Design and Architecture
Swimming pools and public art
Simone Manuel's Olympic win highlights the politics of access to public swimming pools. We visit a gorgeous, newly-restored pool in South LA and ask if the color barrier to swimming has been lifted. And private murals and public installations are turning the outdoors into a gallery. What's behind the explosion of public art?
By Frances Anderton • • 29m ListenPhoto: The Central Recreation Center pool in South LA (Frances Anderton)
In this episode
2 storiesNew pools bring diversity to aquatics
American swimmer Simone Manuel broke the world record in the women's 100-meter freestyle at the Rio Olympics last week, tying for first place. But her win represented another barrier smashed, as the first African-American woman to win a gold medal in swimming.
Read the story14 minAn explosion of public art
We've been hearing two things about Los Angeles in recent years. It's fast-becoming an art capital, and it's embracing public space, with new parks, public transit, a reclaimed river and more. But are the two connected? Because if you drive, walk or take the train right now you will see a lot of art.
Read the story14 min
