Water as an Integral Part in Creating a Unique Architecture

Iryna Bulakh

1,2 a

Department of Design and Urban Development, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany

Department of Design Architectural Environment, Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture,

Kyiv, Ukraine

Keywords: Water in Architecture, Use of Water, Balance with Nature, Harmony in Architecture, Unique Architecture.

Abstract: The article considers water as component of a high-quality architectural environment. The meaningful

contextual inclusion of various forms of water in the architecture creates the opportunity to obtain non-

standard solutions. Article systematizes the analysis of some of the best world practices related to the synthesis

of architectural design and the aquatic environment, as a result of which the author made an attempt to form

the most important principles of architectural design, which are based on the idea of combinations between

water and architecture. The purpose of the article is to propose architectural principles that make it possible

to achieve the uniqueness of architecture through the integration of water. Methodological basis: analysis of

scientific literature and information sources, systematic, integrated, functional approach. The result of the

research are 3 main architectural principles: Interplay, Teamwork and Fusion. The Interplay principle

contributes to the fact that the architecture becomes unique and endowed with positive features, due to the

presence of various forms of water inclusion in the design solution. The principle of Teamwork is that water

is one of the constituent elements of an architecture. The Fusion principle makes it possible to obtain an

architecture based on the placement of a building in a water environment or the opposite solution. Conclusion:

integration of water as one of the key elements of architecture makes it possible to achieve a unique design

solution, which at the same time allows to have a supply of water that is relevant in the context of its general

shortage.

1 INTRODUCTION

Man by nature cannot live without water. It is not only

and not so much about physiological needs, but also

about physical and spiritual dependence and

connection. Water for us is a vital component, and

also gives peace, tranquillity and promotes relaxation

(Shebek et al., 2020). From this position, various

water elements can be meaningfully involved by the

architect in the surroundings or directly in the

architectural object itself, and thereby significantly

affect the individuality and quality of the architectural

project being created.

Water elements can be conditionally divided into

objects of natural origin (sea, river, lake, waterfall,

pond, etc.) and man-made (lake, pond, waterfall,

pool, fountain, etc.) (Bulakh et al., 2020). Thus, if the

territory is endowed by nature with any of the types

of water elements, then the architect only needs to

https://orcid.org/ 0000-0002-3264-2505

masterfully fit the created architectural object into the

ideal surroundings. In the case when the area is a

waterless space, the architect has the opportunity at

the level of a conceptual solution and a further

architectural project to artificially integrate water (in

its various forms and volumes), thereby significantly

increasing the comfort of use and the innovativeness

of modern architecture (Wierzbicka et al., 2018).

2 MAIN MATERIAL

The analysis of the architectural and urban world

heritage allows us to find implemented architectural

solutions that were obtained on the basis of harmony,

balance and ideal relationships between man-made

architecture and water as an element of nature

(Shebek et al., 2021).

Bulakh, I.

Water as an Integral Part in Creating a Unique Architecture.

DOI: 10.5220/0011885100003536

In Proceedings of the 3rd International Symposium on Water, Ecology and Environment (ISWEE 2022), pages 15-20

ISBN: 978-989-758-639-2; ISSN: 2975-9439

 2023 by SCITEPRESS – Science and Technology Publications, Lda. Under CC license (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

2.1 Residential Architecture

One of the first and most famous examples, of course,

is the famous Fallingwater, designed by architect

Frank Lloyd Wright for the family of Edgar and

Liliane Kaufmann in 1935. This house "flying" above

the rocks and streams of water is an internationally

recognized classic of modernist architecture, one of

the most famous buildings of the 20th century and

Wright's best masterpiece (Pleshkanovska, 2021). All

his life he has been striving for "organic" architecture,

which merges with the environment and becomes an

integral part of it. And only in this architectural

project, on the waterfalls of the Bear Creek, the

master of architecture managed to fully realize his

plan − to create organic architecture. The “House over

the waterfall” stands on the rocks and seems to grow

out of them, the horizontal divisions of its concrete

terraces echo the layered structure of the local stone.

This house does not imitate nature, but is still

perceived as part of it − natural, powerful and eternal

(Khalil Elmasry, 2018). The role of water in this

architectural example: by incorporating water, a

unique architecture has been created that conforms to

the natural landscape and is in harmony with its

surroundings.

2.2 Industrial Architecture

Another interesting example is the offices of the

industrial chemical complex in the Chinese city of

Huai'an. This project can rightly be called one of the

most beautiful industrial buildings in the world. As

conceived by the author, the complex took the form

of a plan in the form of a letter U or a horseshoe,

which also has an open and well-transmitting sunlight

inner-central space that wraps around the building.

The entire complex is located above the surface of the

water, which made it possible to achieve visual

lightness and soaring of the building, with a special

atmosphere of calm and silence. The entire complex

was built in a monotonous colour scheme of white

concrete and the same idea was retained by the author

for the interior as well. Thus, the entire beauty of the

complex was achieved solely by the plasticity of the

form of the building, which was harmoniously and

poetically inscribed by the architect in an ideal

aquatic environment (Bulakh et al., 2020).

Many people, seeing this object, poetically

perceive it as a mystical or fabulous animal that seems

to hover above the surface of the water. It is worth

noting that this result became possible, among other

things, due to the sculptural design of the architectural

solution, which allows you to "understand"

architecture at a subconscious level (without

historical, cultural and other contexts). However, the

water that surrounds the complex is not only an

aesthetic element, it also has a functional value and is

used for industrial purposes (cooling and technical

needs). The effect of the visual hovering of the

building above the water was achieved due to the

placement of a grid of supports under the water and

only a small gap between the visible base of the

building and the water line (Bulakh, 2019). The U-

shape of the building influenced a significant increase

in internal transits, which prompted the architect to

use the Mobius strip concept for additional horizontal

transitions and also ramps (Grimmond, 2006). The

role of water in this architectural example: the

technical function of water (water is primarily

necessary for the functioning of this industrial

enterprise); visual and aesthetic appeal.

2.3 Bridge

The next noteworthy object is Moses Bridge,

2). The place where this bridge is located is an area

consisting of a number of fortresses from the 17

century and small settlements in the Netherlands. As

part of the complex reconstruction process, the task

arose to build a new bridge across the water (Derek,

1991). Thanks to the creative and contextual design

approach of the architects, this area not only solved

the original functional task, but also unintentionally

received a popular tourist and pedestrian attraction.

From a logical point of view, building a bridge to a

defensive structure is not the right approach (Derek,

1991).

The genius of the solution lies in the fact that the

architects came up with the idea of an "invisible" or

"recessed" bridge. This solution was made possible

by the fact that the wooden bridge with waterproofing

is completely submerged in water like a trench. Thus,

when people approach the fortress, the question

remains of a way to cross the water, and only in the

immediate vicinity can a trench bridge be seen

(Bulakh, 2020). One of the associations that often

arise is the opportunity to overcome the water barrier

as one of the biblical characters.

The role of water in this architectural example: on

the one hand, water is present here historically as a

natural barrier and protection of the fortress; thanks

to the idea of immersing the bridge completely in

water, it became invisible from afar and the water in

this case performs a camouflage function; there is

also a symbolic context that relies on the biblical

character Moses, who could pass through the water.

ISWEE 2022 - International Symposium on Water, Ecology and Environment

Figure 1: Water as an integral part of Bridge.

Figure 2: Moses Bridge, RO&AD Architecten.

2.4 Museum

No less exciting and impressive is the Louvre Abu

Dhabi. It is the theme of water in its various

interpretations that makes this object one of the

outstanding masterpieces of modern architecture. As

conceived by the author of the project, this museum

complex should have a contextual basis or idea in the

form of a miniature of a city located in the sea

(Bulakh et al., 2019). Also, the museum complex,

made in white, displays a modern interpretation of

traditional Arabic building forms. The dome of the

building consists of multi-layer lattice structures,

which, intertwined, let in "rain from light" − this was

the key idea of the architect. This museum is built on

the contrast − a very bold and bright architectural

solution in the form of the idea of a marine

"archipelago". Also very non-standard is the idea of

placing a protective structure above the museum

complex, which creates a sunny rain. It should be

noted that the atmosphere of the museum complex

generates a complex range of emotions, both

pacifying and exciting. In this place, modernity and

history, authenticity and innovation, a tribute to

traditions and the latest technologies "clash" together.

Moving around the territory of the complex, the

viewer constantly observes the contrasts and

alternations of water, land and architecture (Kovalska

et al., 2019). The role of water in this architectural

example: water is one of the most significant and

valuable elements as the United Arab Emirates has a

very hot climate and a significant part of the country

is a desert. Therefore, water is in this case a symbol

of life, wealth and future. Water in this architectural

example was used both literally and symbolically

(raining light).

2.5 Offices

Oscar Niemeyer is celebrated for his love for

curvatures and soft lines in design and often uses

water as an integral and key element in his

architectural designs. The HQ features the main

concrete structure with its colonnades, which are

mirrored by the nearby pond. Niemeyer’s design used

different spans for every arch which gave the

colonnade a new dimension resembling a "musical

rhythm". It is the idea of the reflection of the building

in the water that allows us to see the polyphony of

architecture, which is rightly called "music frozen in

stone" (Bulakh et al., 2020). The role of water in this

architectural example: with the help of water, the

building received additional special effects in the

form of a reflection of architecture in the water

surface and, accordingly, the building is perceived

differently (more spatial, deep and complex); water

also made it possible to emphasize the metaphorical

essence of architecture, which can also be understood

through reflection.

2.6 Exhibition Complex

Blur Building is a unique example of the synthesis of

one of the forms of water (fog) and an architectural

object. According to the concept of the architects, the

building, located in the water and connected to the

ground with a bridge, is constantly in a cloud of fog.

This is made possible by the operation of the pumps

and the water spray system. Also, the building is

equipped with an automatic adjustment system that

captures all changes in weather conditions (Bulakh,

2021). When visitors enter the building, they are

completely immersed in the atmosphere of fog and

water noise, everything else ceases to exist. It is at this

moment that a person can realize his helplessness and

small scale in comparison with the water element.

Museum visitors are participating in a kind of

experiment that aims to draw public attention to

Water as an Integral Part in Creating a Unique Architecture

growing environmental problems. Movement around

the building is not regulated, people themselves can

choose where and for how long they can stay. Thus,

in this exhibition complex, water is both an

environment and, in a way, a "building material".

Also, visitors are offered the opportunity to "drink"

the local water and thus immerse themselves

additionally in this atmosphere (Bulakh, 2021). The

role of water in this architectural example: it was

thanks to water that the idea of this tourist site became

possible. Water and all its forms are the key elements

of architecture, which are aimed at drawing the

attention of mankind to environmental problems and

the need to take care of water.

2.7 Airport

The idea of creating the Jewel Changi Airport is to

project the general concept of the garden city, which

is rightfully the modern Singapore, in the "city gates".

Thus, the airport complex is a place that combines

cultural, recreational and characterful urban life in

close connection with nature (Bulakh et al., 2021). To

bring this concept to life, the architects included in

their project various natural areas, including gardens

and a forest valley, in which there are various water

elements. It hosts hundreds of different types of

vegetation, as well as one of the largest man-made

waterfalls in the world. This water element is

connected to the roof of the airport and accumulates

rainfall, which can serve the rich landscape, as well

as cool the interior space and use and re-use natural

resources wisely. The role of water in this

architectural example: technical function, reuse of

natural resources and care for the environment

(accumulation of water, watering plants, cooling the

internal space, etc.); aesthetic function.

2.8 Winery

The example of the VIK Winery shows us a

completely non-standard design approach for this

type of architectural building, as much attention was

paid by the architects to both the appearance of the

building and the technological and functional

processes. Undoubtedly, the source of inspiration for

the architects was the natural environment of the area,

which combines mountainous terrain and valleys

(Pleshkanovska et al., 2021). The architects in their

project tried to use an ecological design approach as

much as possible and minimize the use of non-

renewable energy. In this regard, the roof of the

winery is made of translucent fabric, which reduces

the cost of artificial lighting. Water is used in the

central square in front of the main entrance to the

building, which significantly enhances both the

aesthetics of the entire complex and contributes to its

natural cooling. Thanks to the placement of special

paths along the water surface, visitors can enjoy and

relax on the territory of the complex (Pleshkanovska,

2020). It should be noted that the main part of the

complex is underground, which is associated with an

energy-efficient technological process. The role of

water in this architectural example: aesthetic and

entertaining function, respect for water, its

accumulation and natural cooling of the building.

2.9 Hotel

A public bath was once located on the site of the

Emperor Hotel in Qianmen, so the key idea of the

architects was to convey the history of the place in the

new facility, to preserve the special atmosphere of

magic that is characteristic of the bath. Therefore, the

architects in this building tried to recreate and convey

the memory of the past function with the help of a

special atmosphere, emotions and fantasies

(Kovalska et al., 2019). To implement this idea, the

architects actively used water and created a design

filled with a water theme. The building has a pool

located on the roof, from which water flows in small

jets along the walls of the entire building. The water

motif can also be felt through the numerous plants

that hang like threads in the public areas. In addition,

the architects have developed a structure that

generates rain indoors, as well as an underground

waterfall. The role of water in this architectural

example: the function of reproducing the historical

memory of the original purpose of the territory;

aesthetic and relaxation functions.

2.10 Aquarium

One of the most famous and popular aquariums in

Europe can rightfully be considered the Danish public

aquarium Blue Planet. Its design was based on the

idea of a whirlpool, which can often be found in

nature and in particular in water. Through this

technique, the outer shape of the building is an

announcement to visitors as to what they will be able

to see inside the aquarium (Pleshkanovska, 2021).

Also, the shape of the building in the form of a

whirlpool helps to emphasize the beauty of the area,

which opens up a wonderful landscape and sea views.

The building has already become a kind of "magnet",

which attracts visitors with its catchy and highly

visible form. The use of aluminium tiles in the

exterior of the building emphasizes the organic form,

ISWEE 2022 - International Symposium on Water, Ecology and Environment

evokes the association with fish scales, and also

causes the effect of changing colour shades due to the

ability to reflect the environment (Kovalchuk et al.,

2019; Kashchenko et al., 2020; Leshchenko et al.,

2019; Bulakh et al., 2022; Baiandin et al., 2022). At

the main entrance to the aquarium, there is a water

surface, which also emphasizes the connection of the

building with the aquatic theme. The role of water in

this architectural example: water is used in a direct

(reservoirs for fish, decorative reservoirs on the

territory) and symbolic meaning (the theme of a

whirlpool in nature, a whirlpool in water, the shape of

a building in the form of a whirlpool, the lining of the

building in the form of fish scales).

3 RESULTS

In this research, as the main strategy that should be

applied in years of water scarcity to compensate for

it, it is proposed to actively and meaningfully use

water in the formation of modern architecture. As one

of the results of the study, it is proposed to single out

two main groups-reasons: material and non-material

use of water in architectural projects. Material

reasons include: the need to accumulate water for its

use and reuse for various purposes. Non-material

reasons include: water, as one of the key natural

elements, has a huge energy that allows people to be

in comfort, relax and restore their own strength; water

significantly enhances the aesthetic properties of

architecture and contributes to the transfer of various

symbolic and metaphorical meanings.

Also of great importance is the shortage of fresh

water, which, due to global warming, is becoming

more acute for many world countries and, as a result,

increasing economic difficulties and a decline in

many sectors of human life. From this point of view,

the formation of water reservoirs as part of the

architectural idea and design will allow local storage

of water for its use and reuse.

The brief analysis presented in this article of some

of the most famous and innovative architectural

objects in the design of which water played a

significant role made it possible to formulate the basic

principles that allow achieving harmony and

uniqueness of architecture and water. The Interplay

principle contributes to the fact that the architecture

of the building becomes unique and is endowed with

positive features that become possible only due to the

presence of various forms of water inclusion in the

constructive solution. It can be both natural forms and

man-made (lake, pond, stream, canal, waterfall,

rainwater collection tank, etc.). The principle of

Teamwork is that water (its various man-made and

natural types and forms) is one of the main constituent

elements of an architectural project. The Fusion

principle makes it possible to obtain an architectural

solution based on the placement of a building (or an

architectural complex) in an aquatic environment or

the reverse solution, when an aquatic environment is

located in an architectural object.

4 CONCLUSIONS

Any form of water is important and significant for

human life. Water makes life possible. Therefore, it is

absolutely natural that a person consciously and

unconsciously feels most comfortable only in being

close to water. Based on this, architects need to take

into account the importance of water (its various

forms) when designing architectural objects and

introduce water elements in the formation of man-

made nature, which to some extent is also

architecture. Future research directions and

perspectives in this regard include: trends and new

procedures applied in construction (separate groups

of public buildings, residential buildings) to ensure

the water cycle; it is also planned to study regional

features for the collection and reuse of water in

architectural projects in various climatic zones.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The author of the article thanks Prof. Dr.-Ing.

A. Rudolph-Cleff and the Department of Design and

Urban Planning of the Faculty of Architecture of the

Darmstadt University of Technology for their support

and assistance. This article is part of a research

carried out by Prof. Dr. Arch., I. Bulakh as part of the

"Future Talent" Scholarship at the Technical

University of Darmstadt.

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