Learn how water features can revitalize underused urban spaces, enhancing aesthetics, boosting community engagement, and creating vibrant public areas.

Integrating sustainable design principles into urban water features allows cities to create aesthetically pleasing spaces that also benefit the environment. With growing interest in sustainability, cities are encouraged to explore ways to minimize emissions and enhance eco-friendly urban spaces.

We explore here how three American cities—Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Cincinnati—have made significant investments in one particular facet of public realm improvement: their riverfronts.

Interactive Fountains: These fountains invite people, especially children, to interact directly with water. Splash pads, dancing jets, and sensor-activated water displays provide a playful environment that encourages physical activity and social interaction.

An interactive fountain, also known as an interactive water feature, is a dynamic installation that responds to environmental factors and human interaction. Unlike traditional fountains, these are designed to engage directly with the public, often through movement sensors, to create mesmerizing water patterns and effects.