Minimalist Floating Structure Creates Seawater Pools in Denmark

BIG Aarhus Public Pools

The Danish city of Aarhus has a new summer recreation area thanks to award-winning architectural firm Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG). The new pool complex is the second Harbor Bath the firm has created, its first opening in Copenhagen in 2003. Thought to be the largest seawater structure of its nature, Aarhus Harbor Bath includes a 164-foot lap pool, a kiddie pool, two saunas, and a circular diving pool.

The public bathing complex is open until late August and accommodates 650 guests, who can either sunbathe on the decks made of sustainable Swedish pine or splash around in the water. Sensors ensure that Harbor Bath doesn't go over capacity, with neighboring bars and restaurants ready to serve refreshments while bathers wait for their turn.

The Harbor Bath is just the first phase of a major overhaul for Aarhus's harbor. New hotels, restaurants, shops, and a theater are expected to help the district come to life. And for now, the floating island created by BIG extends the city right into the water. The minimal design integrates it perfectly into the modern architecture flooding Denmark's second largest city.

With a prominent promenade, the baths aren't just a place for swimming, but also to stroll and take in the scenery of the harbor. This intentional choice by the architects is part of their design to truly transform the area into a lived-in district.

The Aarhus Harbor Bath is open from 11 am to 7 pm in July and August. The promenade deck is open year-round, 24 hours a day.

The Aarhus Harbor Bath is a 650-capacity seawater pool complex in Denmark.

BIG Public Bathing Complex Aarhus

BIG - Aarhus Harbour Bath

BIG Public Bathing Complex Aarhus

BIG - Aarhus Harbour Bath

BIG - Aarhus Harbour Bath

Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG): Website | Facebook | Instagram

All images via Rasmus Hjortshoj. My Modern Met granted permission to use photos by BIG.

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Jessica Stewart

Jessica Stewart is a Staff Editor and Digital Media Specialist for My Modern Met, as well as a curator and art historian. Since 2020, she is also one of the co-hosts of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. She earned her MA in Renaissance Studies from University College London and now lives in Rome, Italy. She cultivated expertise in street art which led to the purchase of her photographic archive by the Treccani Italian Encyclopedia in 2014. When she’s not spending time with her three dogs, she also manages the studio of a successful street artist. In 2013, she authored the book "Street Art Stories Roma" and most recently contributed to "Crossroads: A Glimpse Into the Life of Alice Pasquini." You can follow her adventures online at @romephotoblog.
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