Krems Swimming Arena

In urban planning terms the project strengthens the basic concept of a bridge, which is viewed very positively. With its slender compact quality, it becomes even more strongly a linear experience space between Strandbadstraße and Doktor-Franz-Riel-Promenade, along the banks of the Danube. Consequently, the relationship between the city and the Danube can be experienced on all levels, whether by actively exploring and using the different sections or through the visual connections to the two important poles of this urban-landscape system. In addition, the option of a direct pedestrian connection to the city with the help of a bridge across the B3 federal motorway is considered, which connects to the footpath and bike path on the town side and can be integrated in the roundabout concept with the railway underpass that leads in the direction of the town centre. The details of these connections should be developed in conjunction with future traffic planning. If a bike connection is required, it could be made using a spiral ramp.

An uncompromising response was made to the jury’s justifiable criticism in the first competition phase, allowing the “unique selling point” to be made use of. Regrouping the functional areas led not only to better qualities but also, more importantly, to the economically coherent interlocking of the volumes produced by the system. Moving the sauna onto the roof was precisely NOT intended to increase the building’s total volume or height, rather using the prescribed minimum room height for various other areas, made it possible to integrate the sauna in an overall system. In addition, by freeing the area at lawn level originally envisaged for the sauna in the first competition phase, all the technical and operational spaces could be accommodated. This made it possible to dispense almost entirely with a basement – apart from a small area for the swimming pool technology – that would, in any case, have been technically difficult to build. As a result, the economic optimisation called for is achieved.

The main level of the swimming pool hall was optimised in terms of both area and volume. Reorganising the additional functions (steam bath, infra-red cabins…) ensures that the pool attendant has a clear view of the pools. In any case we further strengthened the generous nature of the complex with its panorama views.
We see the extensive terrace areas, which from a cost viewpoint could certainly be regarded critically and can also be optimised, as offering a special quality and we therefore continue to propose them:
Whether you are on the edge facing the Danube bank or, on the other side, turn a meditative gaze towards the silhouette of the historic gem that is the town of Krems – what could be better than being able to say: “Why bring the town to the Danube – here we are IN Krems ON the Danube!”