Water and architecture

Abstract

Why Water, anyway? In a recent students' project that demanded a personalised view of what a "Space for the Seduction of the Soul" constitutes, I found myself drawing a slim sheet of water cascading from one level in motion to another in repose. The idea naturally included the sound of gushing water and the reflection caused by a static body of the same. I soon started asking myself: when does one choose to use water in architecture? Which of the various ways of doing so should one consider in a particular situation? This work is intended to provide a concise appreciation of the architectural context of water. It questions the extreme scales of the idea; from the water feature in a public space to a city that grew by a river. It is not laid out in chronological order, for l sincerely believe that the progression of man's desires executes itself in c:ycles, not with continuity. Rather, the story of water has been related within a span of time that is similar to the life of man, since this will cover all the different circumstances that will cause a desire for water to serve a special purpose. The layout is set between the extremes of birth and death, and considers water in relation to the body, mind and soul. The first part deals with "Water and Survival", and projects water within the wider context of the natural landscape, whose forces man seeks to overcome. "Water and Leisure" considers the therapeutic effects of water and the architecture that has accommodated such a requirement. "Water and Beauty" is a study of the visual or aesthetical aspect of water, in the artificial landscape, purely for pleasure and delight. The fourth part," Water and Existence", questions the metaphysical quality of water and includes essays on man's idea of the river and his fascination at change of state. Finally "Water and Spirituality" is about the use of water for religious purposes in various cultures. "Water and Architecture" is essentially a study of human thought and behaviour; his sensuality, perception and reaction to space. I have sought to literally succumb to the associations I began to make, notably in comparing historical precedents with contemporary situations. Naturally, the idea of water articulates itself within the framework of the growth of architecture, that developed in a similar way to other forms of art. This work then possibly becomes a measure of one's sensitivity for architecture.