3 Methodology
4.3 First Design Iteration
Concluding from the conducted co-design session, a first design iteration was developed by the designer. Ideas and concepts of the co-design session were considered and translated into possible designs for the Smart Rainwater Buffer XXL. The proposed designs were still in very early stages, and therefore not refined and suitable for a possible prototype. However, these were a big stepping stone in understanding what users expected from the designer regarding the vision of the SRB XXL. Three options were created rooting from the co-creation session and the comments made. These can be viewed in the following paragraphs.
4.3.1 Design 1: Ribbon
The first design can be viewed under fig. 4.9. Depicted is a tall, transparent cylindrical tank surrounded by a thin metal frame that spirals up to the top. The frame is divided into two parts, encircling the tank from two different sides, consisting of a shiny bright metal colored in white. The concept of this design is called “ribbon” due to the shape of the frame.
The Smart Rainwater Buffer XXL in this design does not only serve as a tank collecting water, but also offers an aesthetic feature and acts as a sculpture, blending into the industrial environment that is known in “de Bothoven” area. The spiraling metal frame serves a functional purpose as well; it invites audiences to walk around it and observe the tank from all sides. Interesting to note is that the SRB XXL looks different, depending on what angle it is looked at, due to the second spiral surrounding the cylinder. The transparency serves as an informing feature for the residents to see how much water has been collected already, and to be able to get insight on the current water levels of the tank.
Feedback that was focused on from the co-design session was the wish to turn the SRB XXL into an artistic model that would add aesthetic to “de Bothoven” area. The metal strip connects to the industrial history Enschede has and additionally offers a leading design around the tank.
4.3.2 Design 2: Tap
The second design of the first iteration can be seen under fig. 4.10, consisting again of a tall, transparent cylindrical tank, surrounded by a big metal strip curving around it. A wooden band is attached to the middle of the tank, depicting a picture of a tap (hence, the name of the design). The water jet in the picture of the tap is in this case transparent, offering the residents to see water levels, even if the height is currently hidden behind the wooden band. The backside of the band also offers a big window to see its water levels. This is added with the same motivation as in the design earlier, serving as an informing instance for the residents to check how high the water levels currently are. Additionally, the design is connected to a bike cleaning station which is supplied with water by the SRB XXL.
The metal frame around the SRB XXL is also serving as a sculptural feature; depending on what kind of sculpture stakeholders prefer, either the first or the second design can be applied. The addition of the wooden band adds more diversity to the design, making three different materials clash: glass, metal, and wood.
This design was based on the natural aspects that should be implemented (wood), and again add to the industrial history of Enschede. Due to its modern look, it suits “de Bothoven” area and its attractions, embedding it properly into its environment. The wish of adding more aesthetic to the area is picked up again in this design, creating an interesting sculpture that can be viewed when visiting “de Bothoven”, or commuting to school or work.
4.3.3 Design 3: Pavilion
The last design of the first design iteration is visible under fig. 4.11. Depicted are two big transparent tanks detached from each other. These create a cylinder shape viewed from the outside, but construct a hollow space on the inside. Places to sit are offered in that space, which can be accessed by entering two entrances these two shapes build.
The design is called “pavilion”, due to it offering a resting place for visitors of the SRB XXL. It incorporates architectural elements, like a roof and seating places for the interacting instance to rest; this does offer the desired interaction mentioned in the co-creation session. Interesting about this design is that groups of people can meet up inside the created space, while being circled entirely by water. The privacy offered and the beautiful sensation of being surrounded by water, similarly to an aquarium tunnel, create an interesting view that will be visited often by people, adding a further attraction to “de Bothoven” area close to the “performance factory”.
The roof that is added to this design does also protect the users from rain, giving it a secondary protecting instance: being sheltered from rainwater regarding floods and also in case of rain showers while visiting the SRB XXL.