2019 Edition

Project description_ Not just another water dispenser: ‘Oasis’ revives the value of water with a romantic fountain look, feel and functionality. I’m intrigued by water coolers’ ambiguous qualities – they are the perfect example how a mass produced object can lose its value when form becomes inferior to function. Water, once representing spirituality, fluidity, changes of state and transparency – has become so vastly accessible to us that its importance is hardly even recognised. The ways in which we engage with water is either incidental or in a commodified context, carefully curated by commercial corporations. Water coolers also carry a symbolic and social function, as a central resource and meeting place. Within office spaces their democratic function establishes them as a popular social spot – it’s where a CEO can cross paths with the intern, and where the hottest bureau gossip is discussed. OASIS is made with the same techniques and materials as the water coolers we are familiar with; but through design, it gives value and significance back to the water it contains. The design makes reference to the neoclassical drinking fountains in historic city squares, with allegorical figures that are pouring, carrying and worshipping water to stress the cultural and social importance of this valuable resource. To me water coolers can gain a new social dimension. Not just supplying us with fresh drinking water but also conveying appreciation towards the resources. I believe that celebration and appreciation can encourage awareness of plastic pollution and the ways we engage with water. My goal with OASIS is to cherish water through the objects and materials that represent it. How its made_ The fountain is based on the most standardised water cooler. Constructing the various shapes’ from materials they’re not often associated with was crucial to play with the shapes’ symbolism and meanings. In order to develop this piece I simultaneously worked physically, with discarded water 3/5 coolers and digitally, within 3D modelling software. By cutting out, cropping, swapping materials into different shapes I developed the fountain’s form. Some parts, like the statue of the men holding the bottle were first 3D printed and then cast from resin or vacuum formed. Others parts of the fountain, such as the main body and taps were constructed from re-purposed existing water coolers. Within the making of the fountain it was crucial to me to recycle parts of existing water coolers in order to give them a new life and keep the reference to the original object clear. Future plans_ OASIS began as a conceptual project during my final year at Design Academy Eindhoven. Since graduating last year (cum laude) I have already expanded the project, utilising more discarded water coolers to create a series of unique, handmade sculptural vases (picture 7&8). Furthermore I’ve been working on a proposal for more drinking fountains which have an emphasise on re-using plastics or replacing plastic parts with other sustainable materials (picture 9). With help from the Rossana Orlandi Guiltless Plastic Award I want to take this project further and realise more drinking fountains that can be reintroduced into office spaces, waiting rooms, restaurants, airports, and other public spaces. These fountains would be an accessible platform and material reminder to celebrate the visual, cultural and social value of our resources.