![](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/55f8/0818/c84a/8a09/a500/010c/newsletter/dzn_urban-beach-by-o-a-2.jpg?1442318355)
O + A have conceived a conceptual pool scheme for a river in Amsterdam. Entitled Urban Beach, the pool appears as a continuous band that is folded and lifted to create a mobius strip-like effect. The folding allows the object to become more flexible, and the architects see it as a framework for various programmatic activities, such as an open-air movie theater in the summer, or a wellness center in the winter.
More images and more about the pool after the break, via Dezeen.
A major platform slopes into the water bringing users right to the edge of the IJ river, as an elevated strip wraps around the void of the pool to create a viewing deck.
![](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/55f8/0838/c84a/8a09/a500/0110/newsletter/dzn_urban-beach-by-o-a-11.jpg?1442318387)
“Through initiating the floating swimming pool, O+A is attempting to create something which will allow potential users to form their own image of a site, in a much more natural way. By combining public program with a future building site, city dwellers are enabled to familiarise themselves with a site while being entertained.”
![](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/55f8/0821/c84a/8a09/a500/010d/newsletter/dzn_urban-beach-by-o-a-3.jpg?1442318364)
The floating swimming pool touches upon many aspects of the city, one being Amsterdam’s push toward sustainability. The image of people swimming in the river would be a testament to the water quality – allowing the project “to charm citizens, enterprises and governments alike.”
![](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/55f8/0830/c84a/8a09/a500/010f/newsletter/dzn_urban-beach-by-o-a-5.jpg?1442318379)
![](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/55f8/0801/c84a/8a09/a500/0109/newsletter/dzn_urban-beach-by-o-a-8.jpg?1442318332)
![](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/55f8/0808/c84a/8a09/a500/010a/medium_jpg/dzn_urban-beach-by-o-a-7.jpg?1442318340)
![](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/55f8/0810/c84a/8a09/a500/010b/newsletter/dzn_urban-beach-by-o-a-6.jpg?1442318348)