herzog & de meuron design for naturbad riehen breaks ground

‘naturbad riehen’ by herzog & de meuron, riehen, switzerlandall images courtesy of herzog & de meuron

construction has started on herzog & de meuron-designed natural pool in the swiss region of riehen. the proposal has had many unrealized iterations after winning the competition for the project in 1979– just one year after the firm was founded. the current pool concept was commissioned in 2007 and expands on the idea of reframing a body of water and unconventional and close to nature as possible. filtering cascades create a bathing lake that forgoes standard pool geometry. in lieu of visible technical systems, water purification takes place in a regeneration area containing ‘abgebadetes.’ water is passed through a layer of soil sown with aquatic plants that serve to absorb microorganisms. the vegetation also aesthetically enhances the landscape by including water lillies, irises and other visually rich plant life. additional external filters create a closed system devoid of cholrine and chemical additives. slated for completion in 2014, the pool will provide a year-long public venue and recreational space for the local population. 

overall view of the prosed natural pool image courtesy of herzog & de meuron

site plan image courtesy of herzog & de meuron