Fountains

A unique project

Aynesworth is accustomed to handling difficult and unique projects. 

The 60’ tall “water wall” fountain is laid out on the plan of a Greek amphitheater.  

Two 200 horse power pumps push water through 16” diameter pipes to the top of the wall.  There, the water is calmed in a 3’ deep curving trough.  When the surface of the water is placid, it flows over a smooth weir only 5/8” deep.   

Then, the water flows down the architectural pre-cast concrete panels covered with black obsidian.  The broken glass texture rips bubbles into the sheet of water as it  falls nearly 60’ where it collects in another trough before cascading down 4 inch high steps.  Eventually, the water disappears under the floor and begins the return to the top of the wall.  There is so much water on the wall that when the pumps are turned off the lowest collecting pool rises 9 inches

The 60’ tall pre-cast panels are curving segments of a huge cone shape.  These panels were the largest single pieces of architectural pre-cast concrete know to exist at the time.

Tim Aynesworth (as an Associate Partner with Richard Fitzgerald Architect) was Project Architect .  Richard Fitzgerald Architects associated with the world famous New York architectural firm of Johnson-Burgee. 

Philip Johnson http://www.greatbuildings.com/architects/Philip_Johnson.html