“All of this effort is expended for the simple reason that we need water to live… More than anything, designs involving water and architecture must remind people of this dual impact that water has on our lives.” (Moore 1994:198)
'Aquatecture' by Anthony Wylson and 'Water
and Architecture' by Charles Moore are two texts that have proved to be quite pivotal
in clarifying the approach for this project. Both texts focus on the history
and theories behind the relationship of water and the built environment. They
reveal a discourse that enriches many of the decisions that have already been
made through theoretical grounding.
Water establishes itself as an integral component
when included within a design, Anthony Wylson explains. The inclusion of water
amenity will often reinforce a concern for natural water forms such as streams,
rivers and oceans along with the life-support system they provide (Wylson
1986:i). From an architectural position, this reinforcement for water confirms’ the human
obligation to understand the responsibility for the ecological functions that
water provides. Through its integration, water provides a dynamic, reflective
or experiential element for the built environment.
Within his text, 'Aquatecture; architecture and
water',
Wylson broadly examines the cultural and historical importance of water within
design. Through this examination it is possible to develop a position on humankind’s attitude towards water. Wylson declares:
“…water not only provides a basis for man’s
existence and a continuous challenge to secure its use, it is also a source of
metaphysical symbolism.” (Wylson 1986:3)
The chapter regarding ‘Water Corridors’ holds
particular resonance with this project, given its proximity to the River Torrens.
It is of Wylson’s view that amenity offered by the urban river corridor is twofold; it can provide opportunities for leisure and environmental enrichment,
yet reveal the neglected ecological aspects (Wylson 1986:71). This observation
aligns with the impetus for this project, yet some would be hesitant to call
Adelaide a ‘river city’ in its contemporary configuration. Whilst some
communities grew around the presence of water, it could be argued that
Adelaide, as a relatively young city, turned its back to the Torrens as it
developed. This may be a result of the rapid technological and economic progress Adelaide, like so many other ‘water corridor’ orientated civilisations, experienced which forced the natural amenity with the water source to become
disconnected (Wylson 1986:74).
The associations humans possess with water,
Charles Moore, suggests have been shaped by our ancestors. The understanding of
its symbolism is affirmed by the collected wisdom gathered over generations (Moore
1994:15). Moore presents an even more intriguing point when he suggests that
the key to understanding the relationship to water and architecture, is through understanding the physical laws which determine its behaviour. It is
through these laws humans have come to understand how this liquid interacts
with our senses, but as Moore suggests, its symbolism relates to human existence (Moore 1994:15). The importance of Moore’s text to this project is through the presentation of historic and contemporary architectural
manoeuvres which place water at the centre of design.
Incorporated within Moore’s text is his
diagrammatic study of the varying manipulations of water. Moore explains designers should concern themselves with the fluidity of
water in order to animate and enrich the experience of nature (Moore 1994:43)
again this view is reaffirmed when Moore suggests, “…water should appear alive.” (Moore 1994:203).
Moore is suggesting through this passage and its accompanying diagrams to
address how water exists in this place. This existence is defined by the manner
in which it announces its presence; is it tranquil, does it thunder, is there
movement? Each of these gestures carries with it philosophical meaning and
references a natural coding of this element. What Moore is leading the designer
to address, is to question whether there is life to the water? This is surmised
by the following quote:
“Any study of architecture and water has at its
disposal a rich history of meaning and tradition as well as a foundation in
mesmerizing physical and natural wonders. When the fusion of architecture and
water is treated carefully and creatively, the potential for meaningful
expression is practically limitless.” (Moore 1994:22)
References
Moore, C. 1994, Water and Architecture, Harry N. Abrams
Inc., New York
Wylson, A. 1986, Aquatecture: architecture and
water,
the Architectural Press Ltd, London
Original diagrammatic study by Charles Moore, found in Water and Architecture pp. 44-45
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