Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre
Sydney, Australia
- AIA (NSW): Public Architecture Award (2008)
- Chicago Athenaeum: The International Architecture Award (2009)
- IALD (International Association of Lighting Designers) Award (2008)
- IES Lighting Design, Award of Commendation (2007)
Copy to Clipboard
The Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre is a swimming pool with an adjoining gym in a suburb of Sydney, Australia. Named after the successful Australian swimmer Ian Thorpe, it was one of the last buildings designed by architect Harry Seidler. The building became famous for its curved roof design, which resembles a breaking ocean wave and is inspired by the style of the facades in Sydney's Darling Harbour leisure and entertainment district.
The high volume of the wave crowns the main pool, while the smaller swimming pool is located in the lower part. The high end walls are clad with LAMBERTS LINIT®EcoGlass solar to economically resolve the large spans. The translucent U-glass conveys a feeling of unity and, thanks to its silky surface structure, shines with an elegant appearance.
Seidler died in 2006. The baths were completed under the supervision of his widow, Penelope Seidler, and opened in August 2007.
