Subject : Urban pool promenade
Place : Porto, Portugal
Project organisation : Ctrl + Space
Stage : Competition january 2015
Area : 8 000 m²
Team : Chloé Kessler
As the irregular relief of a shoreline, the Rio Arco urban pool following a broken line that generates different areas depending on the activities.
The pool is the centerpiece of the promenade. It’s connected to a space in continuity with the city. There is a restaurant with a large terrace overlooking the river, a bar with flexible spaces and an open space for artistic or athletic performance.
But it’s also connected to a space in continuity with the river. Consisting of pontoons and a nautical club, this area is dedicated to water sports as well as fishing.
The path is sequenced in three big areas, marked by white concrete arches. In addition, the promenade leading from the city to go to the river is dematerialized and gives way to the water, a fundamental element of the project.
Continuity of these 3 areas is made through a wide promenade without interruptions. Runners and cyclists have a straight line to continue their course, large enough to turn around and cross.
The swimming pool
Bathers at first go through the changing rooms. The changing rooms are separated into two spaces, girls / boys. Cabins are accessed by a "dirty feet" circulation separated from the "own feet" circulation up to the pool. Showers are located just before the pool access.
The pool consists of a lap pool with 4 lanes swimming, a diving pool with diving boards of three different heights, a kid’s pool reduced depth and a lounge pool to relax and enjoy the landscape. The pools are suitable for all ages and practices. Large solariums punctuate the basins. All pools are open to the river and filled the Rio Douro.
There is also an ice cream shop accessible by the walking path and by the pool.
Continuity with the city
This area extends to all the activities that we find on the other side of the bridge Luis I. The restaurant is an open space and largely glazed. The kitchen is visible from the dining room, you can also lunch on a long bar while watching the chef. Moreover you can enjoy the sun and the performances on the restaurant terrace.
The entrance to the open-air performance space is marked by an arch that gives a theatrical atmosphere to the place.
Bleachers allow spectators and curious to observe performances.
The bar is a flexible space open day and night. These modular lateral spaces can both extend the bar and then become independent. They can accommodate a temporary shop, an art gallery, an artistic performance, a private party...
All these buildings declined a structural system of concrete vaults. These vaults are covered with azulejos reinterpreted with Street art patterns.
Continuity with the river
At the end of the promenade, pontoons progress in the river. Kayaks, paddles and small sailboats moored on the pontoons. The marina’s nautical club completes this water sports and recreation area.
Finally, a vertical path reaches the Avenida Gustavo Eiffel. It is also a Street art wall, a vegetation bracket, a place of contemplation and especially a strong element that punctuates this long wall following the river.
