Australia's ocean baths: stories of design, aesthetics and swimming

Abstract Social media sites as well as recent scholarly papers attest to the growth of interest in Australia’s ocean baths. Swimmers, artists, writers and historians, among others, argue that there is no equivalent aquatic experience overseas. This chapter investigates the aesthetic qualities of major ocean baths in Australia and the way in which these attributes are circulated in contemporary media. An argument is made for a consideration of the baths as public art with reference to the aesthetics of sculptural form. Together, form and function provides a transformative space for swimmers and creative networks