À propos

At S.B.U., we usually design facilities that are spatially integrated with the quays. In fact, in Scandinavian countries, there are no temporary facilities, as cities and architects prefer to invest in the quality of materials and in the design of bathing sites as integrated public spaces.

However, it's important to realize that today, French local authorities are logically choosing a cautious approach to reclaiming the river, and opening it up to bathing step by step.

The approach ? Temporary, lightweight, removable facilities: a floating structure in the form of pontoons that can be assembled to shape a protected bathing area and stored for the off-season.

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Based on the historic example of the Villette bathing facility in Paris, the future bathing facility in Marseille's J4 dock will also be based on this model. Finally, the Seine bathing sites scheduled to open in 2025 will also be based on this model. On the professional side, many companies are focusing on this model, whose appeal is underlined by Studio Baignade Urbaine: PORALU marine, Eaulistic, O'Swim, Locaponton, Dock Marine...

A few comments. The strong points are the mixed use of the waterway throughout the year, a good way of introducing the public to urban swimming, and a first step towards making a public facility open all year round. However, attention must be paid to the quality of the facilities, the range of leisure activities provided, the high cost of annual installation operations and, above all, the limited impact of a temporary facility on residents' perception of a city that can be bathed in.

Studio Baignade Urbaine is building a strong expertise to reinforce the advantages of temporary facilities dedicated to urban bathing while reducing the disadvantages. Don't hesitate to contact us if you're interested !