Baker Barrios Architects has released renderings of its design for what will be the country’s deepest warm water therapy pool. Located in North Chicago, Illinois, the pool will be part of an educational and research facility developed by international nonprofit Diveheart.
Founded in 2001 by Jim Elliott, a scuba instructor and former guide for visually impaired downhill skiers, Diveheart’s mission is to provide educational scuba diving programs that are open to any child, adult or veteran with a disability, providing therapeutic benefits for physical, emotional and behavioral challenges.
The Diveheart Deep Pool Project will revolutionize possibilities for people of all abilities and prioritize inclusivity, serving as a transformative space for those with a variety of therapeutic needs to experience adaptive scuba therapy. Currently, Diveheart works with a broad group of individuals, including those with physical and developmental disabilities, vision and hearing impairments, amputations, traumatic brain injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder and more. The volunteer-led organization serves people across the globe.
The patented design of the deep therapy pool, planned for a minimum depth of 130 feet, features a unique telescoping configuration with a portion of the structure above grade, allowing for general observation of the divers. As the pool deepens, the terraced levels will also provide opportunity for medical and educational observation of the divers while providing enhanced safety. The facility will also feature a training pool, exhibition pool, underwater observation passage, locker rooms, conference/meeting space, and medical and operational office space.
Additionally, the facility will be committed to sustainability, employing a net-zero approach for minimal environmental impact.
