What if rainwater becomes directly used part of the urban environment?
Rain is an often occurrence in the Netherlands, yet, most of that rain goes straight into the drains and out to sea, leaving its potential to convert into drinking water unused. Water scarcity is already an issue, what if the filtration process becomes everyday part of the urban environment?
Rain Vessel project started from asking the question. FLOW team wanted to explore the possibilities of catching rainwater and making it directly usable. But what it actually takes to make such project?
Rain lands on existing surface, gets directed into Rain Vessel, runs through a visible filtration process, and ends up in your cup! Allowing you to experience the process and spark curiosity about how much it actually takes to get water clean enough to be safe for drinking.
Rain Vessel project could find its home in various urban settings, from public parks to educational institution yards. That way everyone could get educated on the water related issues and the processes behind it. Sounds good, right?!
A water system designed to be seen, understood and used.
Rain Vessel is a modular filtration system built from separate elements that can be assembled in different ways. Timber modules 45cmx45cm are framing each a different process component. Starting from a natural sediment tank made of sand, gravel, and active charkcoal serving as a first filter, via pressure pump water is directed into second filter based on salt and chlorine, all the way to an usable tap! Each stage being completely transparent allowing to follow water flow from start to finish.
The project also focuses on social potential of the installation. Rain Vessel serves also as urban furniture and a meeting point. With seating elements, made out of recycled beer crates, and foldable tables integrated, users can relax and hang out whilst having a conversation and access to clear drinkable water.
