Water feature competition on the market square in the old town of Spandau 3rd rank - multiple commission for the design of a water feature on the market square in the old town of Spandau

Concept_ Two intertwining loops rise up in the middle of the square and create an exciting installation. They represent the confluence of the Havel and Spree rivers.

Perception and spatial effect_ The water sculpture is both a design and space-creating element that enables openness, flow and visibility. Varied moments are created when the element of water is staged sensually and vividly through the interplay with light. The image of a constantly reinventing, diverse and infinite cycle is created.



Perception throughout the day and year_ Visitors can expect a haptic, visual and acoustic experience in summer and winter and by day and night. The sculpture is staged with light so that it remains an attraction even in the evening hours. The same applies to the winter months, when the fountain does not lose its effect even without water. On hot days, the fine mist helps to cool the square. Curious visitors can walk through the thin curtain of water droplets or enjoy the sounds and gentle movements in the wind from the cafés - a water experience without getting wet.



Positioning_ The square is the geographical heart of the old town of Spandau and is an immediate extension of the Havel/Spree intersection. It is an important directional mediator for pedestrians, as it offers shopping facilities and restaurants as well as access to public transport connections and the flanking streets Breite Str. and Carl-Schulze Str. The fountain sculpture should therefore guide visitors and also be visible from a distance - from both the western and eastern entrance to the square.



Symbolism_ The market square will have more than just a fountain: It is a metaphorical and haptic ode, as the two arches are conceptually inspired by the Havel and Spree rivers. Their confluence is symbolized by the form - two courses and yet one interwoven system. This seems to us to be a very appropriate image for the central square, as the development was built here due to its special location at the point where the Spree meets the Havel. The two river bends are differentiated by means of various water jets: in accordance with the meaning of their names and the original river characteristics, mist jets are provided for the Spree (=spraying) and dripping, raining water for the Havel (=flowing). The arches are dynamically in synergetic harmony and yet so different at the same time.