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.
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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