Aqua Corte / Melike Nazlı Çaycı

The design of the sports school is centered around nurturing Olympic-level swimmers in an environment that seamlessly blends function, performance, and inspiration. At the heart of the complex lies a spacious courtyard, serving as a communal and transitional space that connects the facility’s key components: the Olympic-standard indoor swimming pool, dryland training areas, locker rooms, and academic classrooms. This courtyard, framed by glass corridors and shaded walkways, brings natural light into the building’s interior while offering athletes a calming outdoor environment to relax, socialize, or reflect between training sessions. The pool complex itself is designed with precision, featuring advanced filtration systems, spectator seating, and specialized zones for endurance, sprint, and technique training. Adjacent to the pool are strength and conditioning rooms equipped with state-of-the-art gear tailored for swimmers’ unique needs. The architecture emphasizes clean lines and a modern aesthetic, using materials like exposed concrete, wood, and large glazing panels to reflect both discipline and openness. . Circulation within the building is intuitive, encouraging smooth transitions between training, learning, and recovery spaces. The courtyard acts not only as a physical connector but also as a symbolic one—linking the rigorous demands of elite swimming with moments of rest, community, and reflection. This holistic spatial strategy supports both the physical development and mental well-being of students, creating a high-performance environment grounded in balance, clarity, and architectural harmony.

As a student at this sports school, every day feels like a balance between intense training and peaceful reflection. The moment I walk through the entrance, I’m greeted by the open courtyard—an airy, sunlit space with trees, benches, and soft paving that invites me to slow down, even if just for a moment. It’s where we stretch before morning practice, chat with teammates between classes, or simply sit and breathe after a tough session. The school feels modern and focused, with clean lines and big windows that bring in natural light, even on early winter mornings. The Olympic-sized pool is the heart of my day—its clear water, precise temperature, and quiet buzz of activity always push me to give my best. Every detail, from the starting blocks to the underwater viewing panels, reminds me that this place is built for excellence. Right next to the pool are our training rooms, where we do strength workouts and recovery sessions; everything is designed with swimmers in mind. The classrooms are just a short walk across the courtyard, and they’re surprisingly calming—minimal, light-filled spaces where it’s easier to stay focused. What I appreciate most is how nothing feels overcrowded or chaotic. The building flows naturally, and moving from one space to another—whether it’s from water to weights, or from a lecture to lunch in the courtyard— feels smooth and intentional. Being here makes me feel like I’m part of something bigger: a place where world-class performance is supported not just by training, but by design that understands what it means to grow as both an athlete and a person.