0 CommentsLes Bains des Docks, an aquatic complex designed by the 2008 Pritzker prize winning architect Jean Nouvel has just opened in the historical French port of Le Havre. Inspired by the Roman thermal baths, the 5,000-square-metre complex offers an eerily beautiful atmosphere of tranquility. Although the main theme of the complex is white, each section’s distinct atmosphere and hue is created by flowing water curtains, color walls, and various textures and surface treatments. Each pool (there's a lap-pool, children’s pool, and whirlpools) is designed, shaped and lit to create a unique “private space” for its specific users. These seemingly enclosed areas help minimise echoing and sound carriage as do the varying-heights of floors and ceilings, and the acoustic false ceilings. Saunas, a hammam, cold and hot baths, and a spa area with hydro-massage and aquagym areas complete the atmosphere of pampering and care. Take a look at an animation of the total project here
The Docks in the south end of the ancient port city of Le Havre are the oldest docks in France. The area is under massive revitalisation with the goal of making this a leisure, culture and shopping neighborhood. When completed, the area will include residences, a large park, a tropical greenhouse, cinemas, bowling alleys and a shopping center, plus a Nouvel-designed Sea and Sustainable Development Centre to be completed in 2011. The Sea Centre will be a showcase of shipping and sailing - exploring their economic and industrial significance as well as their environmental impact on coasts and estuaries.
