New Dundee Olympia now externally complete
June 4 2013
Designed by Dundee City Council’s architectural services division the new leisure pool and multi-storey car park is situated on East Marketgait and features an Olympic sized swimming pool, health suite, café and flumes.
Adopting a ‘strong, simple structural form’ of rough masonry, rendered masonry and curtain walling the scheme is intended to be read both from the road network and from pedestrian routes by curving along its boundary with a neighbouring roundabout.
In a design statement the architects noted: “… as far as was practicable the building was kept back from the curving NW boundary to the roundabout to effectively widen the perceived ‘pavement’ and pedestrian zone. This is then broken down with a low level plinth which acts as a buffer zone between the pedestrian and the bulk of the building.”
Built by Mansell the scheme has been hit by a series of delays, causing it to miss its projected September 2012 opening.
6 Comments
#1 Posted by Macmac on 4 Jun 2013 at 16:20 PM
Another fine urban building in Dundee? I guess this is progress, you can now look out at a roundabout when you are swimming instead of connecting with the bonny banks of the Tay! All part of the big plan I guess.
#2 Posted by discount on 4 Jun 2013 at 17:49 PM
the 1980s called and they want their crap architectur back!
#3 Posted by Rob Butty on 4 Jun 2013 at 20:08 PM
Poor at best....and 3/4 year late to boot
#4 Posted by Jonathan on 5 Jun 2013 at 10:43 AM
Where did the coloured panels go? Cost cutting? Car park was the same, made to look nice and colourful in planning drawings but the reality is a little different. Doesn't look as bad as some of our critics are making out but not convinced about the large glass wall looking straight into the pool (albeit translucent views). Will this not feel a little exposed for the swimmers?
#5 Posted by Drooty on 5 Jun 2013 at 13:32 PM
I actually think the swimming pool part (pictured) works rather well. End of the day, why ought a swimming pool be in a prime location (as it previously was). Unfortunately the carpark, which isn't pictured, looks horrendous.
#6 Posted by tony malley on 7 Jun 2013 at 11:15 AM
If the previous comments represent the best Architectural criticism then the project must be considered a fine example of Urban Design .
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