Completed in 1966 in along the beach of Leça de Palmeria in Porto, the Leça Swimming Pool stands out as a popular retreat for locals and tourists alike, not just for its leisurely atmosphere but also for its architectural integrity. The complex was one the first solo projects of Alvaro Siza, the internationally-acclaimed Portuguese architect whose work is distinguished by a respect for vernacular traditions while pursuing contemporary interventions.
The Leça Swimming Pool is a shining example of this. Blending harmoniously into its oceanside setting, it features two swimming pools encircled by man-made concrete walls and existing natural rock formations, which were preserved to a maximum throughout the entire complex. From the street, the pools are hidden from view; a ramp leads to the changing rooms that exit towards a series of concrete platforms, where the beauty of the complex is finally revealed. Siza’s thoughtful design visually connects the pools with the Atlantic Ocean, giving visitors the overwhelming impression of swimming in the ocean.
Until you can actually make it to Porto to see it for yourself, enjoy these fantastic images of the complex taken by Atelier XYZ, a studio exploring the fields of architectural photography and video. More by the studio here.
Images © Atelier XYZ / with permission