The water element in architecture

Water, the essential element for the existence and development of life, is directly related to the design as dominant composition feature, revealing architecture’s dynamics.

Water is an extremely useful synthetic tool. Besides improving the quality of the final aesthetic result, contributes to the local microclimate, with an environmentally friendly way, through natural cooling. The water through evaporation absorbs heat from the moving air masses, achieving the natural cooling of the building.

Water has certain features, which with appropriate manipulations, may highlight it into the dominant element of architectural synthesis. Primarily, water is a transparent element which allows passage of light there through and generally can be interposed between the observer and any structural or decorative element, without eliminating the sense of sight.

Additionally, pictorial interest may show the variations of shapes and colors, which occur due to the refraction of the water passing through "filter" light. On the other hand, particular interest has the feature of every water surface to behave as a mirror. This implies the fact, that the architect is able to reproduce the image of all or part of the shell, if the architectural design reasons require it.

The integration of the water element in the architectural design implies some direct effects on the user. At first, water is a natural element and a prerequisite for the development of life. Contact with this specific natural element, inevitably creates a sense of intimacy and psychological comfort. Meanwhile, the water, which can be at rest, intense activity, or even in an intermediate of these two extreme conditions state, is able to create plurality of different emotions. In addition, should not be overlooked the role of each water element as a visual, auditory or a combination of both stimulus.

In conclusion, water may be included in architecture with various ways, offering increased interest and strongly diversified nature final results, always according to current requirements and the limits of designer’s imagination.