Kinetic Water

Designers: Yasushi Ishida, Atsunori Yokoota, Steve Epley
View Movie of 3 Panels

The primary function of this project is to circulate the water alongside the plot, providing an easy - access water source together with the reservoir, which is located at the bottom. It is a kind of a stream that runs through the garden. It allows access to a water outlet at any point at 6' increments along the slope of the garden. The project also celebrates the idea of water in the garden in the form of an interactive water sculpture. It borrows the idea from 'deer-scare', in Japanese gardens, which makes clicking sounds occasionally, creating an atmosphere for relaxation and meditation. Series of panels tips up and down from the weight of water, handing water from one to another. We heard that there used to be a stream in the Manzanita garden, from one of the local residents. Our project aims to bring back that elements of water to the garden, and provide a sense of 'life' and serene atmosphere.
Each panel is configured such a way that it accumulates certain amount of water. It has a hinge built on it, through which it is fixed onto the rod that anchors onto the ground. It is carefully balanced so that when it accumulates certain amount of water, it changes the balance and flips, pouring water onto the next panel. When it pours out water, it sprigs back to its default position. When it sprigs back, the panel hits the stopper and makes a sound.