Urban square fountain case study

Urban square fountain case study

Examining the rhythmic fountain of Mahamieh Square in Basra and comparing it with the fountain of Arsenal Square in Kyiv

43–1. introduction; The location of the fountain in the sight of the square

The city square is one of the places where the image of the city is formed in people's minds. The paths of movement, surrounding buildings, green space, lighting and key elements of the square together give it an identity. The fountain can create a visual focal point in this complex and change the effect of the square at different times of the day with the movement of water and light changes.

However, the design of the square's fountain should start from knowing the function of the square. In a square with traffic, a large part of the audience sees the fountain as they pass by; In a pedestrian plaza, people may stop to watch, rest, or participate in events. This difference affects the height and shape of the water, the speed of change of effects, lighting, access and exploitation schedule.

In this chapter, the rhythmic fountain project of Mahmeh Square in Basra, among the examples introduced on the GSO website, is the basis of the review. To complete the comparative look, the Arsenal Stadium fountain in Kyiv is also examined.

Basra project information is limited in public sources; Therefore, the introduction of recorded specifications is separated from the engineering analysis and recommendations of this chapter.

43–2. Introduction of the main sample; The rhythmic fountain of Mohamieh Square in Basra

In the list of GSO projects, this project is introduced under the title "Rhythmic urban fountain of Mohamieh square in Basra". The published description refers to a fountain ring with a "jelly" effect and a smaller ring inside. This composition is chosen according to the request of the employer and is performed rhythmically. Introducing GSO urban fountain projects ^[289]

The official name of the field, the year of implementation, the legal identity of the employer, the dimensions of the pond, the number of nozzles, the power of the equipment and the control specifications must be extracted from the company's executive file for the final identification of the book. The term "jelly" is also a published description of the effect and does not alone determine the nozzle model or its hydraulic characteristics. Basra project page on GSO website ^[290]

Figure note from the source manuscript

Figure 43-1: General view of Basra project

Choose a real image from the company's archive that shows the fountain, the area of the square and part of the surrounding environment at the same time. The subtitle should include the official name of the project, the city and the year of the photo registration.

43–3. analysis of the composition of two rings; Visual coherence in several ways

The combination of two nested rings is the main topic that can be analyzed in this project. In terms of design, such an arrangement allows for the creation of a central and coherent form that can be seen from several directions.

In a linear fountain, one or more viewing directions may be more important; But in circular combination, the quality of the image can be checked from the surroundings. Of course, the symmetry of the map alone does not mean the same viewing experience. The height difference of the land, trees, cars, furniture and surrounding buildings can cover a part of the fountain.

In the analysis of a two-color design, three issues are important:

• Suitability of two rims: the inner rim should be recognizable in the overall image and not fade behind the outer effect.

• Readability of movement: rhythmic changes should help to form a comprehensible composition.

• The quality of the form in the low-height mode: the fountain should have a good appearance in the quieter programs as well.

If there are independent controllable circuits, it is possible to program the alternation between the two rings, the gradual increase in the intensity of the effect and their coordinated movement. These items are the design capacities of such an arrangement; The actual program executed in Basra should be extracted from the display video or the control program file.

43–4. The first design decision; Traffic square or pedestrian square?

The access status of Basra project cannot be determined from the title "Midan". For executive analysis, location map and movement routes around it are necessary.

The difference between the two main situations is as follows:

FHWA guidance on traffic plazas emphasizes that center island elements should accommodate visibility requirements and not encourage people to cross the traffic lane for a closer view. In the case of the fountain, it is also important to be able to watch from the surroundings. This guide is an external design reference; The applicable regulations of the project site and the opinion of the traffic designer will be the basis of the final decision. FHWA Traffic Field Manual, Landscape Design Chapter ^[291]

Therefore, increasing the attractiveness of a field fountain should be accompanied by determining a safe place to view it.

43–5. hydraulic inspection; A ring shape alone is not enough

The regular appearance of the fountain is the result of the coordination of nozzles, pressure, flow rate, installation level and water distribution. Even in a perfectly symmetrical arrangement, improper choice of feed path or misalignment of nozzles can cause unevenness.

To analyze the circuit of each ring, it must first be determined:

1. What is the number and model of nozzles?

2. What flow rate does each nozzle need at the desired working pressure?

3. Is the ring fed from one point or several points?

4. Which effects are active at the same time?

5. Rhythm control is done by changing pump speed, control valves or a combination of equipment?

The required flow rate of a ring in the mode of simultaneous operation of the nozzles is equal to the sum of their flow rates:

$Q_{ring}={\sum }_{i=1}^n{q}_i$

If the nozzles are identical and operate at the same operating point:

$Q_{ring}=nq$

This relationship determines the discharge; In addition to the flow rate, the selection of the pump also depends on the necessary head in the nozzle, height difference and path drop.

Also, the presence of two rings does not necessarily mean the presence of two pumps. The number of pumps and how to separate the circuits should be determined from the actual system map. In the final case study, including a simple map of the water circuit will have more educational value than listing the equipment names without explaining their connection.

Figure note from the source manuscript

Figure 43-2: Map of the arrangement and circuit of water

Include the actual project plan, showing the rims, feed points, nozzles and service access route. If only an instructional figure is prepared, the caption should clearly read “Instructional schematic; It lacks implementation dimensions.

43–6. wind and spray range; The true measure of proper height

The appropriate height of the fountain should be in harmony with the water collection area and wind conditions. A height that has a favorable effect in calm weather may cause water to escape from the pond when the wind is blowing.

For field fountains, splash checks should be done in relation to these points:

• The edge of the pond and the surrounding green space;

• Pedestrian passage;

• Riders and car stops;

• Signs, lighting equipment and service entrances.

Commercial examples of wind-dependent control also exist. For example, OASE introduces a system that uses an anemometer to change or stop the height of a fountain in several steps. This feature is an example of an existing technical solution and its installation in the Basra project has not been verified from public information. OASE anemometer and wind control system ^[292]

For a two-ring design, the proposed operation schedule can be considered in three situations:

The boundary of changing these conditions should be determined by field testing. A constant wind speed cannot be prescribed for all projects regardless of nozzle type, wind direction and pond geometry.

43–7. lighting; Readability of water and harmony with the environment

In the night survey of the square fountain, the brightness of the water is not the only criterion. Its ratio should be evaluated with the lighting of roads, buildings, signs and green spaces.

For the two-ring arrangement, the design proposal is that each ring can be recognized in the night image, but the total lights do not disturb the water form. If the equipment has separate controls, a slight difference in color or brightness can help separate the layers.

Evaluation should be done from actual points of observation; A close-up shot from the side of the pond does not show the driver's or passerby's view.

In an area with traffic, the lighting plan should be reviewed with the lighting and traffic designer. In the pedestrian square, the quality of the light in the seating area, the passageway, and the faces of people are also important. If the conditions of the place are approved, it is better to separate the event schedule from the normal daily schedule.

43–8. Access, maintenance and coordination of technical disciplines

For the urban operator, the important question is how the equipment is serviced with acceptable time and cost.

In reviewing a project such as Basra, the executive file must show:

• From what path are the nozzles and lights accessible;

• What arrangements are there to remove the pump or heavy equipment;

• How to empty the pond and wash it;

• In what position are the panels and connections placed;

• How the repair operation is separated from the presence of people or vehicle movement.

Architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical drawings must be coordinated with each other at the passage of pipes and cables, valves, sealing, and equipment installation points. Sealing tests and buried facilities should also be documented before covering routes.

For the electrical sector, it is not enough to simply include the protection level of the lamp or sign; The delivery file should include the electrical protection documents, bonding, grounding and test results according to the project criteria.

These items are the framework of the proposed technical review and are not meant to report the implementation of specific details in the Basra project.

43–9. Water quality and assignment of people's contact

The water source, make-up water quality, ingress of dust and organic matter, and the way the fountain is used should be considered in the maintenance plan. The choice of materials and treatment method also depends on the water test and actual operating conditions.

In an accessible plaza, it should be clear whether the fountain is designed for viewing or for people to enter and play.

The CDC explains that a decorative water feature may be mistaken for a water play area. If people enter it, it should be managed according to the use of the water game or prevented from entering. This distinction is especially important when comparing a show fountain and a dry floor fountain. CDC guide on the use of water playgrounds ^[293]

Reducing the height of the fountain alone does not transform a decorative fountain into a suitable space for children to play.

43–10. comparative sample; Arsenal square fountain in Kyiv

OASE has presented the "A-Station" project at Arsenal Square in Kyiv as an example of a dry floor fountain in a public square. The project was completed in 2021 and was related to the redesign of the square and the renovation of the surrounding historical buildings.

According to the company, VarioJet nozzles and Varionaut pumps are used to create variable water patterns. In addition to musical performances, the project has smaller effects for children's interaction in between performances. The dimensions of the pond are listed in the project certificate as 10 x 16 meters. This information is related to the introduction of the project at the time of completion. Arsenal field case study on OASE website ^[294]

The design lesson of this example is the necessity of defining the way people use the square before choosing the equipment. A fountain, which is a part of the atmosphere of people's presence and interaction, has different requirements from a remote display element.

Comparing this sample with Basra's two-tone combination does not show the superiority of one form over the other; It indicates that the choice of form, control and facilities should follow the function of the place.

43–11. How to measure the success of the Maidan fountain?

The opening photo is part of the project documentation; But it is not enough to evaluate performance. It is suggested that the success of Maidan Fountain be recorded in three areas:

For example, the ratio of realization of planned working hours can be calculated as follows:

$A=\frac{T_{actual}}{T_{scheduled}}\times 100$

where $T_{actual}$ is the actual working hours and $T_{scheduled}$ is the planned working hours in the same period. Stoppage due to wind, repair and management decision should be recorded separately so that the reason for the reduction of this ratio is clear.

Claims such as the increase of tourists, the growth of sales of surrounding businesses or the transformation of the square into a symbol of the city also require independent evidence. For the Basra project, the reviewed public source does not provide such quantitative results.

43–12. Required documents to complete the printed case study

To turn the public introduction of the Basra project into a reference file, the following documents from the company's archive should be placed next to the text:

Equipment specifications must be extracted from the final installation documents; The initial proposal or pre-invoice may differ from what is actually executed.

43–13. Season pictures program

Figure note from the source manuscript

Figure 3–43: Pre-run view

A photo of the area of the square before the construction or renovation of the water fountain. For a valid comparison, the angle of the image after execution should be as similar as possible.

Figure note from the source manuscript

Figure 43-4: Installation steps of two rims

A clear view of the arrangement of pipes, bases and nozzles, with an explanation of the execution stage and the date of registration.

Figure note from the source manuscript

Figure 5–43: Daily performance in several directions

A series of images of the main observation points to show the relationship between the fountain and the environment.

Figure note from the source manuscript

Figure 6–43: Night performance

An image with exposure close to the real eye experience; Both the water form and the urban context are recognizable.

Figure note from the source manuscript

Figure 7–43: Service access

A view of the accessible service path, valve or equipment, with an explanation of the function.

Figure note from the source manuscript

Figure 8–43: Comparative example of Arsenal Stadium

Image licensed for publication, with the name of the project and the credit of the photographer or owner of the work.

For this season, actual project photos are prioritized. AI-generated images can only be used with a clear "concept image" label to explain an idea and should not replace proof of project execution.

43–14. Transferable lessons to other projects

The Basra sample provides a basis for investigating the capacity of cyclic composition in Maidan fountain. Its educational value is complete when the final form is linked to the water circuit, control program and operating experience.

For municipalities and designers, the decisive decisions are:

1. Determining the role of the field and the way of observing the fountain.

2. Determining people's relationship with water; Watch or interact.

3. Choosing a form suitable for viewing points and spraying limits.

4. Coordination of light and water movement with surrounding conditions.

5. Predicting repair access and maintenance budget.

6. Record actual performance after delivery.

The fountain in the square must be included in the daily use of the city: it can be seen from the right path, it can be controlled in environmental conditions, and it must be well maintained with user facilities. This link between design and operation is the basis of its sustainability in the city.