Learning Conversation panel
On Social Architecture: Swimming Spaces and the City
Join Chris Romer-Lee, Kathryn Ferry, Peigh Asante and Christopher Beanland for this conversation panel exploring how public pools and waterways enrich neighbourhoods, shape communities, and enhance individual wellbeing.
Priority booking for members.
Taking inspiration from our exhibition Splash! A Century of Swimming and Style, this panel will discuss the history of the public swimming pool and its place in civic life.
From the 1930s, lidos were created all over the country with design inspiration taken from luxurious European resorts and cruise ships. These became places, not only for health, but for social wellbeing and enjoyment.
Today, swimming in public pools and waterways plays a large part in both personal wellbeing and in shaping communities – and groups such as Swim Dem Crew are working to make swimming more social and inclusive.
The conversation will be chaired by journalist and architectural historian Christopher Beanland.
This event is for architecture practitioners, students and enthusiasts, swimming culture aficionados, urban planning and design practitioners, and anyone interested in the social dimensions of architecture and swimming.
Speakers
Chris is the co-founder of architects Studio Octopi, specializing in designing places to swim. A recognized expert in urban swimming and tidal pools, his first book ‘Sea Pools’ was published by Batsford in 2023. Chris is a committed advocate for improving access to swimmable water and has co-founded two alliances dedicated to this: 'Future Lidos' and 'Swimmable Cities'. The first Swimmable Cities summit will be hosted by Rotterdam in June 2025. @ChrisRomerLee
Christopher is the author of 'Lido' and a keen swimmer. He's working on various Lido film projects. He also wrote the books 'Concrete Concept', 'Unbuilt – Radical Visions Of A Future That Never Arrived', 'City Parks', 'Station', and the novel 'The Wall in The Head'. He writes and performs comedy and presents the podcast Park Date.
Kathryn is an author and architectural historian who likes to be beside the sea. Her publications include the official history of Butlin’s as well as titles on beach huts and bungalows. Her latest book 'Twentieth-Century Seaside Architecture' charts the period 1920-2000 and explores the emergence of lidos and their ultimate replacement by leisure pools. Kathryn is a founder member of the Seaside Heritage Network and a frequent contributor to television, radio and podcasts.
Peigh is a dynamic force in the creative industries, known for their innovative vision, dedication to community empowerment and entrepreneurial spirit. An award-winning creative, constantly pushing boundaries with art direction and storytelling, Asante is a big-platform thinker with cultural resonance and a unique social perspective. Peigh is co-founder of Swim Dem Crew, a London-based collective that uses swimming as a tool to empower social connection. Visit @swimdemcrew
Book online
Adult: £12
Student/Concession: £11
Members*: £10
Carer: Free
*Please note that this benefit applies only to the cardholding Member’s ticket and not to those of additional guests.
• Pre-booking is required
• Hearing Loop is available
• Assistance dogs are welcome
• If you require BSL interpretation, please book your ticket up to four weeks before the event date and indicate your request in the booking form
Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Visit our terms & conditions page for further information.
Visit this page for further Access information.
The exhibition
Background image: Courtesy of Farrells and Marcel Lam for Splash! A Century of Swimming and Style exhibition.
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