A collaborative proposal by Erginoglu & Çalışlar and IND [Inter.National.Design] for a swimming pool under an inverted dome at an Istanbul primary school has been shortlisted for an award at this year’sWorld Architecture Festival, which will take place in Singapore from 3-5 October. Considerably distant from the city center, the Koç School sprawled across its property without a master plan over time and thus was faced with the consequences of this expansion. Envisaged as the focal point of the campus, the pool building is designed as a pacesetter for the quality of future buildings and thus strives to contribute towards the architectural development of the campus.

The architects proposed to partially embed the swimming pool in a grassy mound, with a reflective roof structure bulging down to meet it.

The grassy roof would blend in with the surrounding landscape while the upper dome’s mirrored underside would reflect the greenery.

Three pools were proposed for inside the dome, while a star-shaped outdoor pool would also be placed alongside the main building.

The design is distinct from the neighboring buildings particularly due to its strong expression. It has been conceived as the first building/object to be perceived upon entering the campus through the new junction at the school’s highway entrance, thus brining an added value to the overall appearance of the campus.