Commentaries, Interviews & Profiles
The introduction of Portland Limestone Cement (PLC) is intended to dramatically reduce the carbon footprint of concrete production. That good intention may, however, come with unintended consequences, says plaster expert and educator, Jon Temple.
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While watershaping is very much about adding fun, health and beauty to our lives, it’s impact on society is far more all-encompassing. The control, treatment and distribution of water is arguably the true yard stick of civilization, one of the main ingredients in human existence.
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With the introduction of its SplashValve, manufacturer SplashBotix believes the device has the potential to revolutionize the way show fountains and interactive water features are designed. In this Q&A discussion, Ronn Garland, the company’s program director and the valve’s creator, explains how it works.
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The nature of concrete-based materials dictates the risk of contact with acidic solutions. In this “white paper” on the subject, industry educators, Paolo Benedetti and Jon Temple offer a bold reasoning for turning away from long-practices that expose plaster to acidic water.
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The world of landscape architecture is very different from that of the pool designer/builder. Although the two disciplines share many common aspects and objectives, the approach to the process can be very, very different. Designer Scott Pancake has worked on both sides of the equation and has come to value the possibilities of combining both worlds.
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Caring for pool water is a sacred trust, says Steve Kenny, a task that exists to ensure the health and safety of anyone and everyone who takes a dip. That’s why he believes it’s time for a new professional designation for those who apply artisan care to their clients water, the Water-Quality Manager.
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For Joan Roca, coming to America from Central America was the result of professional evolution and a process of personal growth, all of which led him to a new home in Florida, and a much bigger and more demanding watershape market. As a watershape designer, he explains, the U.S. offered the best opportunity to pursue his highest creative ambitions.
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The lives of beach bums, surfer girls and hodads everywhere have become less comfortable in recent years, observes Eric Herman. In fact, the summer of 2023 might stand as the most unpleasant beach season ever, and one that sadly concluded with the passing of summer's high priest, Jimmy Buffett.
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Time spent in the company of natural waters can become an obsession, and those experiences can fuel the creative spirit with inspiration and endless “design” ideas. Here Eric Herman recalls a day trip to a place in Oregon that stands as a perfect example of the serendipity of days devoed to seeking hidden wonders.
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Mythic Beauty