SHERIDAN, WYOMING – October 21, 2025 – The renowned architecture studio 4a Architekten will present its acclaimed exhibition SWIMMING IN ATMOSPHERE – WASSERWELTEN II at aquanale 2025 in Cologne, highlighting the evolving role of architectural design in creating emotionally resonant and sustainable aquatic spaces. The showcase underscores how design innovation can transform public pools, spas, and wellness facilities into multisensory experiences that combine energy efficiency, aesthetics, and social value.
Designing for Experience: How Architecture Shapes the Atmosphere of Water Spaces
Set to take place from October 28 to 31, 2025, at Koelnmesse, Hall 8, Stand D047, the exhibition invites visitors to explore the intersection of form, light, and human perception in contemporary pool design. Following successful showings in Berlin’s AEDES Architecture Forum and Stuttgart, SWIMMING IN ATMOSPHERE will bring its immersive approach to aquanale’s international audience of architects, planners, and wellness professionals.
Thirteen projects from 4a Architekten’s portfolio illustrate how thoughtful architectural concepts redefine aquatic environments. Through detailed models, floor plans, and high-impact photography, the exhibition covers a spectrum of modern pool typologies, from school and sports pools to energy-self-sufficient thermal spas and modular timber-built indoor facilities.
Bridging Aesthetics, Economy, and Sustainability
Each project demonstrates how technical precision and environmental responsibility can coexist within emotionally engaging spaces. Video statements throughout the exhibition provide a glimpse into the design process, explaining how free-form geometries, lighting concepts, and material selection foster atmosphere and sustainability alike.
Among the topics addressed are:
- Integration of daylight and natural materials to enhance user comfort
- Use of modular timber structures to reduce embodied carbon
- Design strategies for energy-autonomous pool buildings
- Balancing cost-efficiency with long-term ecological performance
Architectural Philosophy Rooted in Human Connection
4a Architekten’s design ethos remains grounded in a philosophy articulated by mentor Günter Behnisch, who emphasized architecture "for people." This principle shapes the studio’s approach to pool and spa design, focusing on atmosphere as a functional and emotional quality. Each project aims to create spaces that invite relaxation and community while respecting local environmental contexts.
As the firm notes, “With their pool and spa buildings, 4a Architects are among the studios that make architecture for people.” The exhibition builds upon this sentiment by asking two essential questions: How can atmosphere be created through spatial design? And what architectural conditions enable a sense of well-being in water-centered environments?
A Curated Experience within aquanale’s Global Dialogue on Wellness Design
The SWIMMING IN ATMOSPHERE – WASSERWELTEN II exhibition enriches aquanale’s diverse conference and exhibitor lineup with an artistic and conceptual dimension. Through its collaboration with OUP Visual Communication, the showcase serves not just as an exhibition but as a dialogue on the emotional and ecological potential of future-oriented pool architecture.
Guided tours will take place daily at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., offering visitors curated insights into each project’s design narrative and technical innovation.
Exploring Future Horizons of Pool Architecture
For professionals in architecture, construction, and wellness infrastructure, the exhibition underscores a growing trend: water spaces are evolving beyond functionality into realms of human experience, sustainability, and design storytelling. As climate-conscious materials and user-centered design converge, 4a Architekten’s work demonstrates how architecture can literally and figuratively breathe new atmosphere into aquatic environments.
Learn more about the exhibition and concept at:
www.aquanale.de/events/events/swimming-in-atmosphere
www.4a-architekten.de