Aquaticum Waterpark

Debrecen is not only the second most populated city in Hungary but it is also the cultural and scientific centre of the region. As part of the ambitious long-term development plan of the municipality, the plan was to renew the environmentally protected city park and to turn into a unique recreational area, a must-see in Central Europe. Some of the already completed projects of the development were: the Nagyerdő Stadium, the Békás-Lake, the Open-Air Theatre of Nagyerdő, the Water Tower of Nagyerdő and the Ködszínház (Fog-theatre). One of the last items of the development plan was the Aquaticum Waterpark.

In 2015 Aquaticum Waterpark Debrecen issued an architectural design competition for the reconstruction of the spa. The city leaders wished to have a popular spa that is generally suitable and available for all age groups. Apart from this they also emphasised the importance of the natural surroundings, the spa’s connection to Debrecen and it being the iconic symbol of the city despite its hiding in the shades of the grove. The design of BORD Architectural Studio won 1st prize of the competition.

The architectural concept focuses on the life-giving aspect of water and the breathtaking forest environment. Water and flora appear on both horizontal and vertical surfaces of the spa: the water in the pools, the lawn, the water curtains, the waterfalls, the walls covered by plants.

From the direction of the entrance the first thing we see is the central visual piece of the waterpark: a 196m x 26m floor-place size, 12m high cuboid. This unit is open and permeable on all sides and incorporates a number of functions such as: a 4m deep swimmingpool, an adventure pool with a 400m long slide, a water-cave, another swimming and teaching pool, a thermal water pool, a relaxation zone, a sunbathing terrace and bars. In between the different functions meander a number of 12m high walls covered in greeneries and water. From the sunbathing terrace the visitors can feast their eyes on the Nagyerdő from a completely new perspective.

Credits

Client: Debreceni Gyogyfurdo Ltd.

Designer: BORD Architectural Studio

Country: Hungary

Photographs: © Tamas Bujnovszky, © Anna Illes