Thesis
Statement
Concepts
inspirations
connection
introduction
sundial
windmill
waterwheel
a planted tree
footbridges
dragon
the path
conclusion
vocabulary
Precedents
Site
Programme
Scratch
Pad
EcoResearch
Bibliography
Portfolio |
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Like the windmill,
the waterwheel also evokes motion and life. Water puts us in touch
with ritual, purification, and sound. Outside, the weather gives
us rain, ice, and snow. The rain cleans our streets, fills our lakes
and rivers, and nourishes vegetation. We hear the rain as it patters
against the leaves of trees or the roofs of homes.
Humans love being near
water. The world’s major cities are all located along the side of
a river, lake, sea, or ocean. Water represents transportation, life,
food, and health. Our parks often contain water and many people take
walks along river banks, canals, and beaches. Fountains and ponds
bring water into urban spaces and often form the centre of such places.
Connecting to water makes us more aware of the importance of clean water
and the proper treatment of our water systems. We want to swim in
safe water at local beaches and savour a fish without worrying about toxins.
The waterwheel also
creates sound. We listen to the natural sound of water running over
the wheel or a fountain in a park. It is natural sound that connects
us to migrating geese, waves on a beach, walking on a boardwalk, or bustling
café conversations. The urban environment is full of sound,
but it is also full of noise. Quite often all we hear is the noise
of traffic, air conditioners, and industry. Like air pollution, noise
pollution numbs us and puts us out of contact with our surroundings.
We have to learn how to design cities and buildings to reduce the amount
of manufactured noises that mask the sounds of nature and human interactions.
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