Demand for Rooftop Swimming Facilities Advocated by Progressive Faction
In the heart of Berlin, the summer heatwave has left many residents frustrated due to long journeys, lengthy queues, and sometimes inability to access public pools. The district of Marzahn-Hellersdorf, home to almost 300,000 people, is one such area that currently lacks public pools.
In an effort to address this issue, the Berlin Left party has put forward an innovative proposal as part of their "Red Metropolis" project. The project aims to envision what a city would look like where quality of life improves every day by 2040. Kerstin Wolter, the state chairperson of the Berlin Left, has suggested considering rooftop swimming facilities in municipal housing as a possibility.
This idea is not unprecedented, as there are rooftop pools in private sector developments and luxury hotels in both Berlin and Vienna. However, common examples of rooftop swimming pools in municipal housing are yet to be found in either city. In general, municipal housing in these cities traditionally emphasizes affordable living and efficient use of space, with amenities more likely at ground level or in communal courtyards rather than rooftop pools.
Wolter has also proposed a pilot project to create rooftop swimming pools on large residential buildings for shared use. Another idea she supports is a river pool in Mitte. Projects like the non-profit-run Wohnpark Alterlaa in Vienna could serve as an example. The Vienna "Triiiple" residential towers also have pools on their rooftops.
In Vienna, there are 14 public pools in total, seven of which are on the roofs of high-rise buildings. Residents pay a fee for the use and operation of these pools and around two dozen saunas through their operating costs. Public pools are considered essential, especially for children who need to learn to swim.
Wolter will participate in the next 'Mitschwimmdemo' protest against the existing swimming ban in the Spree next Tuesday. The goal of the "Red Metropolis" project is to potentially have international impact, and the proposal for rooftop swimming pools in municipal housing could be a step towards improving the quality of life for many Berlin residents.
