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.
