Thursday 21st March 630pm - Sea Lanes Event Space

Chris will share his love of sea swimming looking at the architecture, history and social significance of sea pools. The sea can be challenging and changeable. Protected from the dangers of currents, crashing waves and extreme cold, sea pools (also known as tidal or ocean pools) are man made pools that are dotted around our coast.

Chris will tell us about the history of outdoor swimming, their unique designs and architectural significance and commentary on the resurgent appreciation for sea swimming in the 21st century. His book selects 70 of the most beautiful and culturally significant sea pools from around the world, including five from Cornwall as well as the 25-metre cliffside Avalon Rock Pool in new South Wales, Australia, the sublime Pozo de las Calcosas in Spain that is shrouded in volcanic rock, and Ireland's historic Vico Baths to name but a few. If you have ever wondered how these pools came into existence then this is the night for you.

Chris is co-founder of London based architects Studio Octopi. He is most often found immersed in water. The practice’s workplace design, private residential and water-based projects are all led by Chris. Recent projects include restoration and new pools across the UK, Ireland and Australia.

 Whilst bathing in Lake Zurich he had the idea for re-introducing swimming in the River Thames and the not for profit Thames Baths CIC was conceived. Chris is now globally recognised as an expert in urban swimming, access to water and tidal pools. 

 In August 2023 Chris’s first book was published by Batsford. 'Sea Pools' is an ode to sea swimming – looking at the architecture, history and social significance of tidal pools around the world.

Chris is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and co-founded Future Lidos Group (www.futurelidos.org).