center, without having to spend hours in traffic jams. Although Lisbon is very close to the sea, there is no planned structure to connect its inhabitants to the river, and the large beaches in the vicinity are often overcrowded on the hottest days. 

For this reason, the rounded Loop Pool echoes the effect of a drop of water whose movement generates a form that houses various functions from the starting point of a pier: a self-filtering pool on the river, an amphitheater and solarium area, and direct river access.

all images courtesy of X Atelier

the urban swimming pool ripples in the river tagus

If the River Tagus was once used for bathing, the Loop Pool Tejo project seeks to bring Lisboners closer to the waters again. This involves the redevelopment of the existing Braço de Prata pontoon and its subsequent transformation into a platform linking the city to its river, with the aim of giving the inhabitants access to public swimming pools as well as a variety of water activities. The architectural vision of Lisbon-based practices X Atelier (see more here) and Atelier BAUM (see more here) presents a sculptural element that seeks to establish an analogy between the pragmatic and rigid form of the existing pier with the inherent fluidity of the river. This dialogue of forms reacts imperceptibly to the needs of the practices seen here as a structure founded on concrete piles in continuity with the pier that keeps this element floating on the water.

The circle is the centerpiece of the project, outlining the pool tank, and resulting of a ring that draws the circulation flow around it. To the north, the object rises to create a solarium and amphitheater area facing west. To the south, with its back to the hustle and bustle of the pool, a second slope defines a resting and seating area with an entry point directly into the river itself suitable for activities such as rowing or stand up paddle. The highest point of the Loop Pool west wing serves as a diving jump point into the tank, promoting a youthful and fun atmosphere. At the water level of the pool there is another ring that passes underneath, creating a shaded rest area under slope to protect the users from the sun.

the loop establishes a connection from the city to the River Tagus, one of the widest of Europe

users walk through a path that takes them into to the loop in the river

the shape of the Loop bends itself creating a Möbius-like sculpture that connects to the River in different levels

the view from the amphitheater evokes a rippling water drop effect, where the steps create radial shapes

a set of containers, already present at Braço de Prata, should house the different needs of the Loop Pool

the loop envisions many activities, from diving to swimming in the pool but also paddle board and rowing in the river

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project info:

name: Loop Pool Tejo
architect: X Atelier | @x_atelier, Atelier BAUM | @atelier.baum

location: Lisbon, Portugal

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: ravail khan | designboom