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THE ESSENTIAL E-NEWSLETTER FOR WATERSHAPE DESIGNERS, ENGINEERS AND BUILDERS
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| March 18, 2015 www.watershapes.com |
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DIGITAL DESIGN
On the Ground Floor
Back in his high school drafting class, Tanr Ross took a chance in pursuing what were then brand-new computer-design technologies. By the time he encountered the team launching Pool Studio some years later, he was all set to take off on the software’s rising digital wave. [more]
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 CASCADE CREATION
There’s no doubt that Eric Triplett enjoys making videos and sharing his projects as a means of inspiring others to do great work. But in this all-new series, there’s an issue of scale that kicks things up a few notches and lifts the information well above the introductory level. [more]
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CASE STUDIES
Trust in Balance
When Jim Wilder approaches a fountain project, his knowledge of basic hydraulics tells him to rely on balance and lay out his systems accordingly. But he also knows how difficult it can be to resist a bit of performance-ensuring overkill — even when he knows better. [more]
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ESSENTIAL
Primitive Modern
Sculptor and landscape artist Roger Hopkins has spent a career playing with rocks. From investigations of the stone-working techniques of ancient Egyptians and Druids to pursuit of his own brand of primal stone sculpture, he approaches life with an exuberance, determination and wit that are evident in everything he does. Here, in words and pictures, Hopkins takes us behind the scenes for a look at his work in a genre he calls “primitive modern.”
This article, originally published in June 2006, has been digitized for all readers. Click here to see the full text and enlarge the images to study the craftsmanship in detail.
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TRAVELOGUE
Wright’s Triangle
Of all the structures at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West, the triangular pool may be the most iconic. But the watershape hadn’t been touched since the 1960s, notes Thomas Lopez, who was called in to bring it up to date for anyone inclined to visit the celebrated campus. [more]
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WATERSHAPES WORLD
Water Dynamics
A gentle spring rain set Jim McCloskey to thinking not only about California’s drought and the scarcity of water, but also of the function of watershapes as parts of daily life — and key reminders of water’s preciousness as well as its enduring social and cultural significance. [more]
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WE BROWSE SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO . . .
Oddly Compelling Dept.: Strangely watchable new sporting event dubbed ‘a tug of war on water.’ [more]
I guess it’s preferable to being pulled into a mud pit.
Overbearing Guests Dept.: A parade of pachyderms drains the pool at an African resort. [more]
At least they decided against taking a full dip.
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WATERSHAPES CLASSIC
Permeating Issues
Five years ago, Bruce Zaretsky wrote about the importance of putting a major innovation to work in landscape projects of all sorts. Are you on the same wavelength? [more]
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Granite Fire Pits from Grand Effects
Grand Effects (Irvine, CA) has added granite fire pits to its list of products. Kits are available in three configurations (round, square or linear) to meet a range of design requirements and include sets of pre-cut granite stones. They can be set up for use with any burner — the company’s or another supplier’s — or as wood-burning features. For details, click here. Pure Start Pre-Filters Available from Pleatco
Pleatco (Glen Cove, NY) has introduced PureStart Pre-Filters, a product line engineered to overcome the problems associated with using tap, ground and well water to fill and top off pools and spas. Made using a melt-spun filtration technology, the cartridge attaches to a garden hose to capture dirt and mineral particles before they reach a spa or pool. For details, click here.
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THE AQUATIC QUIZ
Not an Illusion: Famed Magician’s
Pool Floods New York Building
Many water-related stories have been in the news of late — including reports connected to the three questions below.
1. The rooftop swimming pool above master illusionist David Copperfield’s four-story Manhattan penthouse recently overflowed and flooded much of the luxury building below. The mishap, says gossip.com, reportedly was caused by a malfunctioning pump. In addition to Copperfield’s four floors, residences on how many of the building’s other floors were damaged?
| a. More than 10 |
b. More than 20 |
c. More than 30 |
d. More than 40 |
2. Twerking singing star (or singing twerking star) Miley Cyrus was photographed with BFF (or maybe more) Cheyne Thomas while the two cuddled on a large blow-up aquatic creature floating in a swimming pool. What animal, according to mirror.co.uk, hosted the cuddle fest?
| a. Whale |
b. Duck |
c. Frog |
d. Flamingo |
3. A news item on 11alive.com indicates that a 17-year-old female was bitten by an alligator recently while she and (apparently) the reptile were swimming in a retention pond just outside a Florida city. Which city?
| a. Tampa |
b. Fort Lauderdale |
c. Miami Beach |
d. Talahassee |
To find out how many you got right, click here.“
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