Multifunctional, sustainable and accessible to everyone: the requirements for the new indoor swimming pool in the Neufeld area of Bern were just as high as local residents’ expectations. The decision to build the city’s most modern swimming pool was ultimately made by referendum. But in the end, the design by Zurich architectural firm Armon Semadeni exceeded all expectations. Both the inviting entrance area and the heart of the indoor swimming pool, the 50-metre pool, are atmospherically illuminated by BEGA.
An annual 20-percent increase in visitors to the city’s indoor swimming pools left no doubt: Bern needs more space for its active population of swimmers. Following a positive referendum in 2019, the construction of a new indoor swimming pool began in 2020, based on a design named “goccia” (Italian for “droplet”) by the Zurich architectural firm Armon Semadeni. This design stood out for its attractive appearance and multifunctionality. The swimming pool will be used for swimming lessons and training by schools and sports clubs, and will be accessible to the entire population of Bern.
The warm underlying atmosphere is already ubiquitous in the entrance area. BEGA recessed ceiling luminaires from the ACCENTA PURE series cast a soft light onto the tills, while two-sided wall luminaires are installed on the metal frames of the glass fronts that reveal a view of the swimming pool. These luminaires accentuate both individual objects and larger areas.
The openness of the new indoor swimming pool is evident from the moment you enter the door: the high-ceilinged entrance area offers a view of the 50-metre pool on the floor below. Visitors get to the changing areas via a bridge with large glass facades and enter the light-flooded swimming landscape. Daylight streams through the large window fronts, while BEGA hall downlights on the wave-shaped ceiling provide pleasant lighting. Six luminaires per beam evenly distribute the light, minimise glare and create a bright, friendly atmosphere throughout the swimming area.
The swimming pool includes a teaching pool, a children’s area with a slide, whirlpools, a diving tower and a pool lift for people with limited mobility. Extra practical: the 50-metre pool can be separated into two sections using mobile dividing elements. The swimming pool scores highly in terms of sustainability, thanks to a large photovoltaic system and the reuse of dechlorinated wastewater.
Client City of Bern (Switzerland)
Architect Armon Semadeni Architekten, Bern (Switzerland)
