In the year 1980, the city of Ulm played host to Baden-Württemberg's inaugural state-wide Horticultural Exhibit. A noteworthy highlight of this event was the establishment of a fragrance and tactility garden, designed to engage the senses. Central to this unique garden was a fountain specifically crafted for individuals with visual impairments, positioned at its core.
The design aimed to enhance the perception of water for individuals with visual impairments. The fountain was strategically placed for easy accessibility, enabling visitors to audibly and tactilely engage with the water's movement.
The fountain's dynamics are distinctive, featuring water flowing from several bowl-like structures into a paved hollow on the ground. These bowls shape the water flow into a figure-eight pattern, a tactile configuration easily traced by touch — a crucial element for visually impaired visitors. This design allows visitors to feel the pulsating water with their hands, creating a multi-sensory experience.
Atelier Dreiseitl
Water Design, Art and Fountains
This project was originally produced by Atelier Dreiseitl under the leadership of Herbert Dreiseitl. Since its merger in the year 2013 with the Ramboll Group A/S this project and the copyright is owned by Ramboll.
Location
Ulm, Germany
Client
City of Ulm
Timeline
Design: 1979
Construction: 1979 - 1980
Site Area
45 m2
Status
Completed
The sound of the water also makes this fountain especially enjoyable for visually challenged visitors. One can listen to the water travelling from its source down to the ground, through different levels and into multiple directions, its currents and counter-currents creating audibly different sounds throughout.
