Olympic Swimming Pool, Montpellier

The Olympic Swimming Pool in Montpellier stands as a prominent modern structure within the city’s Antigone District. Built in 1980, the building was originally conceived as a hotel but later repurposed into a dynamic public sports facility. Its contemporary design, featuring glass and steel elements, creates a stark contrast against the classical architecture of the surrounding area, symbolizing a departure from tradition.

Occupying a key position along Antigone’s pedestrian axis, the pool acts as a vibrant hub for both sporting events and leisure activities. The building’s design emphasizes openness and transparency, with a light-filled entrance lobby that immediately offers a panoramic view of the two distinct swimming areas. The sports pool, used for competitive events, sits below the public seating area, while the leisure pool, equipped with massage baths, slides, and rapids, is positioned to the right. Spectators have the luxury of observing competitions from either side of the sports pool.

The architectural layout of the Olympic Swimming Pool is conceived as two interconnected squares, each possessing its character while being visually, spatially, and functionally integrated. Above the first floor, the structure is dominated by a suspended light roof supported by cables, which creates a sense of airiness and unity within the space. The retractable roof over the leisure pool can be opened during the summer, transforming it into an outdoor facility.

With its 10-lane Venus Olympic pool, the complex is capable of hosting national and international competitions and meets the standards for various aquatic sports such as water polo, synchronized swimming, and Olympic-level training. Additional amenities include the five-lane Aphrodite training pool, a solarium terrace, a gymnasium for fitness training, and a multifunctional sports hall suited for activities like handball, basketball, and volleyball.