Leça Seaside Swimming Pools are a Stunning Fusion of Nature and the Man-Made

This site-sensitive <a href="http://inhabitat.com/page/2/?s=swimming+pool">public pool </a>in the Portuguese town of Porto has stood the test of time by delicately placing itself within the natural landscape. Built in 1966, the seaside pool is one of architect <a href="http://alvarosizavieira.com/1966-leca-swimming-pools">Alvaro Siza</a>’s first projects. His bold approach was to use the natural rock formation as the basis of the two pools, adding concrete walls within the natural elements to achieve his desired results, rather than simply plopping artificial tubs onto the shoreline. The result is a pleasing fusion of the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/billabong-natural-swimming-pools-employ-mother-nature-to-keep-water-clean/">man-made and nature</a>.

<em>Photo Velcro on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7666989@N04/">flickr</a></em><p> Siza did not have a large budget or even topological survey, so he carefully studied the site to establish the best way to use the existing rock formations with minimal blasting and construction materials.

<em>Photo Velcro on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7666989@N04/">flickr</a></em><p>The brilliant solution was to place strategic walls between the rock outcropping and to use the site's natural elements to complete the pools.

photo © <a href="http://spain.aricaustermann.com/08/leca-swimming-pools/">Spain Portugal Blog</a></em> The site is separated from the town by a small cliff, enhancing its connection with the sea.

<em>Photo Velcro on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7666989@N04/">flickr</a></em>Visitors gain access through a path from the coastal highway and are met by a maze of concrete walls, <a href="http://inhabitat.com/lovely-leaf-house-topped-by-a-crown-of-copper-leaves/">copper roofed</a> showers and changing rooms before the pools are revealed.

<em>Photo Velcro on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7666989@N04/">flickr</a></em><p>The <a href="http://www.inhabitots.com/6-eco-friendly-must-haves-for-a-day-at-the-beach-or-pool/">kid’s pool</a> is tucked in a large formation, with a curved concrete wall at one end and a low-set bridge at the other to encourage only kids to pass below.

<em>Photo Velcro on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7666989@N04/">flickr</a></em>The main pool is settled between rock outcroppings, hovering just above the ocean and creating a visual link with the blue waters beyond. The design is a classic example of how restrained resources catalyze a richer and more satisfying design.