IAKS releases project case studies from aquatic centres around the world

The Germany-based International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities (IAKS) has released a collection of case studies of exemplary aquatic facility projects from around the world.

Compiled by the IAKS pool expert circle and ranging worldwide from Australia to the United Kingdom, the projects were presented for the first time during the International Swimming Pool and Wellness Forum taking place from 26th to 29th October in Cologne, Germany.

With the pool industry (as for all sport and recreation facilities) having distinct nationally characteristics, the IAKS pool expert circle seeks to foster the exchange of international best practices.

In the 2021 International Pool Case Studies document, 10 authors present real-life aquatics facilities from various countries - one that is either typical of the country or a prime example of emerging best practice.

IAKS explains “and while it is impossible to represent the diversity of a country’s swimming pool design culture in a single project, we feel it is helpful to explore the underlying characteristics of each respective market. Thoughtful planning is key to maximizing the positive impact of aquatics projects.”

On 27th October, in the course of the International Swimming Pool and Wellness Forum, IAKS President Dr Stefan Kannewischer stated “we have written this paper for facility owners and others who plan to design and build a new swimming pool in their local community. We hope you find this resource both useful and inspiring as you consider your future swimming pool needs".

Within the document, Dr Kannewischer and Darryl Condon, Managing Partner of Canada-based, HCMA Architecture + Design present an essay on project design, in which the outline key aspects of success at each stage of the project:

1. Pre-planning/Concept stage
At this stage, it is important to match the service offering against actual demand, and define good functionality.

This is done with the aid of a feasibility study.

2. Project initiation stage
Putting together the right team (with appropriate skills and experience) boosts the chances of a project’s success considerably. Sound financing is also an important
element at this stage.

3. Planning and construction stage
The primary objective here is to create an attractive building with high-quality construction methods and technology, that also anticipates and responds to current and future needs of the local community.

4. Operating stage
At this stage - which is by far the longest - the best-possible operating result can be achieved with professional and energetic management.

In summary, it can be said that getting the multitude of necessary steps correct (and in the right order) boosts the chances of a sport facility project’s success, yields better results, saves a good deal of time and money, and ensures local communities’ needs are met for generations to come.

There is unfortunately no quick or simple way to deliver sports and leisure facility projects - even if it is tempting to take a short cut. These projects are highly specialised and complex building types and, as a result, success requires a thoughtful process implemented by experienced experts. A strong start and thorough planning will help ensure long-term success and many years of happy users.

Authors from the IAKS pool expert circle

Australia: Warren Green
Austria: Haymo Huber
Canada: Darryl Condon
Denmark: Jakob Færch
Germany: Christian Kuhn
Ireland: Padraig Byrne
Norway: Bjørn Aas
Spain: Ruth Pujol Blume
Switzerland: Stefan Kannewischer
United Kingdom: Mike Hall

Click here to download the IAKS 2021 International Pool Case Studies publication.

Lower image: Tom Jones, IAKS Vice President and Dr Stefan Kannewischer IAKS President during the recent uring the International Swimming Pool and Wellness Forum.