This
vortex globe water feature has been designed and engineered for
NESTA, the National Endowment for Science Technology and The Arts.
A bespoke, 800 mm diameter, acrylic globe stands on the bead-blasted
stainless steel plinth which is polished to a mirror finish on
the top. The vortex is generated by the tuned application of a
pump and nozzles forming inlets and an outlet. The water is always
in a state of flux – a balance between the pumped flow and
the effects of vortical motion under the influence of gravity.
The movement of people in the offices is sensed by the custom-built
microprocessor which drives the vortex through a feedback control
system. The intelligent software learns how to react on a daily
basis. Three vortex control programs are provided.
The vortex rises to fill the globe. As it rises, its reflection
is seen in the mirrored surface of the plinth, adding another
dimension to the feature. Lighting, projected through the vortex,
creates an ever-changing display above the globe. The globe, when
full, holds about 250 litres of water which must be crystal-clear
at all times. This is ensured by using fully deionised water and
a bypass recirculation loop with UV steriliser, in-line filters
and environmentally-friendly water treatment means. The whole
volume of water is contained in two linked tanks.
Simon Tegala, a NESTA Fellow, commissioned the work having proposed
that the intensity of a vortex of water should reflect the movement
of people within the NESTA offices. He suggested that by having
movement sensors across the space it would be possible to control
the vortex.
The technology that is embodied within this water feature is
unique and the designs and processes behind it are protected by
patent applications.
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