POOL BARGE SCHEMATIC DESIGN
Pier 62/63: The barge is located 65 feet south of pier 62/63 to
Complimentary Program: The pool barge and pier 62/63
enhance the experience of being on the bay, reduce the scale
programs have been developed in unison to complement and
The site context shapes the pool barge moorage location
of the barge when experienced from the pier, and minimize
energize one another and to be flexible to adapt and evolve
and its physical form and program.
environmental impacts and enhance habitat value of the
for differing short-term and seasonal programming.
2.1 SITE CONTEXT
near shore zone. Offsetting the barge from the pier reduced
Aquatic Habitat Zone: The barge has been located to provide
the cumulative effects of otherwise combined barge and pier
Experienced on and from a Distance: While the active
ample clear space (approximately a minimum of 90 feet)
shadows and also created an eddy of reduced wave action
programmed recreation of the aquatic facilities provides a
between the stern and the aquatic habitat improvements to
between the barge and pier that is valuable to fisheries.
unique experience of swimming on and being part of the bay,
the east while still allowing an exciting perspective of the
habitat zone from the barge and gangway.
the pool barge is also meant to be an iconic, energizing and
Minimizing Mass: The pool barge mass has been minimized
engaging program element when viewed from the overlook
to avoid blocking views from all adjacent land and piers as
walk and pier 62/63.
Aquarium: The barge is located approximately 180 feet away
well as maximize views from the barge itself. Noteworthy
from the aquarium to mitigate view and sound impacts as
design features include minimizing vertical obstructions
well as allow for a future expansion of the Aquarium.
such as luminaires and canopies and utilizing glass barriers
and guardrails.
16
Schematic Design
5
LEGEND
Pool Barge Project Boundary
Adjacent Project(s) Boundary
1
Pier 62/63
2
Seattle Aquarium
3
Aquatic Habitat Zone
4
Aquarium Plaza
5
Overlook Walk
5
North Waterfront Connections
1
5
3
4
100 ft.
2
ILLUSTRATIVE SITE CONTEXT PLAN
17
POOL BARGE SCHEMATIC DESIGN
The Gangway: With tidal variation of up to 16 feet, the 120-
structure and waterfront scale will convey the realities of
foot gangway absorbs grade changes between the fixed
a working waterfront (whereas the pier will take its design
A key component of the pool barge’s experience is the
piers and floating elements. This significant span required
cues from the upland urban design). The gangway lands on
dramatic sense of arrival—leaving land, crossing, and then
a structurally robust truss (with a width of 12’) which will
the floating dock at an elevated landing at grade with the
landing on the waters of Elliott Bay. This experience is rooted
be a unique experience on the waterfront. While extreme
pool barge deck (minimizing extreme slopes of the gangway)
in complex maritime engineering and naval architecture to
low tides will exceed the typical 8.3% slope of typical ADA
and transitions to the floating docks in both stairs and ADA
provide a seamless, intuitive and ADA accessible route to
ramps, a 120-foot gangway is deemed acceptable (and is
accessible ramps. Stairs and ramps are open structures to
the barge, as well as access to all parts of the barge itself.
consistent with WSDOT standards for ferries).
reduce visual bulk and potentially allow storage areas for
While the gangway and floating dock will be contractually
The Floating Dock: The floating dock and the monopiles that
barge, the dock has been designed to accommodate kayaks,
part of pier 62/63 (as a permanent maritime facility), their
secure it and the pool barge will take their design cues from
boat mooring (on the north edge), as well as passive use by
design is driven by the needs of accessing and mooring the
the maritime engineering realities of the aggressive forces
visitors who simply want access to be on the bay.
pool barge.
and elements they are designed to withstand. Their utilitarian
2.2 ACCESS, ARRIVAL & GRADING
maritime compatible uses. In addition to accessing the pool
18
Schematic Design
LEGEND
Pool Barge Topography: The pool barge itself has two deck levels with primary
1
Floating Dock
6
Seat/steps
access provided by a series of stairs and seating steps (detailed similarly to those
2
Gangway Access to Pier 62/63
7
Ramp
3
Pool Barge Main Deck
8
Main Access to Pool Barge
4
Pool Barge Upper Deck
9
ADA Lift
5
Stairs
on the adjacent pier 62/63). An ADA accessible lift is integrated into the giant steps
and underlying structure to provide access to the second story sundeck.
+15.7’ (PIER 62/63)
+0’
+BS 1’
+1’
1
+TS 7’
+BS 1’
+TS 7’
2
1:12
8
+5.5’
7
+7’
+7’
+BS 7’
+TS19’
5
+14.5’
5
+TS 7’
9
+13’
3
+19’
+11.5’
6
+10’
4
+19’
+17.5’
+8.5’
+16’
+5.5’
5
+TS 7’
+BS 7’
5
POOL BARGE & FLOATING DOCK GRADING PLAN (Note: The Pool Barge and floating dock grades shown are subject to tidal fluctuation and are relative water level)
+TS19’
20 ft.
19
POOL BARGE SCHEMATIC DESIGN
2.3 AQUATIC PROGRAM
The Pool Barge will feature four bodies of water: one 25-
The Pool Barge and, therefore, the bodies of water will
ensure durability and reduce maintenance and operational
yard, six-lane lap pool, one curvilinear activity pool, and
comply with the ADA and be universally accessible to all
time required to keep the pools operational, attractive, and
two hydrotherapy spas. The different bodies of water will
people who wish to access them.
safe.
play, recreate, and relax. The various bodies of water will
Given the seasonal nature of outdoor aquatics in Seattle,
The pools will feature minimal vertical obstructions above
have different depths and temperatures to accommodate
the bodies of water will each be designed to be drained
the pool deck to help create the atmosphere and appearance
disparate programs run simultaneously and will increase
and winterized. This will reduce operating and lifecycle
of being on Elliott Bay. The pools will all be filled at the start
the draw of the barge to more than just the passing tourist.
costs that would be incurred if the pools were designed to
of each season with water taken directly from the bay, thus
be operational year-round. Materials and finishes will be
creating saltwater pools and allowing the experience to be
specified with the harsh waterfront environment in mind to
marketed as swimming in the bay as well as saving money
provide users of all aquatic interest groups a place to swim,
in terms of initial fill.
A rectilinear lap pool that can accommodate recreational
swimming, aerobics, and occasional competitive meets.
20
A warm-temp, activity pool for hydrotherapy and children’s
swimming with interactive water play and lazy river.
Two spa pools; these may remain operational into the
shoulder season (between peak and off-peak seasons).
Schematic Design
LEGEND
The perimeter overflow system will be a deck-level or rim-flow gutter system around the
1
Lap Pool
5
Zero Entry
2
Kids/Activity Pool
6
Stair Entry
3
Spa
7
Infinity Edge
Lazy River
8
Perimeter Overflow
perimeter. At the deep end of the pool the entire end section will be appear to be “raised” over
the deck below by 18 inches to allow for an infinity edge appearance (with gutter down below)
4
and also to serve as a secondary means of ADA access with a transfer tier.
8
6
6
2
5
3
8
7
1
3
4
6
POOL BARGE AQUATICS PLAN
20 ft.
21
POOL BARGE SCHEMATIC DESIGN
2.4 ARCHITECTURE
The pool barge character is shaped by its location on the
The pool barge’s form is also shaped by a desire to minimize
The deck folds to provide both an upper and a lower deck
water as a vessel that is removed from the upland conditions
its mass to avoid blocking views from all adjacent land and
with seating and viewing integrated into the folding grade
of the rest of the waterfront project. The pool barge recalls
piers as well as maximize views from the barge itself. There
transition. The deck is surrounded by clear minimalistic
and references element details from the broader waterfront,
are two key components that determine the pool barge
windscreens providing shelter and guardrails.
such as the bleacher seating. However, the barge’s autonomy
architecture:
along with stringent US Coast Guard [USCG] and health code
The Bath House: All required facilities to support the
requirements allow and encourage a unique approach to
The Deck:
Home to the aquatic program, fixed and
aquatic program and other flexible program opportunities
materials and construction. As a maritime vessel, the barge
permanent furnishings, and temporary program elements,
are tucked beneath the folding deck (or below deck within
pulls its design cues from maritime precedents. Materials
the deck is intended to have minimal vertical obstructions
the barge structure).
are selected and used in a way that reinforces this character.
and to maximize the feeling of being on the bay and close to
The barge should have the look and feel of a boat.
the water’s surface.
22
Schematic Design
The exterior façade of the bath house, clad in a translucent, uniform, glass exterior envelope,
is intended to reduce mass and provide reflectivity during the day and a welcome glow in the
LEGEND
1
Locker Room, Restroom, Showers
5
Connection to Main Deck
2
Ticketing and Snacks/Service
6
Storage
3
Lift to Upper Deck
7
Family Restroom
4
Bench
8
Connection to Floating Dock
evening. An open circulation spine unites all facility elements, while also reducing bulk and
allowing views through the barge from pier 62/63.
The interior experience of the bath house is a wood-paneled, spa-like interior space inspired
by handcrafted historic wood vessels and ample natural light from a clerestory between the
bath house and deck, as well as potential translucent LPS tiles in the deck above.
8
2
4
7
3
1
2
1
5
4
7
6
POOL BARGE ARCHITECTURAL SITE PLAN
20 ft.
23
POOL BARGE SCHEMATIC DESIGN
MASSING DIAGRAM
24
Schematic Design
RENDERING OF BATH HOUSE UNDER UPPER DECK
25
POOL BARGE SCHEMATIC DESIGN
2.5 MATERIALS & FURNISHINGS
Barge materials need to be selected to withstand salt water
but expanded to delineate the aquatic program elements and
Movable Furnishings: Movable furnishings are included on
transitioning curvilinear pool forms back to the rectilinear
the upper deck and include premium exterior furnishings
grid of the pool barge.
such as exterior couches and tables along the barge edges
and chlorinated pool water, create a unified character, and
convey a maritime feel in the way they are used and oriented.
with lounging chairs and easily movable seats and tables
Furnishings are intended to be minimized and managed to
toward the interior of the upper deck.
reduce visual clutter and allow maximum flexibility for deck
Decking: Both the main and upper deck are planked decking
use, particularly on the lower pool deck where decking itself
Special Events: Private rentals and non-aquatic program
(cementitious or composite wood) as used as in other
can be used for seating, gatherings and laying out on a towel.
uses will reconfigure and include additional movable
maritime applications, parallel to the length of the barge.
furnishings as required on both the upper and lower decks.
Permanent Furnishings: Topographic shifts in the deck
Aquatic Band: The lap pool and curvilinear activity pool are
provide the opportunity for benches and giant steps for
enveloped in a common paving treatment that takes it cues
sitting and placing pool collateral, such as bags, towels,
from the functional requirements of pool grating and tile,
pool inflatables and toys.
DECKING
AQUATICS BAND
26
PERMANENT SEATING
Schematic Design
LEGEND
1
Planked Decking
5
Concrete
2
Permanent Seating
6
Metal Grating
3
Ceramic Slip-Resistant Tile
4
Pool Grating
2
2
3
AQUATICS BAND
AQUATICS BAND
2
3
3
4
1
1
4
20 ft.
POOL BARGE MATERIALS & FURNISHINGS PLAN
27
POOL BARGE SCHEMATIC DESIGN
2.6 LIGHTING
The lighting for the pool barge will provide a safe and secure
A layered approach using rail-integrated, in-grade, and
nighttime environment for users, while providing design and
ground-mounted lighting for different applications will be
experience continuity with adjoining waterfront elements.
used throughout the project.
Lighting at the pool barge will provide a safe swimming
environment for users through relatively high code-required
light levels augmented with other lighting at the lap pool
deck and support areas. The lighting will also be flexible so
the barge can be used for events that do not include waterbased activities.
POOL LIGHTING
28
HANDRAIL & RECESSED LIGHTING
GUARDRAIL LIGHTING
Schematic Design
LEGEND
1
Lighting-Integral with Windscreen Post
5
20’ Pole Luminaire
2
30’ Pole Luminaire
6
Illuminated Guardrail
3
Lighting-Recessed in Face of Bench or Seat/Step
4
Illuminated Handrail at Bench or Stairs
20 ft.
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
4
6
4
2
2
3
2
2
5
2
3
6
5
4
4
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
6
POOL BARGE LIGHTING PLAN
29
3.1 ADDITIONAL PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES
As a pool barge, the design program is dominated by the aquatic needs for the facility; however,
ì Event Venue with Continued Hot Tub Use (Non-Summer): While the larger aquatic
the barge is also intended to be flexible enough to welcome additional non-aquatic program
elements (lap pool and activity pool) are intended to only be used during the warmer
opportunities. These could include:
summer months (May-September at most), the barge could continue to be used through
the shoulder seasons and even through the winter if temporary structures are introduced
ì Event Venue (Summer): Whether it be in conjunction with use of some or all of the aquatic
to one or both of the decks. The desirability to use hot tubs in colder weather and the
facilities, the pool barge will provide a unique experience for events on the waterfront.
ability to isolate hot tub mechanical from other aquatic uses may allow ongoing use of hot
tub facilities.
ì Alternate Program: Summer use only (winterized September-May)
ì Major maintenance and operations (non-summer)
30
Schematic Design
31
3.2 PRECEDENT: JOSEPHINE BAKER FLOATING POOL
CURRENT DESIGN
LESSONS LEARNED
‡ Sundeck over enclosed spaces
‡ Multiple pools for differing aquatic
program
‡ Pool deck free of furnishings
‡ Fully accessible to disabled
‡ Enclosed in winter
‡ Ample covered/enclosed space
‡ Singular/unified character
32
PLAN W/ CURRENT DESIGN OVERLAY
OVERLA
AY
Schematic Design
APPENDIX B-1 BADBOOT LIDO
PRECEDENT:
PRECEDENT:
OATING POOL
FLOATING
POOL BADBOOT LIDO FLOATING
ANT WERP, BELGIUM
Description: Open
air swimming pool on River Eilandje
LESSONS
LEARNED
PLAN W/ CURRENT DESIGN OVERLAY
‡Capacity:
Multiple
venues
600 people
‡ Cool bar
Cost: $4.05 million
‡ Multiple barges &
docks
Sculp(IT)
‡Architect:
Multiple
ingress/egress
‡Shipbuilder:
Floating
rec
HSS BV center
‡ Series of disconnected characters and
Program:
elements
- Swimming
pool
84’
84
394’
CURRENT DESIGN
- 2 event halls
- Restaurant with a lounge terrace
33
APPENDIX B-1
3.2 PRECEDENT:
PRECEDENT: FLOATING
FLOATING POOL
LADY LADY
POOL
NEW YORK CIT Y, USA
Capacity: 174 people
Cost: $4 million
Architect: Jonathan Kirschenfeld Associates
Dimensions: 260’ x 80’ x 20’ single-hull cargo barge - ~ 6’ draft ~14’ deck height - 100,000 gallons - 4,040,960 pounds
4-foot-deep steel pool sunk into the barge’s 16-foot-deep hold surrounded by precast-concrete pavers sitting 5 inches over the
original deck
Logistics: Pool only handles 174 people at a time - therefore it
employs a rotation plan - a system of color-coded bracelets limit
Pool Operations + Safety + Programming: American Leisure users to sessions of a hour and a half each.
Corporation (security, safety, evacuation, and crowd-management To keep people busy while they waited, a one-acre beach area
complete with beach volleyball, sand soccer, rental umbrellas,
plans)
games and concessions was created.
Marine Engineer: C.R. Cushing & Company
34
80’
260’
Schematic Design
PENDIX B-1
RECEDENT: FLOATING LADY POOL
W YORK CIT Y, USA
PLAN W/ CURRENT DESIGN OVERLAY
260’
82’
80’
20’
LESSONS LEARNED
‡ Reduce freeboard (height above water)
‡ Windscreen and canopy
‡ Spray and play park
‡ Pedestal set pavers
‡ Minimal furnishings around pool deck (no
moveable furnishings)
‡ Moveable lifeguard facilities
‡ Singular/unified character
KEY
2 entry porch
3 reception
4 sun deck
5waterplay
6 changing area
7 dining terrace
8 pool
9 sun pavillion
6
67’
80’
CURRENT DESIGN
35