Water Reservoir in Örebro, Sweden
Open international competition
2016
«Human nature is like water. It takes the shape of its container».
-Wallace Stevens
Water is the most important source for life. Without this fundamental element there would be no life on earth, as all lifeforms are dependent on water to some extent (be it animals, plants or human beings).
A modern day life is dependent on a steady supply of clean water. The water reservoirs therefore represent some of the key components of our modern societies. The new reservoir in Örebro must therefore be given an identity that makes it a worthy of the important function it holds.
When developing the project we focused on four basic qualities that we believe are good starting points if one are to develop an architecture that relate positively to the society it is part of:
Variation: An architecture that offer a different experiences from all sides, and is changing as you move around it. One that is perceived in new ways when moving from far away to near, and is changing under varying weather conditions.
Depth: An architecture that is complex and consisting of several layers. It should be possible to discover new elements as one studies the structure closer.
Openness: An architecture that is perceived as readable, open and inviting. It should be possible to understand the structure and it´s composition.
Playfulness: An architecture that through its form, colour scheme and lighting is perceived as generous to its surroundings.
The reservoir consists of two layers; An inner climate wall that protects the water tank - articulated as a circular wall in concrete (with an aggregate of colour), and an outer that is open and freer in shape - consisting of four wooden clad rings that are rotated around the horizontal and vertical axis, and relative to each other.