Confluence, 2011
Kinetic fountain and permanent willow garden installation integrated into the plaza North of the solids building at the Brightwater Wastewater Treatment plant in King County, WA. Commissioned by 4 Culture.
Concrete, pavers, plant materials, powder-coated steel, water. Overall Dimensions: 225’ x 65’ x 10’
Confluence explores the inherent balance, continuity, and cycles required in the treatment of waste water. The permanent installation is sustainably designed, drawing its power from recycled electricity and air produced during the water cleansing process. Using data derived from peak periods of water flow in the wastewater system plant, the “breathing lung” or kinetic sculptural element at the center of the fountain recycles water with a smooth, human motion.
As the pipes make visible the scale of conveyance and water consumption, the breathing action and volume of water changes according to literal use of water over the course of a day, reinforcing the impact of human use and the ebb and flow of natural tide-pools.
Breathing lung and conveyance pipe in front of the north facade of the solids building. Photo credit: Benjamin Benschneider
The flowing water is a scaled version of a 7' diameter conveyance pipe, like those used in wastewater system
The details of the fencing are based on the molecular structure of H2O
The seven pipes visible behind the breathing lung represent leaking pipes. They trigger the drain to open when the water reaches a certain height, creating a vortex
Beyond Confluence lies Green Volume
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The volume of the willow plants here represent less than one percent of the millions of gallons of water treated daily at the facility
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Green Volume is the willow garden which accompanies Confluence.
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