2014/2.2, February 19 — Site-Specific Watershapes, Pond Plumbing, Sculpture on the Edge and more

February 19, 2014 www.watershapes.com

ESSENTIAL

Refined Expressions

The designers at the landscape architecture firm of Janet Rosenberg & Associates believe that water can be used in almost every setting to add interest, beauty and a sense of tranquility to their work. What that means in design terms will change in response to a setting’s needs and a client’s expectations, say Janet Rosenberg and Glenn Herman — and can lead to solutions from the simple and retiring to the bold and complex.

This article, originally published in September 2002, has been digitized for all readers. Click here to see the full text and enlarge the images to study the craftsmanship in detail.

PONDCRAFT 101

Plumbed for Convenience

Most steps are common to just about all pond-installation projects, notes Eric Triplett, but the one covered in this video is an exception — and was driven by the choice he made with respect to the filtration system while the pond was still on the drawing board. [more]

TRAVELOGUE

Pocket Park’s Glory

The level of thought behind a small park he countered in Seattle years ago is still on Jim McCloskey‘s mind today — enough to make him urge every watershaper to go see Waterfall Garden Park for themselves to find a bit of rest and whole load of inspiration. [more]

WHAT IS IT?

#11: Diving Platform

Aesthetics are important, says Mike Farley, which is why lots of designers avoid visual intrusions on their pool decks. But as he shows in this video, there are some satisfying compromises to be found — with diving boards, for example — if you apply some creativity to their development. [more]

PLATINUM REFLECTIONS

Coordinated Perspective

Working together for the first time, designer Stephanie Rose and builder Randy Beard became allied in their effort to complete a challenging project. The clients were collaborators as well, and the result is an understated watershape in a garden filled with outstanding art. [more]

WATERSHAPES CLASSIC

Finding Ways

Ten years ago, Brian Van Bower opened up with pointed observations about the direction of the watershaping industry. Click here to explore his still-relevant insights.

‘Sexualizing’ Little Girls’ Toys?

Brouhaha over Swimsuit Barbie
Spread in Sports Illustrated

[more]

WATERSHAPES WORLD

Enduring the Water Wars

California has seen drougths before, but this one seems different (and scarier) to Jim McCloskey. Here are his thoughts on what’s happening — and on a constructive way to push past the usual scapegoating of swimming pools that often comes along with water shortages. [more]

Now at WaterShapes.com . . .

While supplies last, you can purchase one of 6 available complete, mint-condition, 131-issue sets of WaterShapes, a print publication that set the tone for development of the art and craft of watershaping from February 1999 until July 2011. For ordering information, click here!

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

Sleep in a Swimming Pool
Without Even Getting Wet!

Many water-related stories have been in the news of late — including reports connected to the three questions below.

1. Love spending time in swimming pools so much that you wish you could sleep in one? According to laughingsquid.com, now you can — well, almost. Get your ZZZZs on realistic pool-themed bedding from a design firm in one European country. Can you guess the country?

a. France b. The Netherlands c. Germany d. Spain

2. The water in the biggest public swimming pool of one major Canadian city was dyed pink in honor of Valentine’s Day. In what city did this happen?

a. Montreal b. Toronto c. Vancouver d. Ottawa

3. According to an Asian Web site, innumerable porno movies in the country of the site’s origin have been filmed at a single indoor swimming pool. Because of that, the pool has become a much-recognized national icon of sorts. Which country? (The name of the Web site will be revealed on the landing page so as not to give away the answer.)

a. Japan b. China c. Thailand d. South Korea”
To find out how many you got right, click here.