Mysterious Baths - renovation of the Caimi public swimming pool

Milano, Italy

The choice of using different colored terrazzo in the pools and in paths around, is inspired by the well-known De Chirico fountain called Bagni Misteriosi which inspired the name of the project.

Visualization © Laboratorio Permanente

Photo © Alessandra Chemollo

A palette of materials, colours and textures used for the pavements: the terrazzo floor of the beach and the footpaths; the original slabs in restored botticino also used for the pool; the wood of the floor and the floating platform; the renovation and the finish of the steps.

Photo © Alessandra Chemollo

Architectural layout of the swimming pool

Drawing © Laboratorio Permanente

Photo © Alessandra Chemollo

Cultural Centers

Architects: Laboratorio Permanente

Year: 2016
Client: Private
Team: Nicola Russi, Angelica Sylos Labini, Elena Martucci, André Ruth Shammah, Michele De Lucchi (aMdl), Luca De Stasio, Pietro ferrario, Mario Ventilato, Evgeniya Dubova, Marco di Forenza, Alessandro Zanoletti
Structural Engineer: Eng. Pietro Boerio
MEP: Ing. Luigi Berti, Studio Beta Progetti
Landscape: Barbara Petrecca

After ten years of dereliction the renovation project for an old swimming pool became the chance to imagine an innovative system of public spaces in the inner centre of Milan. Next to the Franco Parenti theatre, the swimming pool renovation has been designed to become its open air stage, allowing an original interchange between spectators and visitors.
A new floating wooden platform has been designed to become a sun deck during the day and a stage for concerts and performances during the night. Flower gardens surround the continuous steps all around the swimming pool, natural parterres for performances and events.
A long colonnade redefines the edge between the theatre and the open spaces, hosting temporary cafes and protecting the visitors from the sun.
The original 50mt long swimming pool has been kept moving all the plants in a new underground space. Here an innovative system of water depuration by oxygen reduces the need of chemical additives.
Since the opening Mysterious Baths had a great success with over 1500 visitors per day.