Refreshment for Zurich
The reopening of the Dolder outdoor pool couldn’t have been timed any better. Zurich is sweltering under its first early-summer heat wave. The completion of the city’s outdoor pool network comes at just the right time. The fully renovated facility will open tomorrow, June 21, with a grand celebration. In addition to plenty of swimming fun, guests of all ages can look forward to “a day full of summer vibes” with DJ music, a mermaid show, face painting, and the “Arena of Wonders.” It’s also a great opportunity to explore the changes made to the facility during the renovation—such as the new pergola on the large terrace of the changing room building, the curved outdoor staircases, and the spacious patio next to and inside the bathhouse, as well as the paddling pool, which is now back in use.
The Dolder outdoor pool was built in 1934 by Emil Rein as Zurich’s first wave pool. In 1960, an additional story was added to the bathhouse.
Due to its poor condition, the facility had to be renovated. The basis for the conservation project was the design competition, which GFA – Gruppe für Architektur and BGS & Partner Architekten, in collaboration with LÜCHINGER MEYER PARTNER, had successfully won. In addition to planning the replacement service building and the other new building sections, the structural engineers focused on a wide range of measures relating to the existing structure. This involved reprofiling the pool basin, ceilings, beams and walls; carrying out seismic retrofitting; adapting the pool head; and injecting grout beneath the foundations affected by settlement. In the changing rooms, the installation of a new internal staircase and the creation of the patio in particular required interventions in the existing bearing structure.
Photos: LMP
