Travelogues & History

A Century of Reflections
Completed in 1923, the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is one of the truly iconic and most recognizable watershapes in the U.S. Serving as a visual centerpiece for the Mall in Washington D.C., the glassy expanse of water has undergone a major renovation, faced a number of ongoing maintenance challenges -- and been the site of numerous historic events. ...
Cascading Achievement
The elegant contemporary watershapes at the recently completed Apple Store in Abu Dhabi, UAE, stand among Crystal Fountains’ most sublime recent achievements, one in which they collaborated with an elite project team. Here’s a look at how the highly transparent process unfolded, both literally and figuratively. ...
Dreamscape in Blue
Crystal-clear waters, lush tropical forest and dramatic landforms conspire to create some of the most beautiful destinations on the planet. One example that has been capturing imaginations for centuries is nestled within soaring cliffs on a remote island in the Philippines. ...
Chlorine (a reactive history)
Swimming pools and chlorine have been synonymous for more than a century. Even today as alternative sanitizers and technologies designed to reduce, or some say eliminate, the use of chlorine, gain market share, products based on this most familiar element remain the workhorse of recreational water treatment. ...
Viva Versace!
The fabled Versace Mansion in Miami Beach is a place rich with history, luxury, style and even infamy. Now a boutique hotel, JC Escudero recently visited and photographed the historic property, taking a deep dive into the Versace legend, eclectic design tradition, and a rich taste of the good life. ...
Water Wheels of Life
The water wheels of Hama, Syria, are among the oldest, and widely considered most beautiful, existing devices of their kind. For nearly two millennium, the massive wheels have provided water to a barren land, supporting settlements and ultimately giving rise to civilization and culture. ...
Bedsheets of Dunes and Water
Sand, water, sky and the occasional patch of mangroves conspire to create one of the most breathtaking and unusual places in the Southern Hemisphere, along Brazil’s Atlantic coast – a place where water is shaped by the forces of wind and the earth below.  ...
Conservation by Example
Despite some of the driest weather on the planet, Israel has become a “water superpower.” The desert nation has for decades led the world in water conservation, infrastructure and resource development – lessons that could potentially have a significant impact in other drought-stricken regions. ...
Elevating Adventure
High in the Peruvian Andes lies Machu Picchu, one of the most remarkable historic sites in the Western Hemisphere. Attributed to the Incas, the complex of ruins is now a popular attraction for intrepid travelers, like Lea Frederick, who set out looking for adventure – as well as inspiration in her work as a watershape designer.   ...
Water’s Endless Beauty: an interview with artist April Waters
Inspiring artistic expression is one of the many ways that water impacts the human condition and experience. April Waters has mastered the art of painting aquatic scenes and has gained widespread acclaim for her work capturing the subtle beauty of nature. Her work and life experience are both testament to the beauty and power of natural waters.   ...