As new parents, Karen Le Billon and her husband Philippe moved their young family from Vancouver to northern France. For Canadian Le Billon, moving to Philippe’s hometown came as a culinary — and child-rearing — revelation. In a nation famed for its complex and even intimidating gastronomy, the couple’s daughters transformed from picky and demanding North American eaters to budding gourmands. Chronicled in Le Billon’s popular 2012 book French Kids Eat Everything, the process hinted at a broader difference in the cultural understanding of childhood.
It’s a sensibility that translates to French design. In the Tours suburb of Fondettes, a striking aquatic centre by designers artfully integrates the serene, contemplatively ambiance of a spa within a distinctly child-friendly environment.
Situated on an expansive green site near the edge of the community, the stretches 2,340 square metres across the flat landscape, with sinuous, gently undulating white walls that — viewed from a distance — can almost become one with the horizon. Breaking up the monolithic mass, expansive windows give a hint of the eclectic public amenities within.
On the other side of the walls the walls, the aquatic centre unfolds with both indoor and outdoor recreational spaces. The exterior encloses a simple green lawn outfitted with a splash pad and volleyball court, as well as newly planted trees.
Inside, a lap pool (measuring 25 by 12.5 metres) is paired with a shallow and relaxing pool aimed at learners — and their parents, as well as lounging adults — and a circular wading pool for the youngest visitors.
At once intimate and monumental, the simple interiors are defined by gracefully rounded forms — including the circular windows, skylights, and lighting fixtures — and rigorously pared down, materially unified finishes.
Against the crisp white walls and monochrome tiles, the changing light textures the curved walls, creating a sense of depth and warmth within the pools — which open out to slanted double-height ceilings — changing rooms, and saunas. Combined with reflected light from the water, the space is painted by the movement of shadows. At the same time, “The staggered arrangement of the pools create a circuit that is varied and fun,” note the designers. (After all, there’s even a waterslide.)
And the sense of fun is palpable. While the aquatic centre design is imbued with a sense of tranquility, the program is imbued with a sense of adventure — for young and old alike. While Le Billon notes that the French “do not romanticize childhood” in the American fashion, the whimsy and grace has a romance of its own. Call it a je ne sais quoi.
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