Insufficient number of outdoor bathing facilities sparks calls for rooftop bath installations from the political left.
In the heart of Berlin, the Marzahn-Hellersdorf district, home to around 300,000 inhabitants, lacks a public swimming pool. This has sparked discussions about potential solutions, with a standalone swimming hall being considered as a more effective solution [1].
Elsewhere in Europe, cities like Vienna have successfully implemented similar projects. For instance, the Wohnpark Alterlaa boasts 14 outdoor pools, seven of which are on the rooftops of high-rise buildings [2]. This concept, while relatively uncommon in Berlin, is not entirely out of reach. Rooftop pools on large residential buildings in the city are technically feasible, as demonstrated by luxury residential developments and hotels that already feature them [3].
However, the feasibility of rooftop pools in Berlin comes with certain considerations. Structural engineering is crucial, as large residential buildings must have reinforced roofs designed to support the weight of a pool, water, and users [4]. Building regulations and permits also play a significant role, as pools must comply with specific construction, waterproofing, drainage, and access standards [4].
Berlin's temperate climate means outdoor rooftop pools may be seasonal or require heating and covers for extended use [4]. Moreover, rooftop pools add luxury appeal and can increase property value, but are best suited for upscale developments targeting affluent buyers or renters [5].
While the feasibility of rooftop pools in student and typical residential properties remains questionable, upscale new-build residential projects have started to explore this concept for differentiation [2][5]. Hotels remain the primary buildings with rooftop pools, demonstrating feasibility and demand for this feature in Berlin's context [1][4].
In Marzahn-Hellersdorf, plans for a combined indoor-outdoor pool have been halted due to a lack of funding in the state budget [6]. The Berlin Left, a political party, has presented a five-point plan to address these issues, including sufficient funding for modernization, barrier-free access, and enhancement of pool attractiveness [7].
Kristian Ronneburg, a Marzahn Left representative, suggests the need for regulated swimming at the Biesdorfer Bagger Lake due to its current illegal usage [8]. The Berlin Left also demands the reversal of cuts to pools and the legalization of bathing spots where possible [7].
Die Linke, the Berlin Left, is proposing creative solutions, including rooftop swimming pools on large residential buildings, to address the swimming facility shortage [9]. However, the areas where only a swimming hall is to be built have been designated as nature-protected compensation areas [10].
The construction in the Jelena Šantić Peace Park is still far in the future, and the environmental organization BUND has filed an objection against the plans [11]. Swimming is prohibited at the Kaulsdorfer Lakes, which are about 5 kilometers away [12].
The sports policy spokesman of the Marzahn Left faction wishes for legal bathing opportunities, especially in areas with an undersupply [13]. As the discussions continue, it remains to be seen whether rooftop pools or other creative solutions will emerge as viable options for Berlin's swimming needs.
[1] [News Source 1] [2] [News Source 2] [3] [News Source 3] [4] [News Source 4] [5] [News Source 5] [6] [News Source 6] [7] [News Source 7] [8] [News Source 8] [9] [News Source 9] [10] [News Source 10] [11] [News Source 11] [12] [News Source 12] [13] [News Source 13]
