Light as a connecting element between experience and knowledge.
With Fabryka Wody, an exceptional destination has been created that extends far beyond the conventional typology of a swimming facility. As both an aqua park and an educational center, the project combines entertainment with the communication of knowledge about water as a resource – its origins, its significance for life, and its role in a global context. The range of uses is complemented by public offers such as a summer open-air cinema, which makes the outdoor area a lively meeting place during the warmer months. The architectural dimension and diversity of program presented significant challenges for the lighting concept.
Complexity as a design challenge.
The central challenge was to translate the different functional and atmospheric requirements into a coherent lighting concept. Safety-related aspects, especially in the pool areas and along the movement areas, had to be taken into account, as well as the desire for an inviting, relaxing atmosphere. Distinct zones such as swimming pools, sauna areas and the climbing wall each required a specific lighting approach.
With ERCO’s precision lighting tools, this differentiation could be implemented with clarity and consistency. Narrow and wide beam distributions enable zoned lighting that addresses both horizontal and vertical planes. This results in clearly legible spaces with a high degree of visual orientation, without compromising the desired lightness and calm.
Light as an atmospheric and architectural element
Inside, the light creates a calm, warm atmosphere that contributes to active relaxation. Low-glare optics ensure high visual comfort – an essential factor in environments with water surfaces and reflective materials. At the same time, the light takes on a staging function: it emphasizes architectural details, guides lines of sight and supports the spatial dramaturgy.
Externally, the building is transformed into an urban landmark through targeted façade lighting. At night, the lighting design emphasizes the building’s sculptural form, establishing Fabryka Wody as a defining landmark in the cityscape of Szczecin.
Integration of architectural guiding principles
Architects and lighting designers worked closely together as early as the design phase. The design intention of highlighting details while simultaneously creating a relaxing overall atmosphere was achieved through precisely placed lights and coordinated light distributions. Wall washing and accent lighting combine to form a balanced overall composition that provides orientation while also engaging on an emotional level.
Flexibility and efficiency through ERCO
A key advantage of the lighting technology used lies in its flexibility. Interchangeable lenses enable light distributions to be flexibly adjusted to evolving needs, particularly within the educational zone’s exhibition areas, where different scenarios are implemented. The high efficacy of the LED modules (lm/W), combined with precise light control, helps to minimize energy consumption while ensuring a high quality of illumination.
In addition, the durable components and robust construction of the luminaires ensure reliable operation – a decisive factor in a humidity-intensive environment such as an aqua park.
Daylight and artificial light in harmony
The expansive glazed façade admits abundant daylight into the building, yet is conceived not as a disruptive element, but as an integral part of the overall concept. The artificial lighting complements natural light in a targeted manner, highlighting architectural elements independently of time of day or weather conditions. This creates consistent lighting moods that make the quality of the space perceptible both during the day and at night.
The Fabryka Wody aqua park stands as a compelling example of how differentiated lighting design brings together function, atmosphere and architecture. Through the use of precise, efficient and flexible ERCO lighting tools, a multi-layered lighting concept has been achieved that meets the diverse demands of a complex leisure and educational facility – while creating an inviting, identity-defining environment.
