Photograph by Helene Binet and MikouStudio architects. Though it might be gray outside, it’s perennially sunny in Aquazena. “It’s the first feng shui swimming pool in France, perhaps even in the world,” explains Simon Despouys, the director of the public swimming pool. Visitors may feel they have entered a parallel dimension when they arrive at the center in Issyles-Moulin-eaux, just outside of Paris: There are almost no right angles in the entire building, and its concrete walls have been tinted a shade of blue reminiscent of the Caribbean Sea. Its architects, Selma and Salwa Mikou, made every effort to invite natural light into the building; rounded windows recessed into the walls and ceilings amplify the sun’s rays, which splash across swimmers and overhanging palm trees. Absent is the suffocating smell of chlorine (the water is ozone-treated), making the swimming, cardio practice or sauna experience one of clarity and brightness. “We also have a hammam, two squash courts and a tank featuring fish exclusively from Lake Malawi,” adds Despouys. Piscine Aquazena 140-144 Prom. du Verger 92130 Issy-les-Moulineaux France TwitterFacebookPinterest This story is from Kinfolk Issue Twenty-Seven Buy Now Related Stories Fashion Issue 19 Camille Tanoh Camille Tanoh found his niche working for Pierre Hardy and Paul Smith. Now he’s blazing a path for the next generation of French designers. Design Issue 19 David Rager David Rager, co-founder of design firm Weekends, shares his tale of LA and Paris and how he makes time for life’s little distractions. Interiors Issue 19 Prankster’s Paradise Is the nine-to-five grind approaching monotony? Arrive at the office early to even the playing field and invoke mirth for your co-workers. Interiors Issue 18 A View from the Porch The shapes and sizes of our homes are changing, and society along with it. Avi Friedman has come to make sense of the new era of household realities. Design Issue 17 Twin Set Swedish photographer Maja Daniels has spent a great deal of time with Parisian twins Monette and Mady, documenting their everyday lives. Interiors Issue 16 My Bedside Table: The Fashion Designer Starr Hout, who cofounded fashion brand Apiece Apart with her friend Laura Cramer, talks about her evening rituals and a kid-friendly bedroom.
Fashion Issue 19 Camille Tanoh Camille Tanoh found his niche working for Pierre Hardy and Paul Smith. Now he’s blazing a path for the next generation of French designers.
Design Issue 19 David Rager David Rager, co-founder of design firm Weekends, shares his tale of LA and Paris and how he makes time for life’s little distractions.
Interiors Issue 19 Prankster’s Paradise Is the nine-to-five grind approaching monotony? Arrive at the office early to even the playing field and invoke mirth for your co-workers.
Interiors Issue 18 A View from the Porch The shapes and sizes of our homes are changing, and society along with it. Avi Friedman has come to make sense of the new era of household realities.
Design Issue 17 Twin Set Swedish photographer Maja Daniels has spent a great deal of time with Parisian twins Monette and Mady, documenting their everyday lives.
Interiors Issue 16 My Bedside Table: The Fashion Designer Starr Hout, who cofounded fashion brand Apiece Apart with her friend Laura Cramer, talks about her evening rituals and a kid-friendly bedroom.