The Discovery of Dark Oxygen: A Hidden Source of Life in the Depths
In the deep, lightless realms of the Pacific Ocean—where pressure crushes and sunlight never penetrates—scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery: dark oxygen. Unlike the oxygen we are familiar with, produced by plants and photosynthesis, dark oxygen forms without light, deep in the sediments of the ocean floor. ...
The Fountain of the Palio del Golfo
La Spezia, Italy, is a place rich in history, architectural beauty, religious tradition and maritime heritage. One of its latest modern attractions is the Palio del Golfo Artwork—a work that pays homage to the rich local culture and traditions, while also pointing toward the future. ...
The Spirit of Avalon (Part I)
Although completed in 2003 and outlandishly opulent, the story behind this project by designer/builder Mario Abaldo has never been told out of respect for the client’s privacy concerns. More than two decades later, he’s finally ready to share arguably his most magnificent work. ...
Fine Points: Equipment Shelves and Tables
Equipment-pad design often requires making the most of the available space, which in many situations is far too small. Kevin Cobabe faces tight confines in at least half of his projects, he says, which leads to the use of tables and shelves to fit in the needed equipment without compromising efficiency or serviceability. ...
The Shimmering Spires of Jade Mountain
St. Lucia’s Jade Mountain is one of the world’s most unusual and luxurious resorts, a renowned masterwork in the organic architecture tradition opened since 2006. One of its unique finishing touches involved creating sculptural glass-tile spires atop the building, an artistic task David Knox enthusiastically embraced in the spirit of the place, and the man who created this entirely unique resort.   ...
ACI Releases Shotcrete Guide for Pools
Years in the making, the American Concrete Institute has published the definitive guide for shotcrete applications in swimming pool construction—a document aimed at unifying application practices and quality standards.  ...
The Rhythm of Design
Designing beautiful outdoor spaces that feel welcoming and harmonious is oftentimes a matter of self-editing, says Kirk Bianchi. Here he delves into the design process with the idea of creating rhythm and visual balance, when making decisions about what to include and leave out. ...
Capturing the Scene
From years working a pool-service route, to a new direction as an architectural photographer focusing on custom pool projects, Danny Riley, has built a life and career at the water’s edge. Here he looks at the journey with an eye toward the art and craft of creating images that capture the experience of being there. ...
Stainless Watershapes (Part I)
Stainless-steel vessels have dramatically increased in popularity over the past 20 years, observes Mark Holden and Jeff Freemen. That increase necessitates a greater understanding of the material, its advantages and, as important, the potential problems associated with the manufacturing process that can lead to catastrophic failures, litigation and expensive remediations. ...
Pool Concerns: After the Fire
It’s an ironic and unsettling sight: a swimming pool full of water on a property where the house has burned down. What to do with the water in fire’s immediate aftermath is a question that confronts both homeowners and their pool professionals.   ...