Flowform Design ....
"it is like tuning an instrument"
Flowforms are vessels whose precisely sculpted shapes act sympathetically upon the water in them, generating rhythmical, swinging or pulsing, movements. This occurs even though the water enters in a steady flow. The process can be compared to the creation of a sound in a wind instrument. Development of these forms requires much experimentation – the shape of any one design of Flowform may take years to perfect, it is like tuning an instrument
Since the initial discovery of this phenomenon over thirty years ago, many designs have been created to give a very wide range of water movements. There are Flowforms with delicate water movements suitable for smaller enclosed spaces all the way up to very vigorous movements which can enliven large open landscapes. In some the movements are reminiscent of a heart-beat, in others of a slower ‘breathing’. There are designs which give a musical sound and others which produce a sound more like that of waves lapping on a shoreline. These qualities have proved especially valuable in therapeutic situations and school environments.
The benefits of Flowforms are by no means purely aesthetic. Because Flowforms have been designed with respect for the inherent nature of water, and with the wish to enhance its life-supporting capacity, they are now in use in the food processing industry, agriculture, horticulture and as an integral part of natural water cleaning systems.
References, ``Sensitive Chaos``, Theodor Schwenk,Rudolf Steiner Press,1999
``Flowforms``, John Wilkes, Floris Books, 2003.
Patterns on water as a demo during one of Simon's workshops on Flowform design
The key areas in which we work typically fall into four main categories:
Simon Charter
Educational & Play
You could say education starts to happen through play. From early learning years through to adulthood, people never lose their curiosity with nature and water. The ‘water workshops’ we stage lead to a deeper understanding of the connections between water and life. Children especially can relate to this by engaging in interactive water play environments – not prescribed or over-engineered experiences, but ones that are open to exploration, self-discovery and natural connectivity. We aim to make this accessible to everyone through imaginative design, use of natural materials and ongoing product development.
Therapy & Wellbeing
Over the years, we have been exploring the relationship between naturally moving water, its therapeutic qualities and how it can bring about a sense of wellbeing. During this time, we have worked with a number of medical practitioners, therapists (conventional and alternative), Feng Shui masters, mental health managers and heads of special needs educational establishments and communities, all of whom understand the value of healthy, naturally moving water and the environment it creates. Projects have included a sensory garden for a special needs school; water gardens in a number of mental health rehabilitation units; a water cascade for a healing garden within a young offenders’ institute; and water features for several memorial gardens.
Environment
Water plays a vital role in the organic and biodynamic approach to the life of a place. In combination with biological filters or reed-beds, Flowforms can improve the water quality of both sewage and non-sewage wastewater, for example from laundry and showers. Through effective circulation and oxygenation of the water, it can be used for irrigation or returned to open nature in a condition that adds quality to the environment. The management of liquid manure and farmyard run-off are also areas we can greatly improve; the reconditioning of stored rainwater is another. We also design and build natural waste water treatment systems for commercial and domestic settings and systems for stirring biodynamic preparations for farms and other agricultural settings.
More may be found at: http://flowforms.com/
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