Gotha Municipal Pool

The listed municipal baths in Gotha, Thuringia, opened in 1909 as a public bath typical of its time. The Art Nouveau building (designed by Wilhelm Goette) served as a municipal swimming pool until reunification and was closed after being sold to a private investor. Following the repurchase of the property by the city in 2007, a Europe-wide architectural competition was held with the aim of integrating the historic building into a new, barrier-free sports, health and leisure complex.

The urban development concept for the extension complements the historic baths on either side with two modern new buildings. On the eastern side, they house the large new sauna area, while the western side accommodates the 25-metre competition pool and the teaching pool. The striking cubic shape of the low new buildings is a result of the surrounding environment: thanks to their lower height, the neighbouring old buildings in the densely built-up area are not overshadowed. For the lighting of the buildings themselves, the original solution was used again, but in a modern form: the new baths are illuminated by daylight, which enters generously from the long sides and the front. The transition from the old to the new building is marked by a new staircase, which also serves as a grandstand and lounge area.

The historic building, which has been renovated in line with conservation guidelines, will be used as the communicative and atmospheric centre of the ensemble once construction work is completed in 2014. Following its structural and design revitalisation, the historic swimming pool will be available for health courses and treatments, while the former sauna areas will serve as lounge and relaxation zones. In the course of the renovation of the listed building, preserved details such as historic tiles and floor coverings were also restored in accordance with historical models.