Selecting a fountain for its application

Selecting a fountain for its application

Decision making framework for municipalities, business centers and tourism complexes

Choosing a fountain should start from the purpose of the project. A fountain suitable for a busy square is not necessarily suitable for a local park or the interior of a shopping center. Differences in audience, time of use, space limitations, and storage capacity can alter the choice.

In the previous chapters, the main families of Abenema were reviewed. In this chapter, this knowledge is transformed into a decision-making method: defining the need, examining the possibility of implementation, comparing the acceptable options and recording the reason for the choice.

The tables and scoring method of this chapter are the suggested framework of the book. Sample weights and scores are not technical standards or general ratings of fountain types.

14–1. Defining success before choosing a product

First, it should be determined what problem the fountain is supposed to solve or what quality it adds to the space.

Objectives such as "beautification" or "attracting tourists" are useful for starting a conversation, but not sufficient for selection. It is better to turn them into verifiable requirements.

For each project, it is better to set a main goal and several sub-goals. If all the demands are "first priority" at the same time, it will be difficult to compare the options.

Also, the increase in sales or tourism should not be concluded simply from choosing a type of fountain. These consequences depend on accessibility, quality of the whole space, implementation plan and other factors.

14–2. Choosing a fountain is not choosing a name

Titles such as "dry floor", "musical" and "interactive" refer to different dimensions. A project can be dry floor, musical and interactive at the same time.

Therefore, each option must be defined at least in these dimensions:

• Form of establishment: ponded, dry floor, floating or connected to the architecture;

• Display behavior: static, rhythmic, musical or interactive;

• Method of use: watching or direct contact with water;

• Type of water circulation and compensatory water supply;

• scale, working hours and level of equipment;

• Service method and operation manager.

In the category of GSO products, different families of nozzles, pumps, controls, lighting and fountain packages have been introduced. The final selection should turn these components into a coherent proposal for the given location. Source: GSO urban fountain products and projects ^[80]

14–3. Knowing the location and pattern of use

The site visit should be done before confirming the option. Architectural drawing alone does not show all operating conditions.

Important information includes people's movement path, stopping place, viewing angle, nearby activities, wind, sun, subsurface condition, water and electricity supply and possibility of repair access.

Time pattern is also important. A space that is heavily trafficked during the day and rarely used at night has a different need than a night tourism destination. For the business center, the hours of operation of units and events should be seen in the program.

In the design process of Crystal Fountains, the cooperation between architectural, landscape, fountain and implementation designers has been proposed, along with the review of project conditions and prototyping. Source: Crystal Fountains design process ^[81]

Figure note from the source manuscript

Figure 1–14: Plan of a sample project with crosswalks, breakpoints, principal sighting directions, potential splash area, and service access. Suggested subtitle: "Choosing a fountain begins with understanding the behavior of the space and users." The educational plan or actual project should be clearly defined.

14–4. Prerequisites not compensated for by points

Before scoring, the basic feasibility of each option should be checked.

If an option is not feasible in terms of structure, required water quality, service access, or applicable criteria, visual appeal cannot compensate for this deficiency.

The usual prerequisites are:

If the prerequisite is unclear, the option should be held for further consideration; Non-specificity should not be construed as an endorsement.

14–5. Basic guide for different users

The table below shows the options that can be checked and is not a substitute for a site assessment.

Username is just the starting point. Two business centers can have completely different choices due to the difference in space and operating model.

14–6. City square, park and public space

In the field with horse traffic, the observation location, the distance from the vehicle path and the access of the maintenance team are very important. Small details may not be legible from a distance; Therefore, the overall scale and composition should be checked.

In the pedestrian square, the relationship between the fountain and the movement of people and the possibility of using the surface becomes more important. Dry floor can be an option, subject to providing drainage, bearing and user management.

In the garden, a distinction must be made between the need to watch the water, quiet space and water play. The possible entry of children into an apparently accessible water feature should be factored into the decision.

The CDC guidance also emphasizes that a decorative water feature used for public recreation must be managed in accordance with that use or have access effectively restricted. Source: CDC water fountain operation guide ^[82]

14–7. Business centers and tourist complexes

In the commercial center, the fountain should be in harmony with the movement of the visitor and the activity of the units. The gathering of spectators should not obstruct the entrance, exit or access to the stores.

The choice should take into account the sound in the seating area, splashing on the showcases and furniture, cleaning time and the possibility of running the event. In the indoor space, checking the water quality and environmental conditions is also part of the selection.

In the tourism complex, the timed display can create a specific reason for the audience to stop; But it needs implementation plan, notification, appropriate content and repeatability.

For both users, the question is important: if the main display section is temporarily out of service, is the space still of acceptable quality?

The answer can affect the selection of simpler water and light modes, dividing the equipment into serviceable parts, and designing a muted facade.

14–8. Lakes and the goal of water quality

In watershed projects, it should first be clear whether the primary goal is to display or improve water conditions, or both.

A floating fountain can be a suitable option for some conditions, but its choice depends on the depth, level change, bed, wind and the possibility of harvesting for the service.

If aeration or water circulation is the goal, fountain shape and motor power alone are not sufficient criteria. The Otterbine selection guide also introduces the depth, shape of the area, location and history of water problems as factors to consider. Source: Otterbine system selection guide ^[83]

In the comparison of the options, the demonstration performance and the performance related to the water quality should be measured, each with its own criteria.

14–9. Water, energy and storage capacity

The type of water circulation should be checked at the same time as choosing the shape of the fountain.

In the circulation system, the consumption of fresh water is not equal to the flow through the nozzles; Compensation water depends on losses, discharge, washing and operating conditions. In the one-pass system, the flow volume is directly important in the consumption and management of the outgoing water.

Vortex also introduces circulation systems and systems with different water supply and management separately. The choice between them should be done with the infrastructure and criteria of the project. Source: Vortex Water Management Solutions ^[84]

The maintenance power must also be real. Questions like "Who detects the error?", "Where is the part sourced?" and "What part of the site will the repair close?" They should have answers before buying.

In operation and restoration services, OASE introduces periodic maintenance and renovation as part of maintaining the performance of the fountain. Source: OASE Maintenance and Reconstruction Service ^[85]

14–10. Lifetime cost comparison

The purchase price of the equipment is only a part of the project cost.

The comparison should include the cost of design, structure, facilities, installation, commissioning, training, energy, water, service and planned replacements. For a demo fountain, it can also cost money to produce and update content.

The review horizon and price assumptions should be the same for all options. An option that does not include some essential components in the price offer should not be considered cheaper.

The cost of difficult access should also be considered. Replacing an inexpensive part may require opening the floor, draining the pond, or stopping an important part of the yard.

In the formal evaluation, the method of calculating the time value of costs and economic assumptions should be specified by the relevant team. In the early stages, it is possible to reveal the difference between the options with similar estimates.

14–11. Suggested scoring method

After the options pass the prerequisites, weighted scoring can be used.

The suggested steps are:

1. Accurate definition of options; 2. Determining criteria related to the purpose of the project; 3. Determining the weight of the criteria before viewing the result; 4. Defining the meaning of points 1 to 5; 5. Scoring based on documents; 6. Checking the sensitivity of the result.

In this method, a score of 5 always indicates a more favorable situation. Therefore, for cost, the lower cost gets a higher score in equal terms.

If the sum of the weights is 100:

Final score = total weight of each criterion x option score in that criterion ÷ 5

Criteria should not unintentionally count the same issue multiple times. For example, "sustainability" can focus on dexterity, access, and stopping; The cost of human resources should be included in the life cycle cost criterion.

For unknown information, it is better to record the status of "needs review"; Giving an average score does not make up for the lack of information.

14–12. Educational example of choice for an urban space

Let's assume that a pedestrian area near the shopping center needs a fountain. It is important to keep more of the surface for events, but there is no requirement that the entire surface be free.

Three specific propositions are considered:

• Option A: compact pond fountain with simple control and lighting;

• Option B: rhythmic dry floor fountain, with a complete design in accordance with the anticipated contact of users;

• Option C: Musical pool fountain with timed shows.

It is assumed that all three options have passed the basic prerequisites. The following numbers are for educational purposes only and do not represent the general superiority of a fountain type.

In this hypothetical scenario, option B has a higher score. The main reason is the great importance of the flexibility of using the area; On the other hand, option A is more compatible with the existing maintenance capacity.

This result must be submitted along with the documentation of the scores. A final number without explanation does not make the decision defensible.

Figure note from the source manuscript

Figure 2–14: Three conceptual plans of a single enclosure with options A, B, and C, at the same scale and viewing angle. Suggested caption: "A fair comparison requires clearly defined options and scaled images." The images should be marked as "educational scenario".

14–13. sensitivity check; Is the choice sustainable?

A low score difference can indicate that the choice depends on preferences.

In the previous example, if the flexibility weight of the enclosure is reduced from 25 to 15 and the weight of fit with holding power is increased from 20 to 30, with other weights and scores held constant:

Now option A becomes first.

This change shows that the main difference is not just technical; The decision depends on the employer's preference between spatial flexibility and maintenance capacity.

A sensitivity analysis should examine actual and likely changes: current budget cuts, run hour restrictions, water cost increases, or the opening of a subsurface restriction.

If the result is unstable, more information should be collected or the range of options should be modified.

14–14. Prototyping and comparing contractors' proposals

Uncertain issues should be investigated with appropriate methods before making a definitive choice.

For water sounds, curtain continuity, splashes, or an interactive experience, the real sample can provide information that rendering alone cannot. Crystal Fountains also introduces physical prototyping and step-by-step review in the design development process. Source: prototyping in fountain design

Contractors' proposals should be compared based on a common requirement statement. The number of nozzles, pump power or the number of lights alone is not a criterion for the equality of two offers.

The comparison should specify what performance each proposal delivers, under what conditions, with what documents and services. Things like refinement, service access, demos, training, and components should be straightforward.

Figure note from the source manuscript

Figure 14–3: Photograph of a sample test or technical visit of an actual GSO project. Suggested subtitle: "Sampling and visitation reduce the ambiguities affecting selection before implementation." The type of test and the result should be entered only based on the documentation.

14–15. The employer's final decision sheet

The output of the selection stage should be recorded in a clear sheet:

If funds or facilities are insufficient, the scale or complexity of the project can be reduced. Eliminating essential components of maintenance, water quality or protection is not a good way to reduce costs.

A good choice is an option that meets the project's purpose in the actual conditions of the site and operational capacity. This selection should be attractive on opening day and remain usable for years to come.

In chapter 15, the influence of climate and environmental conditions on the design of the fountain is examined; From wind, evaporation and freezing to dust, radiation and seasonal operating schedule.