President's Corner:

Let it flow, let it flow, let it flow

“Since Roman times, water has been a life-enhancing adjunct to buildings intensifying their meaning and impact.  In even relatively modest Roman houses, water played an integral part, for the atrium, with its central impluvium (rain-water pool), was the first space to be encountered on entering. Under the compluvium (the opening that let the rain in), the impluvium was more than just a cistern, for the image of the sky was caught in it, and light was reflected upwards to the roof and surrounding rooms, as well as reaching them from above.  Water, luminosity, volume and structure were all intimately related.”

Peter Davey

Editor

The Architectural Review

Whether residential or commercial, aesthetically integrating water into a building’s design instills calmness and tranquility to its occupants.  Water evokes emotion, whether we hear it, see it, or are sub-consciouly aware of it.  By utilizing water in design, the architect can connect the building to its context, provide a visual stimulation at the entry, reflect light in unique, interesting patterns or minimize noise pollution through water's consistent sound frequency.  The result provides a positive environmental impact on our well being and lives.

Barron Schimberg, AIA

Leed AP