Nestled between sports fields, an elevated highway junction, and the Rhine embankment, the new indoor swimming pool "Rheinblick 741" replaces the former garden pool on Lütticher Straße in Oberkassel. Designed by Munich-based architecture firm studioGA, its distinctive polygonal form evokes a river pebble—a sculptural gesture that responds gracefully to the site's complex urban context. The compact structure recesses only on the Rhine-facing side, wrapped in an aluminum facade that opens dramatically to the south through expansive glazing, while the three remaining elevations feature rhythmic horizontal window bands. The brick-clad ground floor provides a striking visual counterpoint to this contemporary envelope.

Multifunctionality shapes the facility's entire conception. The challenge was to optimize spatial use—making it both flexible and efficient—across programmatic boundaries. Built atop the basement level of a former bunker, the facility unfolds across three distinct zones: The ground floor lobby flows into changing facilities with lockers, a physiotherapy clinic, and a separate gymnastics studio for community groups. The first-floor bathing level—designed for 300 swimmers—features the 25-meter competition pool with diving board, its soaring airspace and expansive glass facade opening toward the Rhine. A dedicated teaching pool with movable floor sits acoustically and thermally isolated, allowing aqua aerobics classes without disturbing main swimming operations. Additional amenities include a children's splash pool and a warm-water pool. Purple accents appear throughout the interiors—a color that emerges when pebbles are cleaved. The second floor houses contemporary offices for the district administration and a 200-seat conference hall for meetings, lectures, and community gatherings. From here, a cut-through roof terrace—accessible from both the building and the riverside embankment via stairs—offers outdoor dining with views of the Rhine's distinctive curve. Universal design principles guided the planning: all entries, facilities, restrooms, and changing areas accommodate wheelchairs and strollers. Mobility infrastructure was equally considered. The pool connects seamlessly to public transit and cycling networks. One hundred thirty-one parking spaces serve vehicles, supplemented by bike storage and dedicated bus drop-off zones ensuring safe student access. Above the parking area, a youth soccer training field maximizes the site's functional versatility.

www.studioga.de
www.baeder-duesseldorf.de

Photos:
Düsseldorf Public Baths

(Published in CUBE Düsseldorf 04|21)