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New aquatic complex: Blending recreation, sport, and nature

Bright indoor swimming pool with multiple lanes, diving boards, and seating area overlooking the water.
Inspired by biophilia and movement, Laval’s Aquatic Complex is a new hub for family fun and competitive swimming. Photo courtesy Carl-Antonyn Dufault

Inspired by biophilia and movement, Laval’s Aquatic Complex is a new hub for family fun and competitive swimming.

Located in North Shore’s new downtown core, this public project addresses the city’s growing need for modern infrastructure that serves its community and supports the development of sports and recreational activities.

The complex sits on the edge of a woodland, and the recreational pool’s tall glass facades open onto views of trees. On the exterior, the cylindrical facade features vertical textures designed in a rotating movement of three consecutive bands around the building’s central axis.

On the exterior, the cylindrical facade features vertical textures designed in a rotating movement of three consecutive bands around the building’s central axis. Photo courtesy David Boyer

The building was designed in three distinct sections, each dedicated to a precise function. The first section includes the public spaces, including the lobby, an agora, and a recreational pool equipped with a slide and water game. The intermediate section is reserved for private spaces, including change rooms, administration offices, and a gymnasium for local sports teams.

The last section houses the largest basins—an Olympic-sized pool dedicated to competitive swimming and a diving pool developed for athletes of different levels. This section also includes a 10-m (32.8-ft) diving tower.

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