Where better than in an exhibition to explain an architectural vision conceived as a design? Where better to stimulate the discourse on detailed solutions? Agrob Buchtal, world market leader for architectural and swimming pool ceramics, is pleased to support the exhibition of 4a Architekten at the Aedes Architecture Forum in Berlin as project sponsor. On show in Berlin from 16.12.23 to 31.01.24: 6 of a total of 12 water worlds coming to the exhibition, which 4a Architekten have realized together with Agrob Buchtal. See for yourself!
Swimming in Atmosphere shows the diversity of today's pool construction: from school pools to thermal pools, from sports pools to wellness facilities. Based on twelve selected projects, the range is examined in detail with models, plans and photos and the key issues of swimming pool architecture are discussed. In short video statements, the architects also explain what drives them when designing.
Interplay of color, material, location and space
Stuttgart-based 4a Architekten have been creating atmospheric water worlds with a sure instinct since 1990. Depending on the mood created by their architecture, pools are created in a wide variety of functions - for learning to swim and club sports, for relaxing, unwinding and taking a sauna in a wellness landscape. In times of climate change and tight municipal budgets, 4a architects integrate efficient and clever technical solutions and thus enable economically optimized pool operations. The Swimming in Atmosphere exhibition shows the versatility of today's swimming pool architecture.
Good swimming pool architecture - this is what it looks like
With their pool buildings, 4a Architekten are one of those firms that create architecture for people - as Günter Behnisch, the master of the firm's founders, once put it. Like sports facilities, swimming pools are an important part of social and health infrastructures. Among other things, they serve as a place for social interaction and can support the health of children, young people and adults from all social groups. The office's pool buildings - from sports pools to wellness complexes - have one thing in common: they are characterized by a special feel-good atmosphere and thus enable relaxation or activation, depending on the pool. Many variables shape the atmosphere of a building, and only a few can be measured. All the senses need to be addressed in the pool. Acoustics, temperature, materiality, light and color - architects use these to shape the quality of stay. It's not just about the interior design, but also about embedding the buildings in the surrounding landscape. The choice of façade materials, for example, often stems directly from the surroundings and is therefore part of the guiding principle of every design.
Despite the joy of design, it is important that pools also follow the laws of economy. For clients, function is the most important factor. For architects, formal coherence is also important - because they are responsible for both. How is it possible to develop atmospheric pools from an economic perspective? The exhibition answers this question with each project: in addition to the design, the durability of the construction, materials and technology play a decisive role.
These are the swimming pools that were realised with AGROB BUCHTAL
Mineralbad Berg, Stuttgart, 2016-2020 / refurbishment
Bade- und Freizeitpark Kusel, 2017-2020 / refurbishment
Stutenseebad, 2016-2018 / new building
Emser Therme, 2011-2012 / new building
Therme Wien, Austria, 2007-2011 / new building
Vitasol Therme, Bad Salzuflen 2008-2009 / refurbishment
Exhibition: December 16, 2023 - January 31, 2024
Opening: Friday, December 15, 2023, 6.30 pm
Location: Aedes Architekturforum, Christinenstr. 18-19, 10119 Berlin
