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• About the Instructor • About the Sponsor • Ask an Expert

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This Online Learning Seminar is available through a professional courtesy provided by:

Crystal Fountains60 Snow Boulevard Concord, ON L4K 4B3 Tel: 905-660-6674Fax: 905-660-6916Toll Free: 1-800-539-8858Email: [email protected]: www.crystalfountains.com

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©2016 Crystal Fountains. The material contained in this course was researched, assembled, and produced by Crystal Fountains and remains its property. Questions or concerns about the content of this course should be directed to the program instructor. This multimedia product is the copyright of AEC Daily.

SustainabilityWater Features & Sustainable Design: Balancing Captivation & Conservation

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Water Features & Sustainable Design: Balancing Captivation & Conservation

Crystal Fountains60 Snow Boulevard Concord, ON L4K 4B3

Water is not only a vital resource but an essential element of life that entertains, attracts, and soothes. It is also something that needs to be conserved and used with care. This course discusses how to balance the desire for water features in and around our buildings with the need to design sustainably. It will review energy, water, and space conservation techniques and illustrate them with case studies of water features from around the world.

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The American Institute of Architects · Course No. AEC925 · This program qualifies for 1.0 LU/HSW Hour.

AEC Daily Corporation is a Registered Provider with The American Institute of Architects Continuing Education Systems (AIA/CES). Credit(s) earned on completion of this program will be reported to AIA/CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request. This program is registered with AIA/CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product. Questions related to specific materials, methods, and services will be addressed at the conclusion of this presentation.

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AEC Daily Corporation has met the standards and requirements of the Registered

Continuing Education Program. Credit earned on completion of this program will be

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participant. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be

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Purpose and Learning Objectives

Purpose: Water is not only a vital resource but an essential element of life that entertains, attracts, and soothes. It is also something that needs to be conserved and used with care. This course discusses how to balance the desire for water features in and around our buildings with the need to design sustainably. It will review energy, water, and space conservation techniques and illustrate them with case studies of water features from around the world.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this program, participants will be able to:

• explain how an integrative process approach to water feature design can help meet sustainable design goals• describe the psychological benefits of being near water• discuss water conservation strategies involving common types of alternate source water options• summarize design considerations for optimizing water feature spaces, and• define the various energy-conserving technologies that are available, including smart controls, timer systems, and air-

driven fountain effects.






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How to Use This Online Learning Course

• To view this course, use the arrows at the bottom of each slide or the up and down arrow keys on your keyboard.

• To print or exit the course at any time, press the ESC key on your keyboard. This will minimize the full-screen presentation and display the menu bar.

• Some slides may contain video clips. To view these video clips, follow the instructions on individual slides.

• Within this course is an exam password that you will be required to enter in order to proceed with the online examination. Please be sure to remember or write down this exam password so that you have it available for the test.

• To receive a certificate indicating course completion, refer to the instructions at the end of the course.

• For additional information and post-seminar assistance, click on any of the logos and icons within a page or any of the links at the top of each page.






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Table of Contents

Introduction to Fountain Design 7

Water Conservation 20

Spatial Issues 36

Energy Consumption 43

Summary 53

White Square—Moscow, Russia






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Introduction to Fountain Design

Crown Fountain, Millennium Park—Chicago, Illinois






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Introduction

From a design standpoint, water is a resource we often use as a place-maker and an entertainer. It is a very unique and versatile substance that can be adapted in countless ways.

No design medium has as profound an effect on people as water does: it attracts them, it entertains them, and it soothes them. What water really brings to a space is enjoyment in many forms. Water is also one of the best design mediums to use for attracting people and drawing them into a space.

For proof of water’s power, one must simply observe a splash pad on a hot summer day.






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Water: What It Means to Us

Along with neuroscientists and marine biologists, Wallace J. Nichols has studied the effect water has on our mental health through both quantitative and qualitative research. His findings are outlined in his published work titled The Blue Mind. Nichols believes that we all have a “blue mind”—as he puts it, “a mildly meditative state characterized by calm, peacefulness, unity, and a sense of general happiness and satisfaction with life in the moment”—that is triggered when we’re in or near water.

Plovdiv Park—Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Nichols, Wallace J. The Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do. Back Bay Books. New York. 2015






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This state of mind rests largely on the assumption that watching water—whether a lake, ocean waves, or a fountain—allows our brains to relax while still operating in a form of “soft fascination.” That is, our brains are still consciously thinking, but we aren’t overwhelmed by an overload of incoming information, such as might be the case while watching a television show, or working on a computer.

The presence of water has been shown to reduce stress, increase feelings of tranquility, and lower heart rate and blood pressure. This is why water is a popular component in healing gardens and hospitals, as patients can use it to escape from the strain of treatment.






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In fact, hospital patients with a view to water in a green space have exhibited shorter recovery times and shorter hospital stays when compared to patients without views of nature.

Exposure to water in any form also leads to increased concentration and reduction of cognitive fatigue. This is a direct result of the influence of water’s status as a naturally fluctuating stimuli. This increased awareness is often accompanied by an increase in self-esteem and mood.

Water offers visual appeal and its auditory characteristics—such as the trickle of a stream or the flowing rush of a waterfall—have demonstrated the ability to reduce stress as well.

Schneider Healing Garden, Seidman Cancer Center—Cleveland, Ohio






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Hôtel de ville de Québec—Québec City, Québec

Architects and designers alike should seek to capitalize on the multi-sensory attributes of water in order to enhance the experience of a space in a manner that is soothing, prompts contemplation, enhances mood, and provides mental restoration.

Design considerations for optimizing the impacts of water within a space are as follows:

• Prioritize a multi-sensory water experience to achieve the most beneficial responses.

• Prioritize naturally fluctuating movement over predictable movement or stagnant water. Our brains are more interested by unpredictable natural motions like those in waves or campfires than by repetitive patterns.

• High volume, high turbulence water features could create discomfort depending on the setting. Evaluate the space available and its intended usage to help with appropriate effect selection.

• Consider transformational water effects that can evolve into different styles. Multiple modes can keep people engaged and provide an element of surprise.






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The Most Important Resource on Earth

Water is a resource with almost limitless functions, which are primarily associated with life and growth.

From that perspective, it is arguably the most important resource on the planet. It is a vital resource that needs to be conserved.

Edmonton Federal Building—Edmonton, Alberta






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Balancing Captivation & Conservation

The struggle between this desire to enthrall an audience and the urge to save water is a dilemma that designers are facing with increasing frequency.

Consequently, fountain manufacturers are now being asked to provide both of these elements in a single design.

Sustainability, in terms of water feature design, is all about finding the equilibrium between captivation and conservation.

Guthrie Green Park—Tulsa, Oklahoma






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Water Feature Incorporation: The Current Method

Tasked with incorporating a water feature into a project with sustainable goals, designers are immediately forced to make a timely decision. Namely, when should they start accounting for the water feature design?

Traditionally, a water feature is allocated to a project and then forgotten about. It is a blue splotch on a site plan, or a line item in a budget that everyone assumes will come to fruition at the opportune moment.

Unfortunately, this strategy can lead to unfavorable results. Once sustainable criteria are applied to a project, the proposed fountain is often cut because designers are not equipped to handle the sustainable concerns associated with the feature, such as water and energy conservation and space usage concerns. Therefore, a great idea is often left “on the table” and deemed unsustainable because of poor planning and time constraints.






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The water feature should be treated no differently than any of the other systems present on a sustainable project. Ideally, irrigation, ventilation, and electrical systems should be designed to work together with each other in order to achieve the best (greenest) results.

The fountain will also be less likely to be cut at a later date because it was designed as part of a comprehensive system rather than a lonely blue dot.

Integrative Process

Fortunately, this misstep can be corrected with a simple tweak to the design approach: start accounting for water features earlier in the planning process in conjunction with the design of the other project systems. This approach, referred to as Integrated Process Design, or a Holistic Design approach, helps ensure that all parts of the project can work together in order to meet the sustainable goals.

Guthrie Green Park—Tulsa, Oklahoma






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Case Study: Mother of the Nation Park

Mother of the Nation Park—Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.

One of the largest and oldest parks in Abu Dhabi, Mother of the Nation Park, has been redesigned with a newfound emphasis on community, sustainability, and family entertainment. Following its comprehensive facelift, the popular park is now home to numerous amenities, including 14 modern water features.

In keeping with the Park’s sustainable goals, the fountains were designed to conserve water while maximizing enjoyment, multi-use spaces, and wayfinding for the park’s guests. In addition to using low flow effects and minimizing the area of each fountain basin, a light finish was selected in order to reduce basin evaporation due to Abu Dhabi’s arid climate.






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Case Study: Mother of the Nation Park

Mother of the Nation Park—Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.

To incorporate the fountains seamlessly into this sustainable project, an integrated process approach was employed from the outset. The park’s other sustainable initiatives include the use of reclaimed gray water for irrigation and the preservation and replanting of over 200 mature trees on site.

Mother of the Nation Park has been awarded a “Pearl 2” rating under the Estidamasustainable building standards used in the Middle East.






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Sustainable Water Features

Water features are generally classified as “sustainably adverse” by the environmentally-conscious public due to their alleged poor performance in the following three areas.

• Water Conservation• Spatial Issues• Energy Consumption

While this classification might seem dire, upon closer examination, each of these issues can be easily dealt with if you combine the aforementioned early integration policy with some smart design choices.

Throughout this course, we will examine some design strategies that can be used to lay each of these issues to rest, beginning with water conservation.

Downtown Summerlin—Las Vegas, Nevada






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Water Conservation

World Voices, Burj Khalifa—Dubai, U.A.E.






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Negative Perception of Fountains

The negative perception of fountains as needless potable water consumers is one of the biggest roadblocks one encounters when trying to incorporate a water feature into a sustainable space.

It is a common misconception that all fountains require fresh water that immediately gets sent “straight to waste” once it is used. In actuality, most fountains are designed as closed- loop systems that filter, treat, and recirculate the water to ensure its conservation.

Moreover, using highly treated recycled water for non-potable purposes is an effective way to reduce the demand for increasingly precious fresh-water resources. It is also a recognized green building practice.

Roosevelt Collection—Chicago, Illinois






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Alternate Source Water Options

Water conservation and re-use is paramount when designing a water feature for a sustainable project. As such, alternate source water options, like gray water, rainwater, and AC condensate, can often be implemented to help offset a fountain's potable water needs.

These alternate non-potable water sources often require specific pre- or post-water treatment systems to bring water quality and chemistry to safe levels for water feature usage. It is always wise to check the codes of the region in which the fountain is being built.






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Alternate Source Water Options

An integrative process approach that incorporates the fountain into the overall site plans as soon as possible is highly recommended when pursuing alternate source water systems, as they work best when designed in conjunction with the overall building maintenance systems (BMS).

Alternate source water systems can be used with fountains in two ways. The excess water provided by the system could be used to supplement some of the fountain’s water needs, or the fountain could be used as a water supply itself to polishup the water it uses before transporting it to other areas for non-potable applications. “Polishing” the water simply means cleaning it up to a usable level using the fountain’s own filtration and treatment systems.

As with all alternate water sources, one should always check that any non-potable water use is in accordance with the codes of the region.

In subsequent slides, we will discuss the three most common types of alternative source water systems, beginning with rainwater.






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Alternate Source Water Options: Rainwater

Any commercial project with a flat roof in an open area is an ideal candidate for a rainwater collection system.

In some circumstances, water collected and stored in reservoir tanks can be used to supplement more than 50% of a site’s water needs, including flushing toilets, laundry, irrigation, and fountain water supply.

Harvesting rainwater can also reduce run-off, which is a significant aspect of storm water management initiatives.

It is important to note that any water collected by a rainwater system requires pretreatment before it is used for the fountain.






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Alternate Source Water Options: Rainwater

Although rainwater is an ideal source of non-potable, fresh water, it must be properly filtered and chemically treated, or polished before it is diverted for use in a fountain or elsewhere. This holds true for any type of water collected (gray, AC condensate, etc.) that is being reused for other purposes, even if those applications are non-potable. This will help eliminate any impurities or pollutants that might have found their way into the water during the collection process. The polished or treated rainwater can then be sent to the fountain for use as top-up for any water lost to evaporation.

When incorporating a rainwater collection system into a project, always check local codes governing their use and application in your region.

Grand Park—Los Angeles, California






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Alternate Source Water Options: Gray Water

Wastewater from showers, sinks, and baths is called gray water. It can be reused elsewhere for any purpose not involving human consumption. Because it is much more readily available than rainwater, gray water can reduce a building’s water consumption by up to 50% more than a rainwater system.

Gray water sources used specifically for interactive water features have more stringent water quality/chemistry requirements to avoid spread of certain diseases. As such, gray water may not be deemed an appropriate source for interactive use by the local code authorities in some cases. As with all alternate source water options, be sure to check local codes before committing to a gray water system.






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Alternate Source Water Options: Gray Water Systems

There are four types of gray water systems:

1. Laundry-to-landscape systems have a valve switch and a one-inch irrigation line that routes water from a washing machine to either the outdoors or the sewer. This type of system does not require any plumbing alterations. If sent outside, water can be directed to one or more plants.

2. Branched drain systems are somewhat more complicated as they use water from multiple sources, such as washing machines, showers, and sinks. Both laundry-to-landscape and branched drain systems are gravity-driven.

3. Pumped systems are often used if the area to be irrigated is uphill from the building providing gray water. These systems work by pumping water to a holding tank where it is then directed to the landscape.

4. Sand filter-to-drip irrigation systems, the most intricate type of gray water system, are fully automated and highly water-efficient as they can supplement gray water with municipal water as needed. Gray water flows to a holding tank and then is pumped through a sand filter-to-drip irrigation line. This type of system cleans and filters automatically by occasionally sending pressurized potable water backwards through the filter (to the sewer) to remove debris.

For commercial purposes and sizable sites, pumped systems and sand filter-to-drip irrigation systems are usually employed. The other two systems (laundry-to-landscape and branched drain) are simpler and are mostly reserved for residential uses.






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Alternate Source Water Options: AC Condensate

A typical air conditioning system in a commercial building consists of an air handling unit that circulates air to the occupied spaces to maintain comfort. As the air returns from the space, it is mixed with outside air, which is necessary to maintain ahealthy environment. When the air passes through the air handling unit, it goes through a cooling coil, lowering the air’s temperature and reducing its ability to carry water vapor. The excess vapor then cools and condenses into water droplets or condensate. While this moisture is often considered a nuisance, the condensate produced by commercial HVAC systems and refrigeration equipment is often of significant volume and can be reused as a potential alternate water source.

In commercial spaces, this collected water can be used for numerous applications, including irrigation, industrial processes, cooling tower supply, or for nearby water features.

Depending on the HVAC design, local climate, and predominant building use, the amount of condensate available for collection in a commercial building can range from 3 to 10 gallons/day per 1,000 square feet of air-conditioned space (11.35 L to 37.84 L /day per 92.9 square meters). A 10,000 square foot (929 square meters) office building can produce more than 15,000 gallons (56.8 m3) of condensate water per year. Many large-scale commercial buildings will produce significantly more than that.






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Much like harvested rainwater, AC condensate must be properly filtered and chemically treated if it is being used for non-potable applications (like water features), especially if those uses invite possible human interaction or create airborne mist.

Ultraviolet light, chlorine tablets, ozone injection, and/or raising the water temperature to at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit are all suitable methods to eliminate the potential hazard of biological contamination.

Unlike other non-potable sources, the low mineral content in condensate causes less fouling from mineral residue in the evaporation process, thereby making this water ideally suited for use in water features.

Austin City Hall—Austin, Texas






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When implementing an AC condensate collection system, the size of the collection reservoir should be determined by the end use.

If the condensate will be used as continuous make-up for process water or fountain top-up, then the tank can be relatively small.

If the condensate is intended for irrigation, tanks will need to be sized based on condensation production rates and landscape requirements.






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Evaporative Water Loss

In terms of water conservation, the issue of water loss in a water feature is a significant issue to consider. It is important to note that even an enclosed-system fountain is not immune to some water loss caused by evaporation and operating consumption due to splash and wind.

There is no exact formula to determine the amount of evaporative loss a fountain will experience. It depends on a multitude of factors including air temperature, water temperature, humidity, wind, effect type, and level of human interaction.

Delmar Headquarters—St. Louis, Missouri






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Although determining an actual amount of evaporative loss is difficult, there are several rules of thumb and design techniques you can employ to minimize the loss.

General Evaporative Rules of Thumb:

• High air temperatures, low humidity, strong winds, and sunshine will increase evaporation.

• Low air temperatures, high humidity, rainfall, and cloud cover will decrease evaporation.

• Evaporation will also depend on the water surface area—having a covered system or playdeckreduces evaporative loss by up to 90%.

Washington Park—Cincinnati, Ohio






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Water loss can often be greatly reduced by making appropriate design choices and by designing for the space you have. In arid climates, for instance, you can greatly reduce evaporative loss by ensuring a fountain's design is well adapted to its environment.

Design Techniques for Reducing Water Loss (AKA Design for the Space You Have)

• Use a “low flow effect” such as a pop nozzle, water droplets, or fog• Reduce the footprint of the fountain pool• Shade the fountain basin or obstruct it from direct sunlight• Avoid using dark colors for fountain finishes in sunny locations

In windy areas, be sure to monitor the height of jet effects using mechanical sensors, or optimize a fountain’s performance with design simulations.






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Case Study: World Voices

World Voices, Burj Khalifa—Dubai, U.A.E.

Designed by internationally renowned artist Jaume Plensa, World Voices is an art and water sculpture located in the lobby of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. This fountain creates a memorable, yet sustainably responsible, effect by using small water drops released from the ceiling to create a rhythm on a collection of golden cymbals below.






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Evaporative Water Loss: Design Simulations

A fountain’s performance can be optimized before construction even begins via design simulation.

A design simulation can be used early in the design process not only to pre-test creative concepts, but also to help predict the splash and wind conditions of the proposed site, two variables that were difficult to measure in the past.

Designers can visualize the effects of a simulation and adjust the fountain’s performance accordingly. Calibrating the fountain’s performance before construction will mitigate water loss and save time and money on adjustments.

Click on the image at right to view an example of a simulation.

Simulation Video

To view this YouTube video you need an internet connection. Click on image to start video. Click on the Adobe PDF icon in the taskbar or the “back” button to return to the course.

https://youtu.be/pXPX6K5Q5b4






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Spatial Issues

University of British Columbia—Vancouver, British Columbia






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Space Concerns

The second argument painting fountains as “sustainably adverse” is the perceived impact they have on their surroundings.

Naysayers will object that building a fountain is not only damaging to the environment, but the end product has a reputation as “dead space” that becomes an eyesore in the offseason.






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Dual Function Fountain Design

Although water features are appreciated for both their aesthetic and interactive aspects, during certain times of the year, fountains must be turned off due to low temperatures or to accommodate public events.

The “dead space” stereotype that plagues fountains (especially traditional types in cold-weather climates) can be remedied by getting a little creative. There are many simple and innovative steps that can be taken in order to ensure the features are just as functional during the offseason too. It is easy to increase a fountain’s utility by designing it to be dual-use. This effectively turns dead space into a “second life.” For example, many splash pads or decks can be turned off and used as performance spaces. Sometimes the fountain is only partially deactivated and its water effects are used as part of a show.

Royal Princess Cruise Ship






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Case Study: Washington Harbour

Video: Washington Harbour—Georgetown, D.C.

To view this YouTube video you need an internet connection. Click on image to start video. Click on the Adobe PDF icon in the taskbar or the “back” button to return to the course.

The main attraction of Washington Harbour in Georgetown is the 7000- square-foot sequencing fountain located in the lower plaza. The fountain is a perfect example of a dual-purpose space, as it can be converted to multiple different uses and remains a source of entertainment 365 days a year.

From April to October, the fountain operates as a show feature; every thirty minutes, light and music is added to the performance in the evenings.

From November to March, the fountain is converted into an 11,800-square- foot skating rink that is larger than the one at the Rockefeller Center in New York.

https://youtu.be/p_cHYWEAm-k






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Dual Function: Off Can Be Beautiful

If a water feature has to be temporarily shut off (due to climate changes or otherwise), it is important to remember that “OFF” can be designed to be beautiful as well.

A water feature can function as a stand-alone work of art where water only enhances the experience, not defines it. The ability to act as both art and attraction serves to enrich a water feature’s versatility.






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Case Study: Citygarden

Please remember the exam password COMFORT. You will be required to enter it in order to proceed with the online examination.

Citygarden—St. Louis, Missouri

Inaugurated in 2009, Citygarden is a testament to how an expertly executed public space can invigorate a city. The 2.9-acre sculpture park, in the heart of St. Louis, MO, combines the originality of an art exhibit with the feel of the natural environment to create a unique experience.

Interspaced among the park’s 24 unique sculptures are 3 prominent water features that invite visitors to the area.






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Case Study: Citygarden

Citygarden—St. Louis, Missouri

Once the temperature begins to dip, the jets in the popular play deck are switched off and covered with translucent globes. The LED lights within the fountain are left on, however, providing the park with colorful decorations through the winter season.

The resulting illuminated ornaments help make Citygarden a year-round attraction.






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Energy Consumption

Point State Park—Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania






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Energy Consumption: Introduction

In this section of the course we review various energy-conserving technologies that are available, including smart controls and timer systems.

Smart fountain controls can be utilized to monitor energy use during peak periods and to optimize fountain performance. They can adjust the fountain’s performance accordingly to take advantage of the most opportune conditions, while conserving the maximum amount of energy.

Wind sensors monitor on-site wind conditions and adjust the fountain performance to limit splash and needless energy use. For example, in high winds, the wind sensor will instruct the fountain controls to decrease the jet effects, preventing sloppy performance and minimizing energy consumption.

Lone Butte Casino—Chandler, Arizona






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Smart Controls

Timer systems can be used to ensure that a fountain is operating at the times it is most likely to be appreciated, performing during peak traffic periods and switching into a passive mode during lulls in pedestrian activity.

Proximity sensors can be installed and programmed to activate the fountain or a show mode when an audience is detected.

Smart controls can also be wired into the greater site control systems, allowing the fountain to respond to the energy needs of the site. It may ramp down when the energy needs are high and start up after the peak usage is over.






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Case Study: UBC Fountain

University of British Columbia—Vancouver, British Columbia

This circular water feature at the University of British Columbia was designed to conserve water by incorporating a timing system. Nicknamed “The Pulse”, this timing system activates the fountain’s cascade jets only for the 10-minute breaks between classes, limiting water loss and emulating the ebb and flow of university life.

Water and energy are further conserved at night when the fountain is switched to a reflecting pool only.






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Energy-Friendly Technology: LED Lighting

Choosing the right lighting products for a water feature can significantly reduce its energy needs.

In the wake of the green movement, incandescent lighting has now given way to LEDs.

Compared to incandescent lighting, LED lighting is considerably more energy efficient, has a much longer lifecycle, and offers increased design flexibility due to its almost limitless color combinations.






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Energy-Friendly Technology: LED Lighting

The use of energy-efficient technology doesn’t only apply to new construction. Refurbishing an existing water feature by replacing old technology with new is a cost-effective method of making the feature more sustainable.

These renovations are often a win-win because any technical update usually corresponds to an increase in visual appeal.

Latona Fountain, Gardens of Versailles—Versailles, France






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Case Study: Canada’s Wonderland

Canada’s Wonderland—Vaughan, Ontario

Known as the biggest amusement park in Canada, Canada's Wonderland greets its guests with its iconic Royal Fountain, a large rectangular basin water feature that has been operating since the park's inauguration in 1981.

As part of a renovation in 2011, Wonderland replaced all 504 incandescent lights in their fountain with state-of-the-art RGBW LED lights.

This resulted in savings of $57,353 USD per year ($32,163 in energy savings plus $25,190 in burned out bulbs).






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Energy-Friendly Technology: Pipe and Pump Systems

In order to maximize energy conservation within a water feature, all components should be evaluated.

Energy savings can be realized in the fountain infrastructure as well, specifically with how the jets are operated. Fountains may be powered with a traditional pump system or an air-driven system.

As the name suggests, traditional pipe and pump systems power a fountain’s jets by drawing water from a reservoir or surge tank and transporting it to a pump room through a series of pipes. From there, the water is pumped back out to the fountain through a nozzle to create the desired effect. Oakbrook Center—Oakbrook, Illinois






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Energy-Friendly Technology: Air-Driven Systems

Air-driven systems use an air compressor instead of a pump to build up pressure, using the power of compressed air to send water skyward. The usual suction and discharge lines used for a pump system are replaced with air lines. Note that both systems require a filter to keep them clean.

Controls can be implemented for both types of systems to alter the height of their jet effects.

In a pipe and pump system, heights can be controlled by a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD), whereas in an air-driven system, jet heights can be controlled using a pressure regulator.

Cairo Festival City—Cairo, Egypt






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Energy-Friendly Technology: Air-Driven Systems

When compared to traditional pump systems, air-driven nozzles are 4 to 14 times more energy efficient.

Air pressure within air-driven systems can be stored for later, allowing the jet effects to be activated for brief spurts even if the fountain system is not being powered.

Due to the absence of a pump, an air-driven system eliminates the threat of water hammer. Water hammer refers to the constant surging of water created by a pump turning on and off that may wear down system components.

Air-driven systems also use less infrastructure than traditional pump systems, reducing a fountain’s environmental impact during installation or decommissioning.

Expo Milano 2015—Milan, Italy






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Summary

Romare Bearden Park—Charlotte, North Carolina






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Important Points

• Sustainability, in terms of water feature design, is all about finding the equilibrium between captivation and water conservation.

• The presence of water promotes many physical and emotional health benefits, and is a key component in biophilicdesign.

• Water features can co-exist with sustainable projects using a holistic early integration approach combined with intelligent design techniques.

• Most fountains are designed as closed-loop systems that filter, treat, and recirculate the water to ensure its conservation.

• An Integrative Process design approach that incorporates the fountain into the overall site plans as soon as possible is highly recommended when pursuing alternate source water systems (graywater, rainwater, AC condensate), as they work best when designed in conjunction with the overall building maintenance systems (BMS).

• There are four types of gray water systems: laundry-to-landscape systems, branched drain systems, pumped systems, and sand filter-to-drip irrigation systems.

• A design simulation can be used early in the design process to help predict the splash and wind conditions of the proposed site.






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Important Points

• There are many simple and innovative steps that can be taken in order to ensure water features are just as beautiful during the offseason. It is easy to increase a fountain’s utility by designing it to be dual-use.

• Smart fountain controls can be utilized to monitor energy use during peak periods and to optimize fountain performance.• Wind sensors monitor on-site wind conditions and adjust the fountain performance to limit splash and needless energy

use.• Timer systems can be used to ensure that a fountain is operating at the times it is most likely to be appreciated.• Smart controls can also be wired into the greater site control systems, allowing the fountain to respond to the energy

needs of the site.• Choosing the right lighting products for a water feature can significantly reduce its energy needs. • Fountains may be powered with a traditional pump system or an air-driven system. Compared to traditional pump

systems, air-driven nozzles are 4 to 14 times more energy efficient. • Stunning and successful water features can be easily incorporated into a wide variety of sustainable projects.






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©2016 Crystal Fountains. The material contained in this course was researched, assembled, and produced by Crystal Fountains and remains its property. Questions or concerns about the content of this course should be directed to the program instructor. This multimedia product is the copyright of AEC Daily.

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