ARTICLES Archives - Page 43 of 317

A Guy in a Pool

Sharing time in a pool has a way of carrying everyone involved to a relaxed state of mind that lets the rigors of daily life temporarily slip away. It's a sensation Eric Herman recently experienced with a group of friends, all of whom lead energetic, stressful lives.

Failures of Trust

Engineers carry an almost sacred trust, with watershapers relying on them to design structures and systems that are reliable, science-based and code-compliant. When that trust is broken, says Dave Peterson and Bill Drakeley, the consumer's investment is at risk -- as is the watershaper's reputation.

Adaptation, design flexibility, multi-functionality and an ability to vanish completely were all required in this masterful project engineered and designed by Daniel Netz. Here, he explains the ideas and processes that resulted in a waterfeature meant to be both iconic and completely retiring.

Circular Engagement

Designing fountain features requires understanding the needs of the space, the clients and how the technology meets those demands. The Atlantic Station Park Expansion Project in Atlanta is a classic example of that kind of design adaptation - especially considering the engineering methodology needed to bring complex water displays to life. When our company, Fountain Source, Sierra Madre, Calif., became involved, the property was

Detail: A770

While many construction details are forever hidden from view, notes Dave Peterson, others stand front and center. This waterwall treatment, for instance, is a prime example of a simple design idea that shapes the fluid characteristics of the feature while also keeping it from splashing into the surrounding area.

Fighting Dementia

As our population ages, concerns about preventing dementia are becoming more and more pronounced. Getting involved with water is one of the possibilities a group of researchers has identified as a way to push back the tide of this debilitating cluster of impairments and conditions.

Building the Ultimate Wave

Australia has long been known as a surfing mecca, boasting some of the world's most awesome breaks. Now, that reputation is moving inland, where the world's largest (and arguably its most innovative) wave pool is redefining how to catch and ride the waves.

Exploring History

At a time when in-person events are few and far between, WU recently presented a dynamic presentation about the history of water in architecture at historic sites near Pittsburgh, Pa., taking students on a fascinating journey through time and space.

Great work often takes time, says designer/builder, Kevin Cobabe. Case in point, the project pictured here was years in the making with all sorts of hurdles courtesy of the local building department and a tricky site. Through experience and education Cobabe was able to step up and solve the project’s many challenges.

Mastering the Long View

This story is an example of what can happen when preparation meets opportunity. It started way back in 2014, when the client first hired me to build an acrylic fountain at an office building she owns in the Los Angeles area. She liked the results and asked me get involved at her residence in Rolling Hills, an upscale enclave on the scenic Palos Verdes peninsula overlooking the ocean, where she had a pool that was experiencing

In Person and Beyond

The Wolfpack recently returned to in-person instruction with a successful essential builder program in September. WU is also continuing its robust online presence with courses that cover technology, design, business and architectural history.

The Consumer View

Dealing with watershaping professionals should be as trouble free as possible, but sometimes it's not. As Eric Herman argues, it's time for the industry to open its collective ears to the messages from consumers who have had both positive and negative experiences.