Superhydrophobic Fountain

The Superhydrophobic Fountain by Arthur Carabott makes use of a superhydrophobic coating to create unbelievable water effects and movements. You can watch an incredible video showing the fountain here.

Inspired by the Japanese Mathematician Kokichi Sugihara’s optical illusions that interpret Escher-like two dimension line drawings into three-dimensional objects that move in ways that seem impossible, this fountain likewise

The superhydrophobic coating used creates a microstructure that mimics the naturally hydrophoic Lotus leaf. Carabott’s experiments with the coating have lead to the discovery of a number exciting effects including water moving fast like mercury droplets, unusually narrow stream of water and areas of tension created between the treated and untreated areas. These material behaviors were ultimately brought with spectacular effect into the form of an indoor fountain.

Made for a prototyping class at the Pratt Institute, the fountain is made from laser cut acrylic, the superhydrophobic coating of course, and a 3d printing spout holder that allows for adjustments of the spout position.

The form was informed by the ‘Rectilinear Study’of the 3D Workshop class taught by Architect Jay Levy at the Institute. The class teaches the principles of abstract 3D form and proportion devised by Rowena Reed Kostellow, which are the foundation of the Pratt Industrial Design Program.

If you are interested in exploring superhydrophic materials further, check out an example of some in our materials library here.