+ Pool

"+ Pool is an initiative by a group of architects and designers to build a floating pool in the rivers of New York City ... The project was launched with the ambition to improve the use of the city's natural resources by providing a clean and safe way for the public to swim in New York's waters. ... [W]e are looking to build a team of interested organizations and professionals to continue the development of the project into a buildable proposal. "

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Many readers may know that a floating pool in the waters of New York City has been done already, to a design by Jonathan Kirschenfeld that is still used today. So what does + Pool offer that the floating pool now being used doesn't? Looking at the images and explanation on the web page, it uses the + shape to offer more room for different uses: laps, sports, kids play area, and a "lounge." And unlike the floating pool, + Pool actually uses the river water it sits in. Yes, that's right: "+ Pool filters bacteria, pollutants and odors through concentric layers of water-cleansing materials integrated directly into the pool walls, leaving only safe and swimmable water that meets the CDC and EPA's standards of quality. " Like a "giant strainer dropped into the river."

While I kind of like the idea, especially the giant strainer, I'm a little perturbed by the anonymity of the proposal. Sure, it is a lot more feasible than last year's Manhattan Airport "proposal", but without a single name and only an info@ e-mail address, I'm wondering if this is also a hoax. The web page does not read like a critique of planning/design, like the Central Park airport one, but its anonymity doesn't help it towards being taken seriously. Nevertheless I think it wants to be built. I didn't contact them via the e-mail address, but a Whois Lookup may point to the people responsible.

(via Curbed)