The element of Reflection is the next focus of our commercial water design series article. Lighting and Reflection are intended to heighten the water fountain sensory experience and explore unique mirroring qualities that water naturally provides. Our goal is to inspire you to utilize the incredible characteristics of water in your future fountain project and inquire further how Commercial Aquatic Engineering can help you decide which water element best fits your architectural needs. To look back on the other highlighted elements of this series, visit
- The Visual Element of Mist
- Creating an Atmosphere
- Visual Characteristics of Water
- The Beautiful Sights and Sounds of Water
- Mesmerizing Ice Fountain Sculptures.
A very popular lighting option for a water fountain design that creates a calm, sophisticated, demure, and often magnificent aura is simply water within a dark bodied pool. This creates a mirror-like reflection. The reflection pool is most popular in outdoor architectural settings where there are elements, like buildings, forms and landscape that can capture and highlight a duplicate image in the water. A reflection pool is typically large in scale which can capture more reflection value and provides a significant impact due to size. One of the techniques that helps “still” the water is a rim flow perimeter. The pulling capillary movement of water to an outer collection chamber helps prevent the wind from creating a ripple on the surface of the water which can distort the reflection.
“Follow effective action with quiet reflection. From the quiet reflection will come even more effective action.” ~Peter Drucker
This Water Design Series is by Greg Stoks, Principal at Commercial Aquatic Engineering. The purpose is to add useful content to CAE social media venues to help readers better understand design considerations when utilizing water as an architectural element. Contact us today with any questions you may have or to receive our complimentary custom fountain consultation.
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