The World's Longest Infinity Pool Is About To Be Built On A Bridge

The art collective rAndom International, known for their interactive and experimental works, has unveiled a monumental outdoor installation titled 'Tower: Instant Structure for Schacht XII' at the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex in Essen, Germany. This performative structure, a towering shower, cycles an impressive 30,000 liters of water per minute. The choice of location is particularly significant, as the world heritage site requires approximately 6 million cubic meters of water to be pumped out of its former mines annually to maintain the structural integrity of the entire region. The installation ingeniously harnesses this native resource to fuel its ambitious design. This marks rAndom International's first outdoor installation, following their highly successful 'Rain Room' project, which similarly featured large quantities of water in an architectural context. The 'Tower' creates an ephemeral, yet intensely loud, man-made storm, leaving a palpable film of moisture in the surrounding air. The controlled and structured application of such vast amounts of water animates the space, transforming the static architecture of the former industrial site into a dynamic, experiential environment. The project aims to explore new possibilities for engagement with and access to historic industrial spaces that were not originally designed for human or social interaction. It creates a striking juxtaposition between the simulated, temporary architecture of water and the solid, permanent buildings of the coal mine complex. 'Tower: Instant Structure for Schacht XII' was commissioned by Urbane Künste Ruhr for the RuhrTriennale 2013. The installation offers a unique sensory experience, allowing visitors to witness and interact with the immense power and movement of water on a grand scale. The constant flow and visible presence of water highlight the ongoing ecological and structural relationship between the site and its natural resources. By transforming a necessity—water removal from the mines—into a captivating art installation, rAndom International brings attention to the hidden processes that sustain such industrial heritage sites, while simultaneously offering a fresh perspective on architectural possibilities and the interplay between natural elements and constructed environments. The artwork's powerful visual and auditory components, combined with the tactile sensation of moisture, create an immersive experience that challenges perceptions of space, structure, and nature within an industrial setting. It invites contemplation on the history and future of such sites, and the potential for artistic intervention to reveal new layers of meaning and engagement. The installation ran daily from 10 AM to 1 AM until October 6, 2013, offering a temporary yet impactful transformation of the Zollverein complex. #ArtInstallation #InteractiveArt #WaterArt #Ruhrtriennale #ZollvereinCoalMine #OutdoorInstallation #EphemeralArchitecture #PublicArt #RandomInternational

With Memorial Day marking the official start of pool season, this article offers a comprehensive guide to transforming above-ground pool areas into resort-like outdoor spaces. It highlights that while above-ground pools can be more challenging to design around than in-ground options, various elegant solutions can make them aesthetically pleasing and functional. The article presents 22 ideas, tapping into the expertise of landscape design professionals. One suggestion is to add a gravel border around the pool, a practical choice that ensures good drainage and, when combined with potted seasonal plants, softens the pool's edges while adding color and texture. For those who enjoy entertaining, integrating the pool with a deck extension from an existing patio can create a larger, warmer, and more functional space for sunbathing and gatherings. Decorative elements like small tiles can give an above-ground pool a mosaic-like appearance that glitters in the sun, elevating its visual appeal. Building a deck around the pool not only provides a convenient spot for relaxation and cannonballs but also makes the entire landscape appear more cohesive and intentional. Adopting a minimalist design, such as a sleek white-tiled reflecting pool, can ensure the above-ground pool complements the overall elevated aesthetic of the home. Incorporating fragrant flowers around the pool's perimeter adds beauty and whimsy, though care must be taken to prevent chlorinated water from damaging the plants. For a monochromatic, resort-like feel, choosing white stone pavers, white tile, white wood for the deck, and a white privacy fence can make even small backyards feel expansive, reminiscent of a Greek getaway. To conceal the pool's sides and enhance the yard's beauty, planting a mix of native shrubs, grasses, and flowers creates a colorful border. If space or budget for chaises is limited, adding simple, light seating and side tables can still create a comfortable relaxation area that is easy to store. For families with rambunctious children, maintaining a simple grass lawn around the pool prevents damage from splashes and keeps maintenance easy. For a more natural transition, covering the pool's sides with large decorative stones can seamlessly integrate it into the landscape, especially if the stones match other elements on the property. If the budget allows, an above-ground infinity pool can be installed, particularly effective on sloped properties where the pool and seating can be strategically placed to align with distant views. Matching planters made from the same stone as the pool can add both beauty and functionality, providing extra resting ledges for drinks and snacks. Stone pavers are highly favored by designers for creating a resort-like ambiance around the pool, offering a refined alternative to lush grass. Building the pool directly up to the house, especially on sloped terrains, improves accessibility and prevents tracking mud indoors. Covering visible pool material with wood matching the deck creates a warm, cohesive look. Working with a sloped yard by excavating a flat area for the pool rather than flattening the entire space is also a smart design approach. Coordinating the pool's aesthetic with an outdoor fireplace and seating area creates a comprehensive outdoor entertainment zone. Installing a brick walkway ensures clean feet when transitioning from the pool to the house, while a thin gravel border aids drainage. Finally, eliminating grass entirely and paving the area around the pool can create a clean, mud-free environment that integrates seamlessly with the pool’s design. #AboveGroundPool #BackyardDesign #OutdoorLiving #LandscapeDesign #PoolDecor #PatioIdeas #HomeImprovement #SummerDecor #GardeningTips

This article highlights nine of the world's highest and most impressive rooftop pools, offering a glimpse into the luxurious and adventurous experiences they provide. These pools are predominantly found in supertall residential towers and skyscrapers, showcasing how amenities in modern architecture are reaching new heights, literally and figuratively. Each location offers unique features, breathtaking views, and significant design achievements. The One&Only One Za'abeel in Dubai features "The Link," a connecting structure between its two towers. This houses the Tapasake Pool Club, which boasts the UAE’s longest infinity pool, stretching nearly 394 feet at 328 feet in the air. This pool is accessible to resort guests and by reservation, serving as a prominent entertainment and leisure spot. Singapore's Marina Bay Sands, designed by Moshe Safdie, has been a major attraction since its 2014 opening. Its 57th-floor Skypark hosts the world's largest rooftop infinity pool, exclusively for hotel guests. Situated over 650 feet high, it measures an impressive 495 feet, equivalent to more than three Olympic-sized swimming pools. The St. Regis Zhuhai in China, occupying the top 31 floors of the 72-story Zhuhai Tower, provides guests with two pools and views of the Macau Peninsula. The outdoor sky pool, completed in 2017 and designed by RMJM, is 17 feet long and located on the 71st floor. W Hong Kong, housed within the Cullinan twin towers by architect Wong & Ouyang and opened in 2008, offers one of the city's highest rooftop pools. Its WET pool on the 76th floor is 692 feet above ground, presenting extensive views of the city and Victoria Harbour. SLS Dubai distinguishes itself with two rooftop infinity pools on its 75th floor. These pools provide expansive views of the Burj Khalifa, offering a unique setting for swimming or relaxation. The Privilege at SLS Dubai venue, located 1,066 feet in the air, is open to both hotel guests and non-guests via a purchased pass. Miami's Aston Martin Residences, a 68-floor structure completed recently, features an infinity pool on its 55th floor. This pool offers views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami River, contributing to the building's sailboat-inspired design, which includes cabanas and a Sky bar and lounge on its "deck." In Nanning, China, the Guangxi China Resources Tower holds the title for the world's tallest outdoor pool. Designed by Goettsch Partners, this pool on the 71st floor is 1,060 feet above the city, providing 180-degree panoramic views. Brooklyn Point in New York offers residents access to the highest residential infinity pool in the Western Hemisphere. Designed by KPF and completed in 2020, this 68-story tower features a pool 680 feet above ground with views of the Manhattan skyline. The surrounding area, designed by Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects, includes a sundeck, outdoor dining, and spaces for movie screenings and stargazing. Finally, the 137 Pillars Suites & Residences Bangkok in Thailand features a rooftop infinity pool on its 33rd floor, over 410 feet above the city. This pool is reserved for guests staying in the 34 upper-level suites, offering 360-degree views of Bangkok. #RooftopPools #LuxuryTravel #Architecture #UrbanDesign #InfinityPools #Dubai #Singapore #China #HongKong #Miami #NewYork #Bangkok

NEOM, the ambitious mega-project funded by Saudi Arabian authorities, is steadily advancing with the unveiling of its latest luxury resort, Treyam. This development is part of NEOM's grand vision, which encompasses 10 distinct regions, with the initial phase of the futuristic city projected to be completed by 2030. Treyam follows other announced projects such as Gidori, a luxury golf course, and the floating port city of Oxagon and Sindalah islands. Treyam is conceptualized as a luxury lagoon resort, uniquely designed to integrate the desert landscape with the ocean. It features a luxury harbor, a serene lagoon, and a coral-rich shoreline, creating a distinctive environment. A central component of Treyam will be a 250-room luxury resort, offering a range of high-end amenities. These include sophisticated spas, comprehensive wellness centers, and a selection of Michelin-starred restaurants, aiming to provide an exclusive experience for its guests. The most striking feature of Treyam is its 450-meter-long infinity pool. This pool is significantly longer than many notable structures, for instance, it is almost five times the length of the Old Bridge in Florence, Italy. The design integrates the pool into a bridge structure that will connect two distinct sides of the resort, making it both a recreational facility and a major architectural element. The overall NEOM project is estimated to cost an astonishing $1 trillion. This vast sum is allocated across its various components, with 'The Line', a horizontal skyscraper city and flagship region of NEOM, accounting for over $500 billion of the total budget. This implies that the remaining nine projects share the balance, with approximately $55 billion allocated to each, underscoring the immense scale and financial commitment behind this futuristic urban development. NEOM's continuous announcements of new regions and resorts like Treyam illustrate its commitment to developing a hyper-modern and luxurious destination. These projects aim to establish new benchmarks in urban planning, luxury tourism, and sustainable living, blending advanced technology with unique environmental designs. The integration of cutting-edge architecture with natural elements, such as the desert and ocean, highlights NEOM's innovative approach to creating a future city. #NEOM #LuxuryResort #Treyam #SaudiArabia #InfinityPool #MegaProject #FutureCity #LuxuryTravel #DesertOasis

The Joule Hotel, located in the heart of Dallas, Texas, features a unique and highly sought-after infinity pool that extends beyond the building's edge. This architectural marvel, situated on the 10th floor, protrudes 2.5 meters (approximately 8 feet) from the hotel structure, offering an unparalleled swimming experience. The pool has become a significant tourist attraction due to its unusual design and the breathtaking views it provides of the bustling city streets below. Designed by Adam D. Tihany, The Joule Hotel is a luxurious establishment housed within a renovated neo-Gothic building dating back to the 1920s. It boasts 161 rooms and is renowned for its sophisticated interior design, which includes notable works of art, such as a large piece by Andy Warhol. However, the infinity pool remains one of its most captivating features. The pool's transparent bottom and sides allow swimmers to observe pedestrians and vehicles directly beneath them, creating an illusion of floating above the urban landscape. This design element provides a thrilling experience, particularly for those brave enough to swim to the overhanging edge and gaze downwards. The pool offers exceptional panoramic views of the surrounding area, enhancing the overall guest experience. During the warmer months, the infinity pool transforms into a vibrant social hub, attracting both hotel guests and visitors from around the world. Local Dallas residents also frequent the pool, enjoying its unique amenities. Access to this distinctive aquatic feature requires a daily ticket, priced at $50. The hotel's innovative design and its prominent, 'hanging' pool contribute significantly to its reputation as a must-visit destination in Dallas, blending luxury accommodation with an extraordinary architectural statement. #Dallas #Texas #TheJouleHotel #InfinityPool #ArchitectureDesign #LuxuryTravel #UrbanExperience #RooftopPool

The article highlights the latest innovations in swimming pool construction, focusing on enhancing performance, durability, and user experience. Jimmie Meece, president of America’s Swimming Pool Company, notes significant advancements in optimal depth designs, advanced materials, wider lanes, and wave suppression technologies. These innovations transform ordinary pools into high-performance environments with improved safety and hydrodynamics. Optimal pool depth is a crucial innovation, particularly for competitive swimming. Traditional shallow pools can create wave energy that rebounds, affecting a swimmer's speed. Modern designs recommend a three-meter depth to mitigate this issue, allowing waves to dissipate before impacting performance. While this is critical for competitive training, it also enhances the experience for recreational swimmers seeking a smoother environment. Advanced materials are another key area of innovation, offering greater durability and flexibility to withstand environmental stresses. Options include fiberglass, known for its resistance to cracking and flexibility to ground movement; high-density polyethylene (HDPE), valued for its strength, chemical, and UV resistance in liners and plumbing; composite materials, which combine fiberglass and resin for lightweight strength and corrosion resistance; PVC, commonly used for its durability and chemical resistance in piping; and reinforced concrete, made more durable and crack-resistant with additives. For competitive swimming and training, wider lanes reduce turbulence, contributing to a smoother and more enjoyable swimming experience. This is complemented by wave suppression technologies, such as oversized gutter systems that capture water waves and prevent them from bouncing back, ensuring a calm surface essential for optimal swimming conditions. The article also covers popular features that enhance outdoor pools beyond basic functionality. These include tanning ledges for shallow water relaxation, infinity pools that create a visually stunning effect of water extending to the horizon, swim-up bars for entertaining guests within the pool, and water slides for added fun for all ages. For those preferring a minimalist aesthetic, the article suggests plunge or gunite pools with smooth surfaces, neutral-colored decking or concrete patios, lounge chairs, and automatic pool covers to maintain cleanliness and a sleek look. In summary, the pool construction industry is evolving with innovations that cater to both performance-oriented users and those seeking enhanced leisure. These advancements involve careful consideration of design elements, material science, and integrated features to deliver superior swimming environments. #PoolConstruction #SwimmingPools #AdvancedMaterials #PoolDesign #CompetitiveSwimming #WaterFeatures #HomeImprovement #Durability #Innovation