am excited to share my
experiences with the
evolution of European pool design
and technology. Drawing on my
premier Italian magazine in the pool
industry, I’d like to offer some insights
from master Italian pool architects.
Their innovative trends promise to offer
inspiration on an international level.
Let’s start with taking a look at the
recent masterpieces produced in a land
with a rich design tradition in hydraulics
dating back to the Roman thermal
baths.
Even the most elemental and
traditional features can serve as
wellsprings of inspiration. Take, for
instance, the common drinking troughs
found amidst the rustic views of rural
Tuscany; the simple rectangular shape
transforms into a pool, naturally
inserting itself into the geography.
Simplicity in design is balanced
with the latest in high technology,
providing accessories for wellness and
relaxation like hydro-massage areas,
counter-current swimming systems for physical fitness and safety systems,
all in an energy-efficient package. In
addition, automated systems now make
maintenance of architecturally stunning
pools simple and easy. Essentially, it’s
the seamless integration of technology
and accessories that elevates the simple
pool outline into a space of enhanced
appreciation and enjoyment.
Just as prominent is the rediscovery
of the pool as a reflection of the
beautiful and unique surrounding
nature found in the Italian landscape.
Italy, geographically a small country and
with delicate landscapes, approaches
the industry of swimming pools with
a soft touch that evokes, more than
ever before, the spirit of the local area.
Dominating the market are pools that
appear to be natural lakes with the
use of sand and stones, where the
realization of the traditional pool has an
accent of biological nuances. This trend
of sustainability and aesthetic insertion
brings about the aspect of the pool as
a center for wellness and well-being, in
addition to being a place for physical
fitness. The pool becomes an element
offering users a 360-degree sensation of
feeling good.
Accenting form and function is the
reinterpretation of pool entrances: With
shallow beach-like shores with sand
and effervescent special effects, one
can lie on their sunbed while feeling the
bubbly waters splash on their feet. Also
popular are the Roman step entrances
that take up the width of the pool,
allowing a place to sit and wade while
at the same time creating a strong
visual impact. Touching another aspect
of human sensitivity is the element
of light: Completing the wellness
environment is the use of LED lighting,
allowing a soft emotional impact as day
approaches dusk.
Now it’s time to dive into further
detail of the latest and best design
trends in Italian pool design and
technology by taking a look at the
winners of the 13th edition of the Italian
Pool Award. Founded by Piscine Oggi
— a publication that boasts over 50
years in the sector — the magazine
decided to honor the architects and
engineers on the edge of Italian pool
design with this valuable award.
Presented every February at the
international trade show ForumPiscine,
there were five winning pools out of
the 40 contestants, one each in the
following categories: Residential Indoor,
Residential Outdoor, Commercial
Outdoor, Biopool, and Special
Recognition AIAPP (Italian Association
of Landscape Architecture).
Photo courtesy Studio Daido
AWARD FOR RESIDENTIAL
OUTDOOR – INDALO PISCINE
This pool was recognized for its
modern and essential enhancemenat
of the home’s minimalist style.
The result is a strong visual impact
that is perfectly integrated into the
surrounding context. In spite of its
simple appearance, the pool boasts
a highly technological system, using
elements for wellness and refined
details that make it unique.
Photo courtesy Foto Pony
AWARD FOR RESIDENTIAL INDOOR – PISCINE VERBANO
Despite the challenge of
conforming its form and
depth to the confines of
limited space, this pool
proves exceptional design
craftsmanship, integrated
with the surrounding
residence. A kaleidoscope
of colors emitting from an
array of light sources form
a harmonious chromatic
symphony that creates
a shimmering effect,
inviting users to a corner of
relaxation and rejuvenation.
Photo courtesy Studio Progress
AWARD FOR COMMERCIAL OUTDOOR – STUDIO APOSTOLI
This pool is a product
of an accurate study
of the environmental
context surrounding it.
With total respect to the
natural curves of the
terrain, it really becomes
the protagonist of the
scenery. With a prominent
visual presence, the pool
enhances rather than
disturbs the original beauty
of the landscape.
Photo courtesy Milla
BIOPOOL AWARD – MILLA
This biopool approached
an arduous context by
successfully inserting
itself in a harmonious
and elegant way. While
maintaining its identity as
a biopool, it has a series of
technological elements that
are typical of the traditional
pool, making it a perfect
union between nature and
innovation.
Photo courtesy Studio Parallelo 32 – Vincenzo Siciliano
SPECIAL RECOGNITION AIAPP – SYS PISCINE
The AIAPP recognition was awarded to this pool
for its successful insertion into the historical
rural tapestry of the Salentino landscape.The
skillful use of traditional materials seamlessly
unites various aspects of the pool, from
the tones of water that enhance the pool to
its ability to alternate between moments of
emptiness and fullness, creating a dynamic
interplay of space and form. Settled in a
landscape of red stones and earth penetrated
by the Mediterranean sun and vegetation, the
pool harmoniously fuses with the surrounding
aesthetic. Scattered elements of vegetation
accent the composition and enhance the
axis perspectives of the pool. Furnishings,
arbors, and trellises complete this outdoor
wellness environment while maintaining the
simple rural and authentic style. Even the
technological choices of management are in
line with environmental sustainability, reduction
of chemicals, and low energetic consumption
through the use of renewable sources that
respect the natural context.
Photo courtesy Fabio Mantovani
FACEBOOK AWARD – LAMBER+LAMBER
ForumPiscine has added the Facebook Award
as an opportunity for the public to judge their
favorite pool rather than a professional jury.
Piscine Oggi’s Facebook page exhibited the 40
candidates that entered the event, reaching
out to thousands of users. With more than
2,200 Likes dispersed among the contestants
along with 200 Shares, the project that was
favored by most was the pool designed by
Lamber+Lamber, with 603 Likes. A residential
outdoor pool, this vessel appears to be a
blue rectangle of water suspended above the
ground. The residence connects with the pool
directly through the dining area, opening up to
a sheer infinity edge all around the borders. A
true example of less is more.
This review and study of the
protagonists of the Italian swimming
pool market gives us a glimpse at how
the tendencies are moving toward a
rediscovery and reinterpretation of
nature. Soft geometries that respect
the environment mixed with high
technology and pool accessories is the
new identikit of the Made in Italy pool.
Learn more about Made in Italy and
other European design trends in future
GENESIS courses.
Maria Moscato is a lecturer, fine artist, and
designer based in Bologna, Italy, with a background
in sustainable design and architecture. She has
been teaching a wide range of subjects, from
ceramics to microeconomics, for 20 years. Moscato
is a certified building technician in Italy with
experience in 3D modeling and AutoCAD. She
joined the GENESIS faculty in April 2024 and will
be developing design curriculum focused on the
successful trends she has seen around Europe.