The announcement was made in mid-January by the Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati, as part of the classification of 50 iconic sites in the city of Marseille. Among them is the legendary "La Martine" Tournesol pool, a basin with a futuristic design envisioned by engineer Thémis Constantinidis. Its concept? A dome made of polyester tiles resting on 36 metal arches, with a retractable part that allows the pool to be opened up during sunny days, as explained by France 3 PACA. An architectural feat that gives these pools their spaceship-like appearance, enhanced by the portholes spread across the structure.
An architectural marvel supported by France
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Behind their unique aesthetics, the Tournesol pools are also the result of an ambitious project launched by the State in 1969: the "1,000 pools" initiative. At that time, the situation was clear: the French didn’t swim well, and the results at the 1968 Mexico Olympics were disastrous. Two tragic drownings that occurred the following summer convinced the government to invest heavily in swimming education. This is how these modular pools, easy to install and accessible to everyone, were born.
Pools in a worrisome state
&AgraIn Marseille, out of the 14 municipal swimming pools still in operation, four are Tournesol pools, including "La Martine." This heritage classification celebrates one of the last surviving members of this generation of revolutionary pools. However, while this recognition shines a delightful spotlight on the sports architecture of the Glorious Thirty, it also highlights the sometimes concerning state of the city’s aquatic facilities. Between renovation and preservation, the challenge remains to ensure that these pools continue to welcome the swimmers of tomorrow.
Source : France 3 PACA