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, Ill., it 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 truly be unlike anything in this country, not only in its goal to include the country’s deepest warm water therapy pool, but also in terms of the level of accessibility it will offer to those who can benefit from therapeutic scuba diving,” said Jeff Saad, regional director of healthcare for Baker Barrios Architects, which designed the deep pool. “There are many elements to consider when designing something so technically complex in the healthcare space, even more so when nothing else like it exists. We’re incredibly proud of this project and honored to be part of Diveheart’s groundbreaking work.”

According to Elliott, 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.

“As a diving enthusiast and scuba instructor, I have seen firsthand the truly incredible physical and emotional transformation that occurs in an individual when the barriers and restrictions of gravity are lifted, as happens in an underwater environment,” said Elliott. “This is what led me to create the organization, bringing deep water therapy to as many individuals as possible, regardless of their diving experience or ability to pay.”

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. “Baker Barrios’ design incorporates a number of sustainable solutions for heating the water, including both solar and geothermal energy,” said Saad. “From an engineering standpoint, the deep caissons required for the pool’s foundation play a dual role in integrating the geothermal systems.”

Elliott added the plan for this visionary project is to build a global destination for scuba therapy, offering vocational opportunities and fostering community and empowerment. It has strong municipal and state government support and is currently raising funds to begin construction.

To learn more about the Diveheart Deep Pool Project, visit www.diveheart.org/deep-pool-project, and to learn more about Baker Barrios’ multidisciplinary architectural work, visit www.bakerbarrios.com.

About Baker Barrios Architects:

Baker Barrios Architects was established in 1993, founded on the belief in creative excellence, innovative solutions and long-term relationships. The firm tells their client’s story through placemaking and creative design. Baker Barrios maintains a high level of involvement through a project’s completion to ensure the owner’s objectives are met and the integrity of design is maintained even after occupancy. The staff of highly trained professionals is experienced in a variety of assignments for developers, corporations, health care providers, religious organizations, state and local agencies, and colleges and universities, providing full-service planning, architecture, interior design and landscape architecture services.