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The
central atrium plaza at the World Trade Center of Barcelona is the
location of a kinetic water statement that in form integrates seamlessly
with its surroundings. The fountain is an extension of
its architectural
environment.
When
active, pulsing vertical water plumes emit from the plaza
surface.
In
plan, the visitor views a grand cruciform of vertical
water that traverses
the plaza in an endless, kinetic variety of
linear patterns. The feature
is
enjoyed from the lower entry level
as well as from above at four
cantilevering
balconies, where at
moments the water jets thrust vertically, beyond the
second level
and well above the visitors vantage
point. The fountain’s
animation
is versatile: the water can be
programmed to pulse gently as
ambling waves that cross the plaza
in
quiet repose, or, the feature
can be
elating—a joyous statement of
rapidly surging, vertical
water plumes that
reach heights of eighteen
meters. There is
no barrier or open pool: when
the fountain is inactive, it disappears
and the plaza can be used for other
activities.
At
night, the fountain is vibrantly lit with white light. The plumes
of water
transform into a brilliantly luminous evening event.
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