It was designed by award winning architectural firm Ateliers Jean Nouvel as part of an effort by Le Havre to revitalize its docks and warehouse district.

The overall design was inspired by the Roman thermal baths as people can go to congregate in most of the various pools year round.

The simple exterior of the building is a precast concrete painted black with a grey base and random windows of varying sizes.

Most of the interior consists of straight, boxy designs painted in white with the exception of a children's play area which is multicolored.

Several of the indoor pools are at varying levels and waterfalls give a natural division to the different spaces.