Embracing a diversity of users and programs, Denmark’s Roskilde Waterscape by JAJA Architects and CREO ARKITEKTER sees the transformation of a 1960s water tower into a cohesive spatial experience that integrates existing buildings, good daylighting, and new connections to the surrounding park landscape.
The site’s found condition included an accumulation of eclectic structures. The existing swimming bath was a significant, yet redundant water tower. An extension to the original 1959 swimming bath was added in 2001, with an additional refurbishment in 2011.
This latest extension is situated to preserve as many existing trees as possible. Strong visual connections are created between the interior and exterior thanks to a horizontal window band that frames the landscape and a series of three green courtyards that further introduce daylight and nature into the swimming bath areas. There are also two outdoor showers in each courtyard as well as plenty of deck chair space.
The largest pool addition is a 50-meter basin to the south of the site. Along the basin, custom-designed seating relates to the entrance area, café and larger swimming hall and helps to form a unified relationship between this large water space and the smaller ones.
