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Aquarena
by William Pye
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At-Bristol undertook a major Public Art
commissioning programme linking the public open spaces themed
around reflection and exploration. The Public Art complements the
rich architectural heritage of the site and extends the themes of
Explore and the former
Wildwalk by encouraging people to look at the World in a new way.
By animating the public spaces the Public Art helps to create a
unique urban space.
Aquarena in Millennium Square is a
unique water sculpture on an epic scale by William Pye, Britain’s most
respected sculptor working with water. In Aquarena
William Pye’s ingenious site-specific design combines both an
extraordinary water sculpture and a
highly original performance space – which gives the piece its name.
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Aquarena provides visitors with one of the most dramatic ways of
entering Millennium Square – by entering at the North-East corner,
they will be greeted by a shimmering wall of water which curves in an
embracing arc in front of them, momentarily masking the view beyond.
Passing through a gap in this wall of water, they will pass between
terraces on each side and view the expanse of the square beyond – and
see Aquarena in all its glory.
The wall of water is one of
several distinct interrelating and contrasting elements of Aquarena.
The most all-encompassing being a series of reflecting water terraces
which will create a spectacle of tranquil calm within this essential urban
environment.
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Other
elements of Aquarena are two
prism shaped monoliths in mirror polished stainless steel which form a
narrow canyon through which people can pass; a low level waterfall; and
rows of water jets which form vaults and a skeletal dome structure.
Aquarena operates in many combinations, and the ingenious design allows
the circular terrace to be drained to become a stage for live
performances.
Born in London in 1938,
William Pye first started using stainless steel in combination with water
30 years ago. His many and varied commissions are inspired by many years
developing ideas he has culled from his observations of nature into
practical forms – but it is his knowledge of the laws of hydrostatics
that enable him to realise his original concepts.
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He says: ‘For me, water
shapes the concept, directing the form and determining the fabric of the
sculpture. It is often the smallest and most timeless of means by which
water can be controlled that hold the greatest fascination, utilising
those natural laws that govern the way water behaves.’
Aquarena is one of William Pye’s
most exciting and important projects to date. Other significant pieces
include Water Cube (1997) for
Burmah Castrol World Headquarters, Swindon; Cathay
Prism (1999) for the Cathay Pacific Hotel at Hong Kong International
Airport; and Cader Idris (1999), the focal point of the refurbishment of Central
Square, Cardiff.
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