Melt ice into water; transforming a disused ice rink into a swim and bath center

Abstract

As cities continue to expand, the demand for public facilities increases accordingly. In Gothenburg, the existing indoor swimming pools can no longer accommodate the growing population, making the construction of new swimming facilities an urgent social necessity. However, indoor swimming pools are characterized by high energy consumption and significant environmental impact, posing challenges in terms of sustainability. This study focuses on the recently demolished, disused ice rink Isdala in Gothenburg. Although the building has already been torn down, its original timber structure and some materials had significant potential for reuse, and the large-span space would have been well-suited to the spatial needs of a swimming facility. In addition, the surrounding community lacks access to public swimming facilities, making the transformation of this site especially meaningful. Therefore, this research takes a hypothetical approach to explore the adaptive reuse of the former building, proposing its transformation into a new indoor swim and bath center. The theoretical framework of this thesis includes the social and health benefits of bathing architecture, age-inclusive design, and low-energy water treatment technologies. Strategically, the project emphasizes how site conditions influence architectural form, explores the relationship between old and new structures, and considers how user needs shape the internal spatial organization. In addition, the study highlights the role of landscape and natural light in enhancing user health and overall experience. The final outcome is the creation of a lowenergy, low-emission community aquatic center that meets the needs of local residents across different age groups. By repurposing an abandoned building, this project provides a sustainable solution to Gothenburg’s swimming facility shortage.