The Molitor swimming baths in Paris are an architectural treasure, but things nearly ended very badly for the Art Deco complex. Built in 1929, the Molitor was for decades the most popular pool in the French capital with swimmers and poseurs alike – the bikini was popularised here – but dwindling visitors and poor maintenance led to its closure in 1989. Overtaken by both artists and vandals, the Molitor languished; meanwhile, the first plans for redevelopment were to demolish and build a new hotel, with the extant pool turned into a car park. Luckily that idea drowned, and in 2007 the mayor of Paris invited submissions for a renovation project.

Fast-forward to 2014 and the winning idea is now ready to open. Sebastian Bizet led a team of designers, that included interior architect Jean Philippe Nuel, whose approach was to restore any original features they could find (adhering to authentic specs uncovered during a full-on historical investigation) while new build was to be contemporary. The triumphant result is a private health club crowned by two stunning pools – one indoor winter and one outdoor summer – as well as a hotel, restaurant and spa. The venue is continuing to welcome urban artists (Futura, Vhils) and there are a number of gallery and exhibition spaces which will run a programme of events throughout the year.