Built over 100 years ago, the church stopped holding services in 2023.
Its listed historic features will be preserved, and a swimming pool will be added into the nave.
The pool’s floor can go up and down to give different depths. Raised all the way for social events, it will hold a layer of water shallow enough to create the illusion of walking on water, while reflecting the church’s interior.
Changing rooms will be added, and a cafe at the back, separated by a glass wall.
Lifeguards will sit on the pulpit.
The main entrance contains an illuminated circular canopy.
Pews will provide seats for swimmers on one side and spectators on the other.
Designed by local artists, a mosaic filled pattern will fill the floor and surrounds, with its tessera referencing the existing colours, materials and stained-glass windows. Lighting above the pool is inspired by the original church lamps.
The church’s roof will be insulated.
Winy Maas, MVRDV founding partner, said: “The vacancy rate of churches is increasing, so we need to come up with new, creative ideas for what we can do with these buildings.
“Why not give these churches a social function again, as they used to have? A public swimming pool is ideally suited for this.
“Imagine: swimming the backstroke with a view of a church vault and stained-glass windows. By covering the entire pool area with a small layer of water, you can also create a beautiful visual effect, allowing the church to return to its original form and appear even larger and more impressive through the reflection."
Swimmers are expected to take their first dive in 2027.
The St. Francis of Assisi Church will form part of a larger city centre development, which includes a Roman museum and the renovation of the Royal-Rivoli cinema.
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