These odd sculptures in Brno will serve as futuristic water fountains

After all, each era has to leave its mark on the urban landscape

The city of Brno has a new feature in its urban landscape. On 7 August, a set of three sculptures was officially unveiled on the Dominikánská náměstí (Dominican square). The bronze sculptures, which represent a sort of optical illusion, are meant to reimagine the idea of a city water fountain.

They are meant to resemble pipes and in fact, they are also able to emit water mist giving the impression that they are smoking. The other optical illusion, depending on the angle you look at them, is that the objects look like cones lying on one side. However, in reality, they are flattened and are not cone-shaped.

Remotely controlled for weather adaptation

The new “water fountain” was selected by a jury two years ago, when the urban authorities announced a design competition. The winning proposition is designed by Tomáš Pavlacký and Michael Gabriel.

The idea of the bronze false cones is to create a different visual effect depending on where you stand on the square. The visual effects will also be supplemented and boosted by water features. At any given moment, at least one of the cones will emit water – either in the form of mist or as a tiny stream.

Everything is controlled remotely and can be adapted to the weather or various special occasions," explained Tomáš Pavlacký.

The three bronze cones, weighing 200, 450 and 1,000 kilos, respectively, were made at the Ještědský bronze foundry in Mníšek near Liberec, which is sought after by artists from all over Europe due to the quality of the production and craftsmanship of the castings. 

Now, it’s up to the residents and future generations to decide on the merit of the artistic water fountain and whether it will become one of the symbols of the Czech city.