Aquasphere
Product design | installation | Experimental
Aquasphere: A Union of Sun and Water
Water is omnipresent—found in oceans, air, and soil—yet astonishingly, over 800 million people lack access to it. Tragically, 2 million deaths occur annually due to unsafe water quality.
Inspired by the simple yet powerful concept of solar distillation, Aquasphere is an installation designed to raise awareness about water scarcity and demonstrate sustainable water purification methods. Aquasphere envisions a future where clean water is accessible to all through innovative and low-tech solutions. Solar distillation is a proven, effective method that has already been implemented on a large scale, showcasing its potential to address global water challenges.
The Concept
Aquasphere draws from the distillation process, a centuries-old technique. This installation serves as both an artistic piece and a functional demonstration of solar energy's water purification capabilities. By harnessing natural evaporation and condensation, Aquasphere converts seawater, river water, and rainwater into clean, drinkable water. Visitors can sit below the sphere and enjoy the newly filtered water, fostering a direct connection with sustainable technology.
Aquasphere is crafted to be educational and interactive, captivatingly aesthetic, while providing clean water, embodying the expanded concept of "Schoonheid". Visitors can gather around, share a glass of purified water, and gain insights into water conservation. The installation underscores water's preciousness, more valuable than gold on a cosmic scale, as acknowledged by Hubert Reeves.
