Herzog & De Meuron have designed the Naturbad Riehen in Switzerland, a public bath house for visitors. While many public baths look very man-made this one takes on a natural look, and does not use traditional chemicals found in most baths.
The design has natural vegetation around the outside of the pool, adding to its non-constructed look. The pool also uses a biological filter process, so that although it looks like a pond, its cleanliness is up to regular standards. Having visitors come and swim in an actual pond would defeat the purpose of a bath house, so hygiene of the design is still extremely important. Apparently the pools can hold up to a couple thousand guests throughout the course of the day and still retain cleanliness. Photo Credits: designboom, herzogdemeuron
Pond-Like Public Baths
The Naturbad Riehen in Switzerland Has a Natural Look
Trend Themes
1. Natural Public Swimming Pools - There is a growing trend for designing swimming pools with a natural, non-man-made look and using sustainable and non-chemical filtration systems.
2. Eco-friendly Bath Houses - Bath houses are being designed with sustainable, nature-inspired features and with a focus on environmental impact and water conservation.
3. Biological Filtration Systems - The use of biological filtration systems in swimming pools and bath houses is increasingly popular, not just for sustainability, but for providing an authentic natural experience for visitors.
Industry Implications
1. Hospitality - The hospitality industry can benefit from incorporating natural, eco-friendly features into swimming pools and bath houses in order to attract environmentally conscious consumers.
2. Architecture and Design - Architects and designers can disrupt the industry by innovating and applying sustainable and nature-inspired principles in the design of public swimming pools and bath houses.
3. Environmental Sustainability - The trend towards natural swimming pools and bath houses with sustainable filtration systems contributes to the goal of reducing the environmental impact of human activities.