Saint Nubes
Architecture competition
Brno, Czechia, 2021
in collaboration with:
designer Josef Rozehnal (NAHAKU) and architect Jiří Vala
Annotation
Dominican Square is characterised by its pronounced slope creating an almost amphitheatrical atmosphere. Three important visual and pedestrian axes run through the centre of the square. The character of the square is strongly symmetrical and its surrounding buildings define a precisely delimited utilitarian space. Our proposed water feature is a well-defined circle in plan. However, this circle responds in space to the terrain of the square and touches it at three points. This creates 3 silver gates floating above the square.
The silver curve is set on a heavy granite base from which the spring of urban life springs at the top. The flowing river, so rare in arid summer Brno, beckons the traveller to wet his feet. The metal curve itself is a source of water in various forms. The gates on the axes alternately open and close with columns of falling water. They thus define an inner space from which one can view the square through a wall of water, shrouded in refracted light. In the hot summer, the whole curve can be shrouded in a veil of mist. At the same time, thanks to the surface tension of the water, it is able to wrap itself in flowing water, cooling the space around it. The curve itself becomes almost invisible with its mirror-like surface.
Idea
The priority and goal of our proposed object is to maximize the utility of Dominican Square. The water feature is also a seating element, complementing the capacity insufficient stone blocks in the centre of the square. Our proposed water feature offers people in the city physical contact with water in its various forms. The proposed feature supports and enhances the various modes of urban enjoyment and elevates the space to a more user-friendly environment. Through the Lenard effect, the air in the plaza space is ionised, creating a pleasant microclimate. On sultry summer days, the curve can thus become enveloped in a cloud of water mist and, together with the refraction of the sun's rays into the colour spectrum, brings a pleasant cooling of the air.
The proposed object is not just an artistic installation, but becomes an integral part of the square that enriches its functionality and attracts visitors and residents of Brno. The element is viable in all seasons, including winter, when it offers a place to sit and visually complements the space of the square. The silver curve lines the compositional axes of the square with its body and allows for natural passage. The amorphous curve also defines an interior space that is able to close itself off to the outside world with a stream of falling water, creating a cool shelter for a fraction of a moment in the middle of the bustling city.
Materials
The materials used are loosely related to the surroundings of the water feature. The stainless steel pipe curve reflects its surroundings and partly blends in. Its surface will be chrome plated for an overall smooth appearance. The gutter is made of high quality sandstone, similar in shade to the existing stone blocks under the plane trees. These blocks are being moved under the trees so that the visitor sits naturally in the direction of the slope. The stone trough will be treated with a hydrophobic finish. The top half of the inner surface is made of the same paving blocks as the surrounding area, becoming part of it.
The gutter serves to drain all the water around the perimeter of the water feature and is itself an interactive element of the design - a river with which Brno has lost its natural contact. The diameter of the entire work is 8.3 metres. The size is defined as a circle inscribed in an inner square formed by the existing trees. It is made up of stone sandstone blocks, precisely machined into a smooth curve using CNC technology. The entire gutter is in the natural gradient of the surrounding terrain and its upper half is embedded in the ground. This allows the water flowing out of the Curve to drain naturally, while creating a "river" that flows down the chute to its lowest point. At this point, the flume rises to create a pool of standing water that allows for another means of interaction.
The curve is designed as a 300 mm diameter stainless steel pipe with a chrome finish. It can be switched off at three points to a height of 2.8 - 3.4 metres and thus offers a comfortable passage. The pipe is made of individual bent segments which are welded together to form a continuous smooth surface. Thanks to its bending, it is in contact with the ground at three points, which allows for a sufficiently stable foundation. The pipe itself is the carrier for the internal water technology - a set of several water circuits with different types of nozzles (see functional diagrams). The connection to the technology in the shaft is at the contact points where the pipe is routed below ground level.
Types of water systems
01 fogging
High pressure mist type nozzle. These nozzles are located around the entire inner circumference of the Curve. They operate at high pressures of up to 80 bar, creating a very fine water mist. This system is complemented by a high-pressure pump with a nanometer.
Operating pressure - 70-80 bar
Water consumption - 49-89 ml/min
02 trickling
Low pressure discharge valves are located at the three highest points of the Curve. By switching on this circuit, water starts to flow directly over the surface of the curve due to the surface tension. The trickling water cools the surrounding air and creates additional opportunity for water contact without operational water loss.
Low pressure discharge valves are located at the three highest points of the Curve. By switching on this circuit, water starts to flow directly over the surface of the curve due to the surface tension. The trickling water cools the surrounding air and creates additional opportunity for water contact without operational water loss.
03 rain
Low pressure spray nozzles are located where the curve rises from the ground. Water flows out of them to create a rain and water wall effect. When the water wall is switched on, an inner space is sensationally created in the middle of the fountain, accessible only through the water screen.
Low pressure spray nozzles are located where the curve rises from the ground. Water flows out of them to create a rain and water wall effect. When the water wall is switched on, an inner space is sensationally created in the middle of the fountain, accessible only through the water screen.
04 river
The trough itself acts as a river that brings the water down to the lowest point of the fountain. To enhance this river effect, we added an overflow spillway at the top of the trough. This way, this method of operation can work independently of the others.
The trough itself acts as a river that brings the water down to the lowest point of the fountain. To enhance this river effect, we added an overflow spillway at the top of the trough. This way, this method of operation can work independently of the others.
Thank you!
