Architecture and site placement

Architecture and site placement

Coordination of water, architecture, movement and presence of people

A fountain becomes a permanent part of the city when it finds its right place in the public space. The quality of the nozzle, the height of the fountain and the beauty of the lighting are important; But people's experience depends on a series of factors: where the fountain is seen from, how to approach it, where to sit, and what space is left to pass during the performance.

In the previous discussions, the preliminary studies and description of the project's needs were reviewed. This chapter translates identified needs into spatial decisions; From choosing the location of the fountain and determining its scale to the design of the edge of the pond, the movement routes, the viewing area and access to the facilities.

17–1. The role of the fountain in the composition of architecture

Before drawing the shape of the pond, the role of the fountain in the space should be clarified. A fountain may be the focal point of a square, reinforce the entrance to a complex, create a boundary between two different spaces, or provide a peaceful place to sit.

These roles lead to different designs. A fountain that is supposed to be seen from a distance needs a readable volumetric composition; A fountain next to a seating area is judged more by its edge detail, water sound quality, and close-up experience.

To start the design, you can write the spatial goal in one sentence:

"The fountain should be recognizable from the main entrance, create a place to pause and keep the daily passage open."

This sentence is the criterion for evaluating architectural options. If a design is impressive but disrupts the main path, it has not yet fully answered the project's purpose.

17–2. The main placement patterns

The location of the fountain should be obtained from the actual structure of the site. Placement in the geometric center is only one of the options.

This table is a comparison framework; The final choice should be made based on the project conditions.

For example, in the forecourt of a shopping mall, a central fountain may obscure the entrance from some angles or interfere with the flow of entry and exit where visitors stop. Marginal placement can better maintain entrance visibility and gathering space on the same site.

Figure note from the source manuscript

Figure 1-17: Four schematic plans of a hypothetical plaza with central, peripheral, axial and linear placement of fountains. The crossing route should be marked with an arrow and the stopping place with colored spots. Suggested subtitle: "The location of the fountain changes the pattern of movement and pause in the public space."

17–3. Simultaneous design of three spatial layers

In order to coordinate architecture and engineering, it is suggested to review the plan in three layers:

• People's presence layer: passage way, viewing place, sitting, universal access and connection with surrounding activities.

• Water layer and display: basin or fountain level, position of nozzles, height and movement of water, range of spraying and lighting.

• Service and facilities layer: tank, pump, piping, panels, maintenance access and equipment replacement path.

This division is the suggested method of this book for design coordination.

In the introduction of GSO urban products, nozzles, pumps, lights, control equipment and fountain accessories are presented in different groups. This variety should be translated into the installation space and specific access for the selected equipment in the design. GSO urban fountain products and systems ^[98]

For example, placing a bench on the opening path of the equipment hatch is a conflict that is revealed by examining these three layers simultaneously.

17–4. The scale of the fountain and its fit with the surrounding space

The scale of the fountain is not defined only by the diameter of the pond or the height of the tallest fountain. The horizontal extent of the water, the distance of the audience, the height of the surrounding buildings and the amount of surrounding open space also affect its perception.

To check the scale, three situations should be drawn:

Quiet state: the least scheduled activity of the fountain; For example, limited functionality of multiple nozzles.

Demonstration status: the maximum height and range of motion predicted in the exploitation program.

Shutdown state: appearance of the pond, floor, equipment and architectural elements when work is stopped.

The fountain may look proportionate at the peak of the show, but for most of the day, it's a large pond with little activity. The design must be in harmony with the actual pattern of operation.

A fixed ratio between the height of the fountain and the diameter of the pond should not be prescribed for all projects. The range of receiving water depends on the type of nozzle, working conditions, direction of launch and wind; Visual fit also depends on the architectural context and viewing distance. These two issues should be considered separately and then coordinated.

17–5. View axes and fountain background

A favorable view from one point does not mean the proper quality of the whole plan. Important observation points should be specified in the architectural map; including entrances, approaches, seating areas and floors overlooking the fountain.

At each point it should be checked what the audience sees: the whole composition, part of the fountains, the water level or simply the tallest jet.

The background is also part of the design. Water movement does not have the same effect against a busy facade, bright sky or mass of vegetation. Therefore, visibility inspection should be done during the day and night and take into account commercial signs, facade lighting and seasonal changes in vegetation.

In the design next to the landmark building, the relationship between the fountain and the building should be clear: does the water play the role of framing the building, does it create a reflective surface, or is it the main element of the scene? The answer to this question will guide the height, density and location of the fountains.

17–6. Computational example: checking an obstacle in the line of sight

Simple cross section geometry can be used for initial assessment of visibility.

Suppose in an educational example:

• The height of the observer's eye from the base level is 1.20 meters.

• The desired point on the water composition is located at a height of 2.40 meters.

• The observer's horizontal distance to that point is 12 meters.

• An obstacle is located at a horizontal distance of 4 meters from the observer.

The height of the line of sight at the location of the obstacle is obtained from the following relationship:

$z(x)=z_e+\frac{z_t-z_e}{D}\times x$

In this regard, $z_e$ is the height of the eye, $z_t$ is the height of the target point, $D$ is the horizontal distance to the target and $x$ is the horizontal distance to the obstacle. All heights should be measured from a datum level.

By inserting:

$z(4)=1.20+\frac{2.40-1.20}{12}\times 4=1.60m$

Therefore, at this point:

• A 1.70m high opaque barrier blocks direct line of sight to the selected point.

• The barrier with a height of 1.40 meters is placed under this line of sight.

This calculation only checks visibility to a specific point. To evaluate the entire fountain, more points of composition, different observer positions and moving obstacles such as crowds should be examined. The eye height in this example is only an educational assumption and is not a substitute for accessible design criteria.

Figure note from the source manuscript

Figure 2-17: Line-of-sight example tutorial, including observer's eye, target point, distance 12 m, obstacle 4 m away, and calculated height 1.60 m. The two heights of the obstacle are displayed with dashed lines. Suggested caption: "Sectional line-of-sight control reveals conflict between seating, obstructions, and water composition."

17–7. Paths of movement and inclusive access

People enter the water fountain with different goals. Some stop to watch, some cross the field and some want to reach their destination without entering the wet area.

The design should support these choices. Even in a dry floor fountain, when the fountains are active, the entire surface cannot be assumed to be a dry passageway.

The accessible route must be connected to the main traffic network and reach suitable viewing and seating areas. The American Accessibility Council's guidelines also emphasize placing accessible trails along or adjacent to public trails. This guide is a comparative reference; Applicable requirements should be determined based on project site regulations. Guide to accessible routes ^[99]

Path width, slope, level change, floor details and circulation space should be specified in the maps. It is not enough to include the general phrase "suitable for people with disabilities" without implementation details.

Also, the water border, level difference and obstacles must be recognizable for users; The beauty of a solid surface should not destroy the legibility of the track.

17–8. Placement of spectators and crowd management

In dramatic fountains, the gathering place of the audience is part of the architectural design. It should be clear where people will wait before the show starts, how they will settle down during the performance, and what routes they will leave after the show is over.

Three areas should be legible in the plan:

1. Watch and stop range; 2. continuous passage; 3. Range of receiving water and possible splashing.

The border of these areas does not always need a fence or a wall; Furniture arrangement, controlled change of materials and space organization can also define them.

The viewing area should not occupy the entrance of the building, the exit route or the access of essential services. The capacity of the population is not determined by the empty area alone; Exit geometry, bottlenecks, event type and related criteria should be reviewed.

For the fountain adjacent to the rider, the driver's view, the pedestrian crossing and the possibility of gathering near the vehicle path should also be checked in the location.

17–9. Sitting, shade and quality of stay

The right bench should match the expected experience. A chair facing a view, a bench by the river, and a sitting area for conversation have different needs.

For the seating arrangement, these issues should be considered:

• Visibility to the water from a sitting position;

• The possibility of getting wet in defined operating conditions;

• Shade and sun in the hours of use;

• The possibility of companions sitting next to each other and predicting a place for a wheelchair among the seating areas;

• Distance from the passageway and service equipment.

The edge of the pond should be considered as a seating area only when its height, width, section shape and details are designed for this purpose.

Also, a bench row with a fixed direction is not responsive to all users. A combination of near and far, sunny and shady, water-facing or conversational positions creates more choice.

17–10. Pool geometry and edge detail

The shape of the pond should be in harmony with the composition of the water and the way of using the space. A circular pond can create a peripheral composition; The elongated basin emphasizes the extension; Free form may also be coordinated with the landscape structure.

But every geometry should be checked for construction, cleanliness and accessibility. Narrow recesses or multiple corners can make sealing, dirt collection, and equipment access difficult.

Pond edge design should address at least the following:

• water level relative to the surrounding floor;

• Edge shape and finish;

• location and details of overflow;

• Connecting the final cover to the sealing system;

• movement joints and pipe crossing points;

• Border detection and access control method, suitable for the user.

Shallow depth alone does not prove safety or admissibility. If the contact and entry of people to the water is part of the use, the design should be coordinated with its requirements from the beginning.

17–11. Flooring, drainage and coordination with equipment

In a dry floor fountain, floor construction is both the surface of people's movement and a part of the water receiving system. Therefore, the architectural plan should be coordinated with the location of nozzles, lights, valves and water collection paths.

A drawstring grid can help with visual order, but should not force equipment into an awkward position. On the other hand, the technical placement should also maintain the possibility of accurate implementation and replacement of floor parts.

Slope should be determined based on drainage plan and access requirements. Using a fixed percentage is not suitable for all fountains; The location of the water intake, the length of the flow path and the surface restrictions affect the decision.

In the specification of materials, wet conditions, cleaning method, surface durability and slip evaluation criteria should be clear. The trade name "anti-slip" alone is not enough technical specifications.

If the passage of service vehicles is anticipated, the load-carrying capacity of the floor, substructure, hatches and equipment compartment shall be designed for the relevant loads.

17–12. Connection with green space and buildings

Plants can create backgrounds, shadows, and borders; But their placement should be compatible with the function of the fountain.

The size of the plant is not enough at the time of planting. The crown and roots of the tree during the growth period, leaf and fruit fall, access for pruning and the connection of irrigation with the area of ​​the fountain should be checked. A tree may not be an obstacle at first, but after a few years it may limit the main view or service access.

Next to the building, the possible path of spraying, details of connection to the facade, sealing and maintenance access should be checked. Proximity to an entrance, window, seating or building equipment is not a purely visual decision.

Figure note from the source manuscript

Figure 3–17: A day photo from the company's archives showing the fountain, passageway, seating area, and green space in one frame. Choose an image that makes the relationship between the components clear. Suggested subtitle: "The architectural quality of the fountain is formed in its relationship with the surrounding space." The name of the project and the role of the company should be included after matching with the records.

17–13. Shutdown design and maintenance access

The fountain is still part of the city during stop hours, maintenance or seasonal closures. Its muted appearance should be considered in the architectural design: how visible is the equipment, what is the quality of the pool, and which parts remain usable?

Stopping the fountains of a dry floor fountain also does not mean that the surface is immediately dry or that it is ready for any event; Floor condition and operating conditions must be controlled.

In the facilities sector, concealment of equipment should be accompanied by the possibility of repair. For pumps, filters, boards and replaceable parts, only the installation space is not enough; An exit route, work space and the possibility of moving are also necessary.

It should be clear on the map how the hatch will be opened, what area will be closed during the repair, and what route the equipment will exit. Anticipation of these cases prevents the subsequent movement of furniture or damage to the floor.

17–14. Architectural example: Park Norman B. Leventhal in Boston

In the introduction of Norman B. Park. In Boston's Post Office Square, the American Society of Landscape Architects' Luenthal notes the connection of design axes with surrounding buildings, entrance views, seating diversity, and sunny and shaded spaces. Howard Bentre's sculptural fountain is also at ground level, with water channeling through the floor into hidden collection channels. Introducing the project at ASLA Awards ^[100]

The design of this book from this example is the importance of harmonizing the fountain with the entire public space. Water, path, shade and sitting together create the experience of place.

For urban projects, the practical lesson is that the evaluation of the design should not be limited to the close-up view of the fountain; It is necessary to examine how people enter the space, where they stay and what kind of connection they establish with the surroundings.

17–15. Necessary documents to confirm the architectural design

Before entering into the detailed executive design, the following sets of documents must be coordinated with each other:

For sensitive details, prototyping can reduce design ambiguity; Such as a real part of the overflow edge, the connection of the nozzle to the floor or the combination of water and light. Crystal Fountains company, in the description of its design services, proposes physical simulation and prototyping a step to investigate the effects of water and light. Crystal Fountains design and prototyping approach ^[101]

Figure note from the source manuscript

Figure 4-17: A comparison sheet including a plan, section, and eye-level image of a single design. The water range, passage and service access should be specified in all three images with a fixed color. Suggested subtitle: "Coordination of the plan, section and real experience of the audience is the foundation of the stabilization of the architectural plan." If a hypothetical plan is used, the title "educational schematic" should be inserted.

The architectural plan is ready to proceed when the location of the fountain, the experience of the audience and the space required for the equipment are specified in the coordinated documents. In Chapter 18, fountain lighting is explored; From the relationship of light with the shape and movement of water to the placement of lights, glare control and coordination with the ambient lighting.