Advocates Propose Rooftop Swimming Areas
In the heart of Berlin, activist Kerstin Wolter, the state chairwoman of The Left, is spearheading a movement to revolutionise the city's urban landscape. Wolter will participate in the upcoming 'Mitschwimmdemo' protest, advocating for the lifting of the current swimming ban in Mitte [1].
Her vision extends beyond the riverbanks, as she proposes the integration of rooftop swimming pools in new municipal projects, alongside schools, kindergartens, and public transport connections [2]. This idea is inspired by the successful model of Wohnpark Alterlaa in Vienna, a prominent example of municipal housing featuring rooftop swimming pools, saunas, fitness and hobby rooms, a church, theatre, schools, and shopping facilities [3].
The Left's "Red Metropolis" project aims to improve the quality of life in the city, creating a city that gets better every day, with potential international impact [4]. The rooftop pools, combined with social infrastructure and neighbourhood meeting points, are intended to foster holistic living environments [5].
The concept of rooftop pools in municipal housing is not new to Berlin. The Vienna "Triiiple" residential towers also boast pools on their rooftops [6]. However, currently, no district in Berlin has a public pool, except for rooftop pools in municipal housing and the pilot project proposed by Wolter [7].
The pilot project, if approved, would see the creation of rooftop swimming pools on large residential complexes for communal use [8]. Wolter believes that more efforts are needed to make swimming in the Spree possible again while improving the river's water quality [9]. She also supports the idea of a river pool in Mitte, which could serve as a recreational hub and a symbol of the city's commitment to sustainable urban living.
The Vienna model, where residents pay a fee for the use and operation of the pools and around two dozen saunas through their operating costs, could provide a blueprint for the Berlin pilot project [10]. With 14 public pools in Vienna, seven of which are on the roofs of high-rise buildings, the potential for Berlin to follow suit is promising [11].
As the city continues to grow and evolve, the Left party's proposals for rooftop swimming pools and improved public amenities could transform Berlin into a city that truly lives up to its reputation as a vibrant, forward-thinking metropolis.
References: 1. Wolter to join 'Mitschwimmdemo' protest 2. Wolter calls for public pools in new projects 3. Wohnpark Alterlaa: A model for urban living 4. The Left's vision for a better city 5. Wolter proposes pilot project for rooftop pools 6. Vienna's 'Triiiple' towers feature rooftop pools 7. No district in Berlin currently has a public pool 8. Wolter advocates for rooftop swimming pools in Berlin 9. Wolter supports river pool in Mitte 10. Residents pay fees for pools and saunas in Vienna 11. Vienna boasts seven rooftop pools in high-rise buildings
Kerstin Wolter, the state chairwoman of The Left, advocates for the integration of rooftop swimming pools alongside schools, kindergartens, and public transport connections, as part of her vision for a holistic living environment in Berlin. The Vienna model, where residents pay fees for the use and operation of pools and saunas, could provide a blueprint for Wolter's proposed pilot project in Berlin.
