Sea Pools: Book Talk

Dive into the world of sea pools with architect and author Chris Romer-Lee, in conversation on his stunning book, a celebration of the unique spaces where people, architecture and ocean meet.

Bringing together archival photographs, contemporary case studies, and personal reflections to tell a story that is as much about people as it is about place, Sea Pools charts a global journey through these cherished public places, revealing their histories, cultural significance, and powerful potential for the future.

As we face rising sea levels and disappearing public space, Romer-Lee makes the case for sea pools as safe, sustainable, and joyful ways to connect with nature. These spaces aren’t just for swimming, they’re about health, community, and rethinking how we live with water.

From hidden tidal pools in the UK to breathtaking ocean baths around the world, Sea Pools explores how these places have shaped coastal communities for over a century. With beautiful photography and inspiring stories, the book shows why sea pools matter more than ever today.

Sea Pools is part travel guide, part design story, and part love letter to the coast. It is a celebration of the past, present, and future of tidal pools, and the communities who treasure them.

A talk for swimmers, designers, conservationists, or anyone drawn to the edge of land and sea.

About the Author

Chris Romer-Lee is a designer, researcher and advocate for swim sites across the world, he connects people to water. As co-founder of architecture practice Studio Octopi, he developed a portfolio of pools, baths and swim-site strategy alongside projects on dry land. In 2025 he set up his own consultancy, focused on getting more people swimming and improving access to water. Chris is also co-founder of ‘Swimmable Cities’ that is working internationally to advocate for safer access to urban water. In 2023 he co-founded Future Lidos to support campaigners in the UK and Ireland working towards new or refurbished lidos.

He works with organisations to design and refurbish lidos, baths and bathing places, and has become an expert in urban swimming and tidal pools. His research and writing work demonstrates how such swim sites can become a focus for healthy communities and improved ecologies. Sea Pools was published by Batsford in 2023. His next book is on diving boards (Batsford, 2028).

The event takes place at The Architect, Bristol, BS1 4QA