The Flow open-air swimming pool in the Brussels municipality of Anderlecht has been nominated for the EUmies Awards, the EU prizes for contemporary architecture. The nominations include a few other well-known Brussels buildings as well.
The prize is focused on the (social) contribution of architectural projects in terms of sustainable development and the well-being of citizens. Since 2001, the awards have been presented biannually by the European Commission and the Mies van der Rohe Foundation.
The 2024 awards will reflect on the current challenges that citizens, architects, clients, developers, policymakers and other professionals are faced with in the context of the European Green Deal.
"Serving both as an example and a provocation, Flow highlights Brussels’ lack of structural open-air swimming spots," the EUmies organisation said. "That way, the pool aims to convince authorities to invest in permanent projects while already offering a real, albeit small, safe and inclusive place to cool down in summer."
Setting a good example
The pool is located in "a neighbourhood which is transforming from a former industrial zone to a mixed residential and commercial zone characterised by great diversity," but is an attraction for the whole Brussels-Capital Region – a key objective was to anchor it in the "fragile social context of Anderlecht."
Because of its aim to "persuade governments to invest in permanent outdoor swimming areas by setting a good example," Flow impressed the jury.
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Besides Flow, the nominations also include four other Brussels projects: sustainable co-housing project Duchesse (Molenbeek), brewery and tap room Brussels Beer Project (Anderlecht), sports hall Amal Amjahid (Molenbeek) and secondary school Karreveld (Molenbeek) also received a nomination.
In January, the jury will announce a shortlist of the 40 most remarkable projects. The jury will visit the finalists, architects and local residents for a discussion. In May 2024, the winner will receive the prize at the Mies van der Rohe Pavilion in Barcelona.
In addition to the main prize (€60,000), there is also a prize for emerging architects (€20,000).
