Fountain types and classification

Fountain types and classification

Knowing the form, function, equipment and main applications

6–1. Why is classification of fountain important?

In the introduction of fountains, titles such as classic, musical, dry floor, floating and interactive are used a lot. These terms do not all refer to the same aspect of the project: some describe the appearance, some the location of the equipment, and some the way people control or interact with the water.

For example, a fountain can be dry floor, musical and have an interactive program at the same time. Also, a floating system can have a fixed display or be synchronized with lights and music.

On the GSO website, urban projects are presented in musical, rhythmic, dry, floating and classical groups. These categories are useful for initial acquaintance; In this book, to describe each project more precisely, its characteristics are recorded in several independent axes. Source: Introduction of GSO urban fountains ^[29]

The framework of this chapter is a practical classification for the book. Its purpose is to help a clear dialogue between the employer, architect, engineer and operator; The brand name of the product and the technical specifications of the manufacturer should also be added to it at the stage of equipment selection.

6–2. Six axes to accurately introduce a fountain

For example, the phrase "musical fountain" does not give enough information about the pond, the type of contact of the people and the water circuit. The description "spectacular pool fountain, with recirculation and musical show" is clearer to start the design.

In the project documents, these general specifications will be recorded first, and then the capacities, equipment and performance criteria will be determined.

Figure note from the source manuscript

Figure 6-1: A page containing four fountains with different appearances; Under each image, the establishment form, control method and type of use should be written. It is preferable to use documentary images of GSO projects.

6–3. Fountain with pond and fountain

In the pond fountain, the water level and its receiving area are clearly present in the plan. Nozzles may be installed within the pond, on a structure, or in conjunction with an architectural element.

The pond can be circular, linear, geometric or free. Its shape should be coordinated with the arrangement of nozzles, water return path, spray range and access for maintenance.

The existence of the pool alone does not determine the type of display. A pool can host stationary fountains, rhythmic bands, moving nozzles, or musical performances. Its surface may also form part of the reflective effect of the project.

Considerable uses: squares, parks, entrances to complexes and areas with a specific space for viewing water.

The decisive issue in the design: the ratio between the shape of the pond, the water jet pattern and the position of the audience. The dimensions of the pond should not be chosen only from the architectural view and the spraying check should be postponed to the implementation stage.

6–4. Water fountain on dry floor or at the same level of the area

In this system, the water outlets are placed on the floor or near the level of the area, and the conventional outdoor pond is not seen in the display area. After landing, water is returned to the receiving section through the collection network and, in recirculation systems, returned to the circuit.

The title "dry floor" refers to this arrangement; The surface can be wet while working and its drying after stopping also depends on drainage and environmental conditions.

The tank and equipment may be placed under the premises or in a separate technical space. Therefore, a dry floor does not necessarily mean that there is an integrated tank under the entire surface.

This type of fountain provides the possibility of exploring the multi-purpose use of space; However, the ability to travel, the deployment of event equipment or the passage of vehicles must be foreseen in the design of the structure and the details of the floor.

Possible applications: Pedestrian squares, commercial centers and public spaces of parks.

Determining issue in design: water collection, maintenance access, floor load and explicit determination of the type of contact of users with water.

Figure note from the source manuscript

Figure 2-6: Comparison of the conceptual cross-section of a ponded fountain and a dry floor. Determine the collection route, tank and equipment location. Title: "Conceptual comparison; The final placement of the equipment is a function of the project design.

6–5. Rhythmic, musical and moving fountain

These three titles describe different characteristics of system behavior.

Rhythmic fountain: in the term of this book, it has programmed changes such as turning on and off groups, changing the height or sequence of movement; Accompanying music is not necessary for this naming.

Musical fountain: Changes in water and, if available, lighting and other effects are synchronized to music. Coordinating can be done through pre-designed display or audio response methods; Its type and quality should be specified in the service description.

Moving fountain: the direction or position of the water flow is changed by a moving mechanism. The presence of a moving nozzle alone does not mean that the system is musical.

In the introduction of OASE professional products, motion effects, controllable pumps and show programming are offered in specific sections; This separation shows the relationship between the equipment and the designable behavior of the system. Source: OASE, Fountain Technology ^[30]

Possible applications: exhibition grounds, tourist centers, parks and commercial complexes.

The determining issue in the design: the required control range, the response time of the equipment, the quality of the display program and the power of the user to maintain it.

Chapter 7 is dedicated to musical fountain and chapter 8 to rhythmic and control systems.

6–6. Interactive fountain and water play area

The word "interactive" in the introduction of projects has two common uses that should be clarified.

In the first application, the behavior of the system responds to the presence or action of the user; For example, moving your hand or pressing a button activates a program. This interaction can also occur without contact with water.

In the second application, it means a space where people enter the splash zone and play with water. Such a space may have an automatic program and no user-responsive sensors installed in it.

The CDC describes splash pad spaces as places that spray water on users and emphasizes that a decorative fountain should not be considered a suitable play space simply because of its appearance. This difference affects the design, water quality and operation. Source: CDC, Management of water play spaces and decorative fountains ^[31]

In this book, it is suggested to record two separate statements in the project specifications: "type of response to the user" and "type of allowed contact with water".

Considerable uses: family parks, playgrounds and experience-oriented spaces.

The defining issue in design: defining the actual use of people and coordinating equipment, drainage, water quality and monitoring with that use.

6–7. Floating fountain and fountain located in the water area

In the floating fountain, part of the equipment is located on the floating structure. This structure may be a compact set or a platform for several groups of nozzles. Pump, lighting and supply lines can have different arrangements depending on the design.

In introducing its floatation systems, OASE offers examples including a float, pump and replaceable nozzle. These are examples of possible arrangements and the specifications of each project must be determined separately. Source: OASE, Fountain Systems and Floating Fountains ^[32]

Not every fountain installed in the lake is floating; The equipment may be installed on a fixed base or a structure attached to the substrate. The term "lake" describes the location of the project and does not specify the method of deployment.

Also, display performance and aeration performance should be evaluated separately. Choosing a fountain to improve the quality of a water area requires a specialized investigation of the same goal.

Considerable applications: artificial lakes, large ponds and suitable water areas.

Determining issue in design: water level change, containment, wind and wave, cable and pipe route, water quality and accessibility for service.

6–8. Waterfall, stepped fountain, waterway and blue wall

This family mainly uses the movement of water along the surface or level difference.

Waterfall or waterfall: water falls from one edge to a lower level. The effect can be in the form of a continuous sheet, separate strands or an irregular flow.

Stepped fountain: water moves in several stages and between successive levels. The shape of the edges and the place where the water meets play a role in the resulting image and sound.

Waterway: Water flows in a defined path. This path can be straight, curved or combined and related to the organization of the area.

Water wall: Water moves on a vertical or inclined surface. The material and texture of the surface, water distribution and the possibility of cleaning are its main issues.

The brand name "Caskid" may also be used for a type of fountain nozzle. Therefore, it must be specified in the order whether it means a stepped fountain or a nozzle with this name.

Eligible applications: landscape, difference in level of the area, lobby and architectural walls.

Determining issues in design: uniformity of water distribution, downstream collection, splashing, noise and sediment effects on surfaces.

Figure note from the source manuscript

Figure 3-6: Four side-by-side images of an edge weir, a stepped water feature, a water channel, and a water wall. The direction of water movement should be indicated with simple signs.

6–9. Water curtain, digital curtain and blue screen for image display

The term "water curtain" may refer to different systems; Therefore, the expected effect and performance should be written in the project description.

Falling curtain: water falls from top to bottom in the form of sheets, strings or drops.

Digital or written curtain: water exit from a large number of points is controlled by timing to form a pattern, text or simple image in the drop.

Blue screen for the image: A blue surface is created with the appropriate arrangement to receive the image. This surface may be formed by air spraying or another method. OASE has an independent group called Water Screen for this equipment. Source: OASE, Water Screen Equipment ^[33]

A water feature whose nozzles are arranged on the ground in the form of letters or signs is different from a writing screen with variable content. These two should be introduced in the order documents with separate name and description.

Possible applications: entrance spaces, multimedia displays, events and projects with variable content.

Determining issue in design: distance and viewing angle, ambient light, wind, quality of water surface, access to overhead equipment and readability of content.

6–10. Laminar jet and jump jet

Laminar jet is used to create a smooth and consistent flow with a glass-like appearance. This flow can move in an arc between two points in space.

In the jumping jet effect, the flow is interrupted with timing so that the pieces of water can be seen separately from each other in the path. Combining multiple units can create dramatic sequences. Crystal Fountains also introduces laminars and jump jets in its family of related equipment. Source: Crystal Fountains, Laminars and Jump Jets ^[34]

These names basically refer to the type of effect and equipment; A project may use these effects alone or combine them with other fountains.

Applications to consider: architectural enclosures, gardens, entrances and controlled displays.

The determining issue in the design: flow quality, water purity, launch path, receiving location and stability of the effect in environmental conditions.

6–11. Fog and droplet effects

In fogging, the goal is to create a mass of very fine droplets to form the fog effect. The technology of creating these droplets can be different and should be determined in the technical specifications.

Visible fog is usually composed of tiny water droplets. Commercial use of titles such as "steam" should not cause confusion about the working method and temperature of the system.

In the introduction of Vapor Nozzle, OASE describes the creation of dense fog and its use in light effects; The capability of each product should be checked from the data of the same manufacturer. Source: OASE, Vapor Nozzle ^[35]

Possible applications: exhibition spaces, landscape and combination with light.

Determining issues in design: wind, humidity, water quality, the possibility of wetting the surfaces and the type of exposure of users. Ambient cooling claim also needs separate calculation and evaluation.

6–12. Water and fire fountain and multimedia shows

In the water and fire fountain, the water effect is coordinated with the flame system. This combination may be formed in a special equipment or in separate components.

Multimedia display has a wider scope and can include water, light, music, image and other effects in a common program. OASE also introduces water, fire, fog, and motion effects in separate groups of equipment. Source: OASE, a family of waterfall effects

Applications that can be investigated: exhibition and tourism complexes with suitable infrastructure.

Determining issue in design: coordination of systems, operating conditions, audience distance and safe stop logic. The details of water and fire are examined in its dedicated chapter.

6–13. Reflecting fountain, German and natural

Some fountains rely on the quality of the water surface or its connection with fixed elements.

Reflective fountain: A relatively calm surface to reflect architecture, sky or vegetation is part of the design intent. Circulation and purification can be done in such a way that surface disturbance is limited.

German or sculptural fountain: water is combined with a volumetric effect, structure or artistic element. The path of water should be in harmony with the material and concept of the work.

Natural fountain: the stone shape, fall and flow path are designed with inspiration from nature. The natural appearance does not change the need for engineering consideration of sealing, circulation and maintenance.

The words "classic" and "modern" also mostly refer to the design language. A classic fountain can have advanced control and a contemporary design may work with a static effect. Therefore, architectural style should not replace functional specifications.

6–14. Classification based on water circulation

For the design of the facility, the water path should be determined independently of the appearance of the fountain.

Recirculation: water is collected and returned to the system after necessary processes. Evaporation, spraying, washing and necessary discharges still require compensation water.

One-time pass: After passing through the effect once, the water goes to the designated outlet. The choice of this method depends on the source of water, the permission of consumption and discharge, and the conditions of the project.

Harvesting and returning to the water area: the system uses lake or pond water and returns the water to the same area. This arrangement is not the same as the controlled tank of an urban fountain.

CDC also distinguishes between single-pass and recirculation systems in introducing water play spaces. Source: CDC, Splash Pad Water Supply Structure ^[36]

In the recirculation system, the display circuit and the purification circuit may be separate. The circulation of water from the nozzles alone does not determine that proper purification is done.

6–15. Initial selection and registration of birth certificate type of water fountain

For the initial selection, it is suggested that the order of the decisions is as follows: the purpose of the project, the type of contact of the people, the conditions of the place, the form of establishment, the expected effect, the method of control and then the architecture of the facility.

The following three examples are hypothetical and show how several features are combined in one project:

For each project, the initial certificate must specify: installation location, form, effects, control method, type of use, water path, equipment location, environmental conditions and access method for maintenance.

On the GSO site, families such as classic, control, dry floor, laminar and jumping jet nozzles have been introduced. In the rest of the book, these similar international products and equipment will be reviewed based on performance and technical data; The family name alone is not sufficient to determine flow rate, pressure, height or operability. Source: GSO Urban Fountain Equipment Groups

Figure note from the source manuscript

Figure 4-6: Selected image table of GSO equipment, with product photo and effect photo side by side. The model and specifications of each product should be inserted after matching with the approved data sheet.

Chapter 7 is dedicated to the musical fountain: system components, show design, coordinating water and light with music, and turning the show idea into technical requirements.