For thrill-seeking swimmers, the chance to take a death-defying dip might not be far away. Plans to build a rooftop infinity pool -- with 360-degree views of the London skyline -- are in motion.
The designs for the 600,000-liter pool and 55-story building, named Infinity London, have been unveiled by Compass Pools.
— CNN Style
Infinity pools? Seen those before. On a skyscraper rooftop? Please. 360 degrees? Now we're talking!
"The pool is made from cast acrylic rather than glass, as this material transmits light at a similar wavelength to water so that the pool will look perfectly clear," British pool maker Compass Pools explains its lofty proposal for London. "The floor of the pool is also transparent, allowing visitors to see the swimmers and sky above." Of course it is.
How do people get inside that thing, you ask? "Swimmers will access the pool through a rotating spiral staircase based on the door of a submarine, rising from the pool floor when someone wants to get in or out." Cool. What could possibly go wrong.
But doesn't the pool water from 200 meters high up in the sky end up all over the neighborhood when the London wind is in a gusty mood? "Other advanced technical features include a built-in anemometer to monitor the wind speed. This is linked to a computer-controlled building management system to ensure the pool stays at the right temperature and water doesn’t get blown down to the streets below."
Surely must cost a fortune to heat all that water up there, right? "Boasting an innovative twist on renewable energy, the pool’s heating system will use waste energy from the air condition system for the building. The hot gas that is produced as a by-product of creating cold air in the building will run through a heat exchanger to heat the water for the pool."
Alright then. Anything else? "The pool is also fitted with a full spectrum of lights which will give the building the appearance of a sparkling jewel-topped torch at night." Wouldn't have it any other way.
What will actually go underneath the pool isn't clear yet. Some slick skyscraper maybe. The main attraction certainly is ready to go.
Excellent side-eye tone in this write-up, Alexander. Well done!
All 11 Comments
For thrill-seeking swimmers, the chance to take a death-defying dip might not be far away.
As long as you have exposure (transparency = exposure). What better describes the spirit of our times? Of the work of thrill-seeking architects?
If you can afford it.
While it (the world) lasts.
But I'm sure it will be popular:
The oh-don't-worry-you-get-in-from-the-bottom idea is priceless. Will the waiters toting thirty-dollar margaritas do the same?
And how many urinating swimmers will it take to lend that building top a warm golden hue?
how can you be so jaded you don't like swimming pools?
Sure, all swimming pools are like this.
how can you be so stupid that you don't see any problems with this idea?
what problems exactly? other than envy
Don't forget your towel, sir!
is there something about the UK or London that produces the most butt ugly modern buildings? Clean that stuff up
I needed a good laugh. This proposal did not disappoint.
Do you get dropped there by helicopter...?
from their website:
“We faced some quite major technical challenges to this building, the biggest one being how to actually get into the pool.
“Normally a simple ladder would suffice, but we didn’t want stairs on the outside of the building or in the pool as it would spoil the view – and obviously you don’t want 600,000 litres of water draining through the building either.
“The solution is based on the door of a submarine, coupled with a rotating spiral staircase which rises from the pool floor when someone wants to get in or out – the absolute cutting edge of swimming pool and building design and a little bit James Bond to boot!”
"Caution: Anyone Unable to Hold Their Breath for Six Minutes Is Not Allowed.
Please Use the Wading Pool Located at the Bottom of the Elevator Shaft."
Why not just put an island in the middle. This is so ridiculous.
YOUR SILLY SIMPLE SOLUTIONS LACK INNOVATION! BEGONE!
I'll just leave this here.
Excellent side-eye tone in this write-up, Alexander. Well done!
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