Copyright © 2025 Motivate Media Group. All rights reserved.
Get lost in the pages of a good book—it’s the soul of any room.
The Swimming Pool in Photography
by Francis Hodgson
Hatje Cantz
It’s magical. Immersing one’s self in cool, blue waters makes us feel as light as a feather and simply by relaxing alongside it we become instantly glamourous. Yes, it’s the pool: one of the summer’s most recognisable sites of indulgence. This lush new book captures this coveted escape and cultural phenomenon through the lenses of the world’s most talented photographers.
In the fascinating introduction to the 240-page volume, Hodgson, a cultural studies professor, reveals the complex socio-economic rituals associated with pool design, including references to film, literature, sport, education, family life and, of course, lifestyles around the world.
Over 250 captivating photos with detailed caption information are divided into sections: architecture, diving, the strokes and clothing. From the rooftop pool of Le Corbusier’s La Cité radieuse (Radiant City) in Marseille, France; to Martin Parr’s thought-provoking 1986 photo of Mosney holiday camp, Ireland; and the 1936 photo of a swimming pool in the midst of luxuriant vegetation at the Arusha Hotel, Tanganyika (present-day Tanzania) – each photo tells an important story.
Photographers – including Henri Cartier-Bresson, Gigi Cifali, Stuart Franklin, Harry Gruyaert, Emma Hartvig, Jacques Henri Lartigue, Joel Meyerowitz, Martin Parr, Paolo Pellegrin, Mack Sennett, Alec Soth, Larry Sultan, Alex Webb and others – co-create a compelling visual narrative. This is a smart and entertaining summer read – especially by the pool.
Aura Living’s AW24 collection showcases the elegance of contrast and harmony
Laufen prioritises design, functionality and sustainability in its latest collections
Discover the Legacy of a Saudi Art Space: Prince Faisal bin Fahd Arts Hall explores the Hall’s enduring influence on the cultural fabric of Saudi Arabia
Free-spirited and creative, The Home Hotel in Zurich injects a sense of whimsy into a former paper factory
Falaj Collection by Aljoud Lootah Design
identity selects warm-toned furniture pieces and objets that align with Pantone’s colour of the year
Stacy Stewart, Regional Director Middle East & Africa of MillerKnoll discusses the future and evolution of design in workspaces with identity.
Gensler’s Design Forecast Report 2025 identifies the top global design trends that will impact the real estate and built environment this year
Kamdar Developments has launched 105 Residences, a new high-end development in Jumeirah Village Circle.
Located in the heart of Jumeirah Garden City, formerly known as ‘New Satwa’, The Muse adds to the urban fabric of the area
The Chedi Hegra opens its doors in AlUla’s UNESCO World Heritage Site
Sunshine Bay on Al Marjan island combines seaside views, exceptional design, and world-class amenities to create a unique waterfront haven