New SUB Sustainability Art: Runoff

The Runoff is composed of a series of garden platforms suspended above a small pool. From the ceiling a small waterfall begins and falls from platform to platform down into the pool. Each platform can slowly rotate around the pool
causing the path of the waterfall to change over time. The water would then be pumped back to the top via the central shaft so as to minimize wastage.

The mechanism at the top which moves the platforms will be visible and be formed of a complex structure of gearing, resembling clockwork; a matching set of gearing will also reside within the pool. Small wheels at the edge of the
pool will allow people to interact with the pools gearing, when this happens the gearing at the top will mirror the movement and change the speed and direction of certain platforms, allowing viewers to change the water’s course.

Note: This project is one of five sustainability art prototype projects. Each group will submit a prototype for consideration by the New SUB Sustainability Working Group and New SUB Project Committee, and a group will be commissioned to create a scaled-up project for the New SUB Atrium .

Funding awarded: $1,000

Project started: April 2011

Project Updates