“The Clyde built Glasgow, and Glasgow built the Clyde.” In the mid 1800’s, Glasgow was becoming a world-renowned place for modern shipbuilding. Govan, at the heart of shipbuilding had a flourishing economy. With the loss of shipbuilding, the economy fell into decline with massive unemployment. Now Govan is one of the poorest areas of Glasgow. From these losses, there is a loss of happiness and well-being in the community as well.
Lightest Touch There is a necessary responsibility that the site of the docks is treated with the lightest touch possible. As a historical, almost archaeoligical site, the building should be capable of removal without harm.
Scottish Castles With their thick walls, deep, small window openings, and simple pitched roof section, Scottish castles inspired me. Three-meter-thick walls can become rooms for smaller spaces, with a grand space between.
Louis Kahn, sketches of Scottish castles
Section A U-Shaped concrete structure extends 150 meters long at three-meters-thick. This houses smaller functions of the building and the circulation between pavilions. With the pools at the base of the “U”, and water surrounding the building, it seems as through it is floating in the dock like a ship.
Elevation In order to insulate the building, a glass roof structure covers the building. Placed above this, bearing into the concrete U, is a steel canopy made up of solar panels and skylights. An outdoor walkway at the top of the “U”, offers views of Govan through the skylights of the roof. Full length glass at each end allows light in and views out to the outdoor pool, the docks, and the Clyde.
Floor of Upper Pavilions The pavilions suspended above the pools and accommodate the larger spaces of the building, like those that can’t be housed within the walls such as the gym and restaurant. The free-form shape of the pavilions allows light to filter down into the pool area, and allows views down into the pools or out to the clyde. Since the exterior of the pavilions acts as an art piece for the pools below, it is clad in various colors of timber like sculptures floating above while a patron enjoys a swim. Small spaces for changing, massage and even booths for the restaurant are embedded in the end walls like Scottish castle’s rooms within walls.
Floor of Lower Pools The pools cover the bottom level of the building allowing people to swim while the pavilions, like sculptures, float above them and pockets allow streams of light through. Within the edge walls there is terraced seating, saunas, changing areas, and even pools. The large pools allow for a variety of swimming and exercise, and the pavilions allow for a separation of heating and cooling, the pavilions and rooms within walls are all connected allowing a separation of wet/dry spaces, and sound separation.
Section Through Pavilions below The pools of different depths and types allow some spaces for diving, some for children, and others for lap swimming, or hot pools. Pavilions float above containing larger “dry” spaces like the restaurant and gym.
