Pools - a unique element, which removes the antinomy of nature and culture. Design solutions that create the illusion of the natural environment or are organically combined with it

Passing the gallery

Leading headings: Elena Prytula

Magazine: (63)

The ancient Greeks valued water sports so highly that they said about an uneducated person: "He can neither write nor swim." And yet they hardly anticipated how actively the theme of the pools would be developed by their descendants. The creators of ancient culture, on which, without exaggeration, European civilization is based, gladly visited the pools, at the entrance to which one should wear a bathing loincloth. At the same time, bathing in those times was accompanied by other pleasant activities: a special minister rubbed visitors with all sorts of essences and served them various foods and drinks. Actively adopting the word and deed from the Greeks, the Romans borrowed from them the ability to enjoy life. In the famous Roman baths, there was necessarily a swimming pool, and the Romans turned the usual bath visit into a special form of pastime. Today, after more than two millennia, the pools have become one of the few places of relaxation available to modern man. However, relaxation is not the only function of the pool. In the system of the architectural ensemble, the pool is a unique element; the antinomy of nature and culture and civilization is removed in it. There are equally signs of "naturalness" and "artificiality. The signs of civilization include, first of all, an individual design decision that reflects the taste and, naturally, the high social status of the customer. The choice of style is also a reflection of a certain view of history and culture. Finally, water in itself always carries a deep symbolic meaning. The perception of this meaning is as strong as it is subconsciously, that is, almost implicitly. Being one of the fundamental elements of the universe, water is in the most varied Mythology is the origin, therefore, ablution is perceived as a return to the original purity - an echo of the mythological symbolism of water, preserved, in particular, in the Christian sacrament of baptism. “the form of natural water bodies. But even in the case of a regular decision, the association remains the same: if possible, the pool is either tried to fit into the surrounding landscape, or to imitate it one way or another creating the illusion of its naturalness. All sorts of technical and decorative devices — artificial flow systems, lighting, geysers, fountains, etc. — only emphasize the “natural” - a priori - character of the basin. In this symbolism is read the myth of the bygone golden age, a time of serene and absolute happiness. You can try this physical and mental peace in different ways. Swimming pool - one of the real options.