The 2024 open water swimming events in the Seine River brilliantly highlighted the colossal work undertaken to clean up rivers and restore their ecology. This allows rivers to reclaim their rightful place in our urban ecosystems and become vibrant, accessible spaces.
It is within this context that the Maisons-Alfort swimming area recreation project takes shape. Until the 1960s, this river swimming spot attracted crowds of bathers. Closed due to river pollution, the infrastructure was abandoned. The core idea of ​​the project is to reconnect with the water by reopening this idyllic spot for swimming.

We designed an oval-shaped footprint for this new swimming area, which incorporates and repurposes the historical structures. These structures serve as the foundations for development on the water with floating pontoons and on the banks with a beach and new recreational areas. This design preserves the existing riverside promenade while clearly defining a designated swimming area. The existing central pontoon separates a small pool (for children) from a larger one. A system of submerged gratings allows for depth control, while water quality is monitored by a treatment system located upstream.
The project retains the existing trees, beneath which an open beach overlooking the water is created. The existing play equipment is relocated to a new garden, further enhancing the recreational offerings.