#64 Pools and streams
We came from the water of our mothers wombs, our bodies are largely water. And water plays a fundamental role in our psychology. We need constant acces to water, all around us. But everywhere in cities water is out of reach. Preserve natural pools and streams and allow them to run through the city. Make paths for people to walk along them and footbridges to cross them. Let the streams form natural barriers in the city. Whenever possible, collect rainwater in open gutters and allow it to flow above ground, along pedestrian paths and in front of houses. In places without natural running water, create fountains in the streets.
Why did I choose this pattern?
Because I was wanted to design my square inspired by a park, and almost every park has a body of water in it I naturally thought of adding water. But the moment I was certain I wanted to use water was when I had to come up with a solution for another problem. I wanted my bike paths to go underground and make something interesting about these underground paths so people would want to use them. I thought it would be amazing to ride my bike underwater. And having a great experience when riding through. Then I thought about how this would look from above and how the visitors would experience this from another point of view. I also wanted to look at cathing rainwater.
Field research
Euromastpark, Rotterdam
The water here has a natural flow to it, blending into its surroundings and making everything complete. Adding a different element to the park.
Museumpark, Rotterdam
This big body of water lays in such a way that it accentuates the piece of art at the end. Being a point to look at as well.
This water doubles as a barrier between the museum park and the garden of the actual museum. also being quite nice and calming to look at.
Laurenskerk park, Rotterdam
Here at the end of this park, at the bottom of the steps is water. A part of (opzoeken) Not being really beautiful or spectacular but providing something to look at. No boats come trough here. It also serves as a boundary between the neighborhood across and the park.
References
“The Park” in Las Vegas, USA
The Las Vegas Strip is famous for its unlimited entertainment offered. Since 2016, The Strip also has a public space with sustainable and contextual design. Corporate investors have created a dynamic place to meet up, eat out or hang out. Prolific shade structures help to temper the desert heat. Water features and desert plantings used as decor. These water features interest me because it is another element when adding water in a vertical way. Also the combination of lights and water is something that I am going to use. And it looks visually apealing.
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aquauriums
Walking through an aquarium is an amazing experience and and calming. I wanted to add this element to the bike path.
my model
I looked at the path shape first and then altered my chosen path to have more natural curves to fit that of a stream. Having a layer of water that allows both parties to experience eachother.
Reflection
"Make paths for people to walk along them and footbridges to cross them. Let the streams form natural barriers in the city. " I made sure to use these points. Making paths along the water and using water as barriers between places. For example the terrace and the grass field across. But the most important use of the water is how this works together with the bike path beneath. Creating an experience for the bikers beneath, causing them to want to use this bike path. And of course for the people above ground. Giving them a relaxing natural element to look at. Not only filling a human need to be near water but also for them to look at the people riding beneath like fishes swimming by. Creating a calming experience and something to lock your eyes on. I also lowered one grass field so this could catch rainwater. I would have liked to looked more into the catching of water and how this would look and work but I had no time for this. But if I would have been able to extend an element I would have looked at that.