ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the way in which physical space plays a mediating role in everyday lives by exploring three contrasting cases of spatial arrangement within the context of publicly accessible swimming pools. The first case illustrates how the use of collective memory of historic pools serves a mediating function and helps transform the pools into a social hub and a place of human contact. This is followed by a consideration of unobtrusive spatial organization that allows the pool to have a ‘pre-mediated’ quality, increase inclusivity, and reduce the possibility of disputes. These two examples are contrasted with a place of ongoing contestation where differing approaches to regulations for swimwear expose the pool as a site of failed mediation. This chapter argues that space can be imbued with mediating properties if the organization and use is inclusive and informed by a close connection between users and regulators.
