In the 1920s, as urban households across Europe embraced modern plumbing, public swimming pools transformed from hygiene hubs to leisure spaces. Influenced by the geometric elegance of art deco, these pools became iconic social venues. Art deco swimming pools, characterized by their stunning architectural designs, became the canvas for this transformation. Today, nearly a century later, they are experiencing a resurgence, capturing the interest of communities from Paris to Helsinki. This trend is fueled by growing wellness movements and a yearning for sensory experiences that offer a respite from digital life. Dan Cornelius of Cornelius Vöge, who restored Copenhagen’s Fredriksberg pool, regards heritage restoration as a way to recover communal memories and identities.
Fredriksberg Municipal Pool, Copenhagen: A Revival of Iconic Designs
Architect ASK Lauritzen’s 1934 design features Vilhelm Lundstrøm’s cubist mosaics of nude bathers. During renovations led by Dan Cornelius between 2021 and 2024, original colors were meticulously restored. Modern additions, like a plastic slide, were carefully blended with the historic setting, while a café was discreetly integrated behind a glass wall, revitalizing this local gem as a space for art and relaxation.
Piscines Molitor and Pontoise, Paris
Lucien Pollet’s 1929 design for Molitor, reminiscent of a cruise liner, featured extensive pools lined with blue cabins. These historic pools became landmarks of Parisian architecture. After closing in 1989 and a stint as a graffiti hotspot, only its rotunda survived demolition. In 2014, a meticulous reconstruction restored the pool’s original elements alongside a new hotel. Pollet’s 1923 Pontoise pool also saw a revival, with Pierre Marchand Architectes restoring its mosaics and deco features in 2023, enhancing its classic appeal.
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Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall, Helsinki
Opened in 1928, this facility marked Helsinki’s first indoor pool, offering year-round access. Designed by Väinö Vähäkallio, it melds Nordic classicism with art deco. The restoration completed in 2026 welcomed some design evolutions, such as Noora Sandgren’s photographic art at the entrance. The tradition of nude swimming continues, preserving a unique cultural practice.
Tarlair Tidal Pool, Scotland
Nestled on the Aberdeenshire coast, Tarlair’s facility was built between 1931 and 1934 with a tea pavilion. Art deco sites like Tarlair showcase the fusion of style and utility. After years of decline, local efforts spearheaded by Save Tarlair have seen a gradual restoration, including a modern marble extension by Studio Octopi. The salt-weathered tea pavilion was repaired and insulated with a salt-proof green Italian marble extension, extending the pool’s season for community use, with ongoing plans to enhance facilities further.
Source: thespaces.com
Frequently asked questions
What inspired the revival of art deco pools in Europe?
The revival of art deco pools in Europe is fueled by growing wellness movements and a yearning for sensory experiences that offer a respite from digital life.
How was Fredriksberg Municipal Pool restored?
During renovations led by Dan Cornelius, original colors were meticulously restored, and modern additions like a plastic slide and a café were carefully integrated with the historic setting.
What features define the Piscines Molitor in Paris?
Lucien Pollet’s 1929 design for Piscines Molitor featured extensive pools lined with blue cabins and was reminiscent of a cruise liner. It became a Parisian architectural landmark and was meticulously reconstructed in 2014 after partial demolition.