Together with Thoma Architekten, Berlin, 4a Architekten are planning the new Stadtbad Weißenfels – a versatile aquatic facility for school and club sports, public swimming, leisure and recreation. The aim of the design is to organize different user groups in parallel and with as little interference as possible: from school swimming lessons to competitions and training, as well as family bathing and sauna use. The new building is located in the western part of Weißenfels and complements the existing sports complex. Access via Leopold-Kell-Straße will create a shared entrance for the Stadthalle and the future Stadtbad. In this way, the new swimming pool is functionally and architecturally integrated into the existing infrastructure, while also becoming a new public element within the sports site.
The two-storey building with basement is clearly divided into three areas. The central foyer with ticket desk, accessible WC and direct connection to the visitors’ gallery on the upper floor marks the entrance point. From here, the pool and changing areas are accessed. A continuous sanitary and functional spine forms the transition zone between the changing rooms and pool halls, accommodating showers, WCs, storage areas and further functional rooms.
The first pool hall is designed for school, club and competition use. It contains a 25-metre swimming pool with six lanes and starting blocks, as well as a visitors’ gallery with seating and standing areas. A full-height glass wall separates this area from the second pool hall, allowing events and public bathing to take place independently of one another. The second pool hall is geared more towards leisure and family use. It includes a stainless steel pool with movable floor, a warm-water pool with bubble loungers and neck showers, and a dedicated children’s area. This creates a differentiated offer for different age groups, swimming abilities and qualities of stay. The facility is complemented by an independent sauna landscape. It comprises changing and sanitary areas, a bio sauna and infusion sauna, a cold plunge pool, Kneipp foot basin, showers, and rest and lounge areas. To the south and west, the sauna opens up to the outdoor area with full-height glazing; an additional garden infusion sauna is also planned.
The new Stadtbad thus combines a clear functional organization with a broad spectrum of uses. At the same time, it will create an atmospheric place with a high quality of stay – for sports, health, leisure and recreation in Weißenfels.