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Pools have always symbolized luxury, leisure, and social interaction. Beyond their aesthetic appeal—where water dances across textures, movements, and reflections—they also serve functional purposes, providing relaxation, exercise, and entertainment. Their history dates back over 5,000 years to the Great Bath of Mohenjo-Daro in the Indus Valley (modern-day Pakistan), possibly used for rituals and communal practices. Later, the Greeks and Romans refined the concept, creating elaborate pools for bathing, sports, and social gatherings. The famous Roman baths, often heated and adorned with intricate mosaics, laid the foundation for modern spa and wellness culture, reinforcing the relationship between architecture, water, and quality of life.

During the Renaissance, pools were primarily associated with elite properties, but by the late 19th and early 20th centuries, public pools became more common, driven by urbanization and the promotion of hygiene. The rise of Olympic swimming competitions in the early 1900s further popularized the concept, leading to increased construction of both private and competitive pools worldwide. Today, pools continue to evolve, incorporating advanced materials and designs that enhance safety and sustainability. Whether for recreation, aesthetics, or well-being, pools remain a central element of modern architecture and lifestyle.

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OMA/David Gianotten, has won the competition to revitalize the historic Selman Stërmasi Stadium and its surrounding area in central Tirana, Albania. Originally built in 1956, the stadium is now being redesigned to not only expand the existing football grounds but also to foster stronger links between surrounding neighborhoods in Tirana. With the revitalization, the stadium aims to be a key connector between the Blloku and Komune a Parisit neighborhoods.

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