Blog #9

Aerated water effects illuminate well to provide a nighttime impact to water displays. Laminar water effects are very difficult to illuminate because of the translucent properties of clear water, (it would be like lighting a clear piece of glass).  Typically illuminating aerated water effects the more light output the more impact. Poor visual impact are typically because the lighting wattage is to low and only a section of the water is illuminated. In sequencing nozzle effects, lighting can be also sequenced on and off to create a greater impact to the changing water formations.

The next few blogs are to review lighting design options. The first one is simply water within a dark bodied pool creates a mirror like reflection. The reflection pool is most popular in outdoor architectural settings where there are elements, like buildings, forms and landscape that can be capture a duplicate image in the water. A reflection pool is typically large in scale which can capture more reflection value and provides a significant impact due to size. One of the techniques that helps “still” the water is a rim flow perimeter. The pulling capillary movement of water to an outer collection chamber helps prevent the wind from creating a ripple on the surface of the water which distorts the reflection.

Sound: One of the most attracting attributes of fountains is the sounds they create. Soft sounds of gentle water movements are calming and nurturing. Low sound fountains are typically designed for intimate fountain settings, so that the sound emission is comfortable and not distracting. Indoor water features are especially sensitive to loud sound producing fountains because of difficulties in hard space acoustics and concern with disruptive sound intensities. In contrast, outdoor fountains tend to be designed for loud sound emissions for the desire to drown out unpleasant noises such as car or air traffic. In addition, loud water features are attention-getters and part of their appeal is the power of large water movements that produce grand sound emissions.

Mist: Water in a highly active state emitting small particles of water is what we call a mist water effect. Typically mist is produced by high pressured water emitting from a small orifice nozzle. Mist effects have strong visual characteristics and illuminate well for nighttime viewing. Mist effects are typically used in outdoor settings because of the amount of vapor produced which would not be advisable for an indoor environment. Mist water features are used effectively to create cooling environments in warm weather climates as the drift of vapor against patron’s skin creates a cooling sensation. Because the water of in a mist fountain emits out of a small orifice nozzle, maintenance can be an issue as debris and calcium build-up can cause problems.

Blog #5

Ice: Believe it or not water can be artistically transformed into a ice sculpture. Here in the great north, Minnesota, we embrace the cold and all that comes with it. When a fine water is sprayed over a decorative, lattice type of structure during freezing temperatures it will form hanging icicles. The system is fairly simple, similar to snow making equipment. The icicle formations are visually appealing and when lit create wonderful illuminations. This type of fountain should be designed in an area that does not have a lot of foot traffic because the fine water spray can drift and ice up walk ways. An ice fountain sculpture is a unique way to utilize a fountain for year round value.

Aeration: Aerated water effects are those that introduce air into the movement of water. Aerated water features can be created by fountain nozzles, water falls, cascading water steps and textured water walls. Aerated fountains are typically used for strong visual water effects with loud sound emissions. These types of water features are meant to be noticed and are great for outdoor settings that require strong site lines and desirable louder sound to mask undesirable traffic noise. Aerated water can be used for both architectural fountains and natural water scapes. The aggressive water movements are best served for outdoor environments because of their sound, splash and vapor emissions.

Water can be conformed into many shapes, size, configurations and textures. When designing a fountain these transformations can be used to create an art piece like a painter would use colors. Below are the basic water characteristics used in water features.

Laminar: Laminar water effects are clear water formations without any air within the water form. Laminar effects can be created by fountain nozzles, water falls, water walls or simple reflective bodies of water. Laminar fountains have a distinct refined appearance with a defined shape. Laminar fountains tend to have a softer sound emission, and less splash. They are easily distorted by air movement such as in outdoor settings and debris that may effect the uniformity of the water formation. Laminar effects are typically used in more indoor, architectural settings because of the these factors.

Water features can create atmosphere, settings and moods.

Water elements can create feelings of well being and tranquility with the use of stilled bodies of water or gentle moving water with soft sound emissions. These features are typically reflecting pools, water walls, small streams or runnels.

Water can also be a source of excitement, energy and power. These types of fountains utilize large moving bodies of water that create a white water appearance and loud sound emissions. Fountains are also used for entertainment by sequencing nozzles to create unique water formations or choreographed to music.

Water features also can be used to harmonize with their environment. Cascading water falls, streams and babbling brooks in a landscaped area ties all elements of nature together.

Blog #1

I’m excited to start adding content to my new social media venues. This new form of sharing information is brand new for me and I hope it adds value to those who read this blog.

I plan discussing design considerations when utilizing water as an architectural element.

Water more than anything else is a key requirement for life. Early civilizations would inhabit areas near lakes, ponds, streams and rivers. As societies moved farther away from these bodies of water they desired to find alternate water sources or divert water sources to their location. They did this by digging wells or diverting water via aqueducts. As civilizations continued to evolve, the value of art and architecture became increasingly important. The evolution of utilizing water as architectural media played a major role in this cultural refinement. I like to think that the display of water not only provided a wonderful setting, but the decorative display of a water fountain reaffirmed its value in our daily lives.