New phase for Baths in the Thames

13/05/2015. By Studio Octopi. River Thames, [LON] UK
metalocus, ALEX DURO.

Can you imagine bathing in the middle of the River Thames? Overlooking the London Eye, the London Bridge or the re-named Elizabeth Tower, better known as Big Ben. The team of architects Studio Octopi needs your help; 9 days for the closing of the crowdfunding that seeks to gather the money needed for building the baths in the River Thames, the campaign is seeking to receive the latest contributions in order to reach the expected minimum.

Pools state during 2015. Baths in River Thames, London. Last images (2015). © StudioOctopi & Picture Plane. Click above to see larger image.

Pools state during 2015. Baths in River Thames, London. Last images (2015). © StudioOctopi & Picture Plane. Click above to see larger image.

State of the pools during 2014. Rendering of the design at Temple Stairs, Image courtesy Studio Octopi & Picture Plane. Click above to see larger image.

State of the pools during 2013. Rendering. 'Thames Baths' at Blackfriars by a team that included architects Studio Octopi, Jonathan Cook Landscape Architects and Civic Engineers. Click above to see larger image.

Baths in River Thames, London. Last images (2015). © StudioOctopi & Picture Plane.

James Lowe, Chris Romer-Lee, Matt Bamford-Bowes. Image courtesy of Studio Octopi. Click above to see larger image.

Studio Octopi project has been developing these last two years, during which we present images and their evolution, as well as drawings and details.

At 20 days into a 30 day Kickstarter campaign, the Thames Baths has over 700 backers and pledges totaling over £70,000. The project is well under way to reaching its target of £125,000 by 22nd May. We have been overwhelmed by the generosity and enthusiasm our backers have shown.

Beyond the Kickstarter campaign, the organizers are looking for sponsors who can support the project in order to complete their development during 2015 for a possible opening of it in the spring of 2017.

We will also be showcasing new designs for our vision for a floating lido on the River Thames. These new proposals respond to feedback on the original designs for the Victoria Embankment at Blackfriars Bridge and Temple Stairs.

The new designs integrate changing rooms and kiosks within the floating pontoon, offering a self-sufficient floating lido that could be located in any urban waterway across the UK – and beyond. They allow for more intimate seating areas closer to the water, as well as higher lookouts and vantage points. Surrounding the pontoon deck is Thames Baths’ trademark aquatic planting.

Both in the initial phases of the project and in the latest ones, the pools use water from the River Thames. The water used is filtered and treated before being used for bathing, always within the internationals standars for bathing without using chemicals.

To ensure the longest swimming season as possible, Thames Baths lido will be gently warmed by a heat exchanger. The Baths will remain open all year round, providing a refuge for wildlife as well as a public space for Londoners to enjoy the river from.

Temple Baths state during 2014, River Thames. Image courtesy of Studio Octopi & Picture Plane.

CREDITS.-

Team.-

Founders and Architects - Studio Octopi.
Product Manager.- Matt Bamford-Bowes.
Commercial Manager.- Rob Saunders.
Marine Engineers.- Beckett Rankine.
Landscape Architects.- Jonathan Cook Landscape Architects.
Cost Consultants.- Jackson Coles.
Graphic Designers.- Build.
Services Engineers.- Max Fordham.
Legal Advisors.- Calvert Solicitors.

Ambassadors.-

Tracey Emin CBE (artist).
Patricia Brown (urbanist).
Caitlin Davies (author).
Jenny Landreth (author & journalist).
Amy Sharrocks (artist).

Endorsers.-

Royal Academy of Arts.
The Architecture Foundation.
The Outdoor Swimming Society.
Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners.
New London Architecture (NLA).
Garden Museum.
The Line.
Jenny Jones AM, Baroness Jones of Moulescoomb.