Schwimmbad Den Bessem / Oproep tot kandidaatstelling — design en build-opdracht bouw nieuw zwembad Den Bessem

The new swimming pool complex will be repositioned in the park. Shape and form of the new building are situated in such a way that it can be seen from all sides. The entrance with adjacent coffee corner and large outside terrace are oriented towards to the park, whereas the pools are positioned towards the canal. Large glass façades provide an open and transparent building. Plenty of natural light in the building can be enjoyed while “swimming through the landscape”. Wide roof overhangs on the other hand provide shelter and protection from weather and climate. The appearance of the façade is connected with the colours and materials of the surroundings in the park. Different earth tones of slate tiles create a camouflage pattern, referring to the military past of the Glacis.

The clear floor plan combines the different types of pools, changing rooms and the spaces dedicates to traffic zone. All of these zones are visually connected with each other through large glass walls.


The winning design of the new swimming pool has been presented to the public during the press conference in the town hall of Mortsel on Tuesday, 13th of december. Cordeel together with Slangen + Koenis Architects and Hellebrekers Techniques have been awarded the contract for the design and realization of the new pool for Mortsel and neighboring communities Hove, Borsbeek and Edegem.

Located within the unique historical and park-like surroundings, the new building has been planned according to the contours of the landscape masterplan by OKRA Landscape Architects. The project, which is intended for more than 200,000 visitors per year, includes a 25m competition pool and a multipurpose- / teaching pool. Its total investment is around € 6,000,000 excl. VAT.

The first reactions of the municipality, the users and the press were unanimously positive and the first important step towards a new pool has been made.The location of the new pool is beautifully situated in the Glacis just outside of the Fort IV and perfectly connected with the city centre and its new town square. Building fabric and technical installations of the existing pool are both outdated and need to be replaced. Furthermore, the existing building is oriented towards the inside creating a closed appearance without any connection to its surroundings.