sequencing systems

Among the most intriguing watershapes that have ever been built are those designed to move water in sequence – spouts that dance to music, jets to tease playful children, streams that toll the hours. Making these effects work, says fountain designer and manufacturer Paul L’Heureux, takes skill in mechanical and hydraulic engineering as well as an advanced sensitivity to ‘liquid aesthetics.’ Here’s a look at what he means.

Dancing Water

In the ballet of sequenced water, you'll find a repertoire of effects for watershapes of all kinds. Like individual dance steps, these water effects can be beautiful on their own - or they can be used in combination with other effects to create elaborately choreographed shows that dazzle, delight and entertain. From simple to complex and from small to utterly huge, sequenced-water effects are truly amazing, and the nice thing is that they can be incorporated into all kinds of watershapes. We'll take a look at some of the possibilities here as a means of defining why you and your clients should think about incorporating the devices needed to make them work in your projects. There are practical issues, of course, so we'll also cover the process of designing for sequencing and the considerations involved in the creative effort, as well as discussing the ins and outs of programming and commissioning for sequenced watershapes. In an extensive sidebar, we'll also take a look at available technologies and their strengths and weaknesses. Before we get into