Olympic swimming pool at the Caracas Univensity

Abstract

This sporting installation has two well differentiated zones. One is out of doors, and includes the swimming pools. The other is enclosed, and houses the management and administrative services, social activities and facilities for indoor sports. The ground level of the first zone is taken up with the changing rooms, which can be reached from the street. It is connected with the pools, placed at a higher level, and with the servicing installations and other ancillary facilities. Advantage has been taken of a small hill, to build on it the main public stands, and next to them the two Olympic swimming pools: one for swimming competitions and the other for diving. The approaches and access roads for the spectators, and the public services are located beneath the stands. The indoor sports faciliaties comprise boxing and fencing halls, changing rooms, massage and washing rooms. On the top floor there is a social club, enjoying a view of the swimming pools; also a lounge, cafeteria, a room for sporting trophies, table tennis rooms, a gymnasium and offices. The external elevation shows the concrete structure, in its natural rough texture, whilst other surfaces are covered with coloured tiles. The stands, the sun canopies and the forceful outline of the large overhangs are outstanding features which make a distinct impact on the onlooker.