Waterfront Lido is an open air hot pool located on the Taranaki Wharf in Wellington. Based on the idea that shared experiences strengthen ties between people and place, the design encourages a sense of belonging through the activity of bathing.

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Wellington is a harbour centric city and the Taranaki Wharf bridge a high foot traffic area. The Waterfront Lido invites people to pause and experience unexpected encounters or intimate gatherings with each other. The Lido utilizes the surrounding elements of the site by incorporating the existing materiality of the Wharf. It features a filter system for bathers to be immersed in the ocean water.

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The Lido is positioned alongside the diving platform, inspired by the popular Scandinavian activity of hot-colds where a jumper plunges into cold water and then moves into a hot pool. This activity re-activates the site during the winter months when the diving platform is unused. The pools are inset into the Taranaki Wharf cut out protecting against harsh weather conditions and embracing the summer sun to ensure it is a year-round destination. 

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