Berlin urban renewal project to convert river into natural swimming pool!

Plans by Tim Edler of realties united to convert an unused section of the River Spree in downtown Berlin, Germany into a swimming pool were recently awarded the winner of the Holcim Awards Gold 2011 Europe. Known as the Flussbad project, the concept closely resembles the + Pool project for New York City in providing natural, unpolluted river water for bathers to enjoy.

The way the architects propose to achieve this is quite simple; a 780-meter-long reed bed filtration system with sub-surface sand bed filters purifies water entering the upper section of the swimming area while a barrage at the lower end prevents the backflow of unfiltered water from the main river.
Once completed, the 745-meter natural swimming pool will be the world’s longest. It will measure 28.8 meters in width and 2.2 meters in depth on average. Parts of the Lustgarten quay wall will become stairs to give access to the pool, with lockers and changing rooms as well.
Construction on this eco-friendly, urban recreation facility is slated to begin in January 2018. The concept can be easily applied in other areas throughout the world and contributes to the revitalization of not just central Berlin but also other inner city areas worldwide. 

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