Bellahøj Svømmestadion

The former outdoor swimming pool has been transformed into an aqua arena of international caliber. The surrounding area is designed like a landscape that continues under the arena’s covered extension.

Bellahøj Swimming Stadium, also known as ‘the temple above the asphalt jungle,’ is a state-of-the-art aqua arena with international ambitions.

The original open-air swimming pool by architect Tyge Hvass was built in 1960, but because of the Danish climate it was only open during the summer. These existing outdoor facilities have been preserved so that when the sun’s out, you can still go there to sunbathe, try the red water slide or simply enjoy the company of friends.

The covered extension to the original design is by Arkitema and includes new indoor swimming pools, which let elite swimmers, recreational enthusiasts and kids dive into the water year-round. With 1,000 seats for spectators, and pools for swimming, diving and teaching, Bellahøj Svømmestadion is now in a league with the world’s best facilities and is often used for competitions.

The first high-rise buildings in Copenhagen, the iconic, function- alist Bellahøjhusene, inspired Arkitema’s design for the project.

Located at a busy intersection, the arena has become a landmark especially at night, when changing colours light up its expressive façade and emphasise the floating nature of the roof surface. During the day the opal glass is green and bright, strikingly mimicking the colours of the open-air pools.