Multipurpose fire hydrant is a public water fountain

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At Springwise, we know that design is at the core of many of our hottest innovations. We have previously published a variety of design-based creations, including a bike storage solution for cyclists who do not have access to indoor storage space. The circular, waterproof and secure design frees up interior space and can protect bikes just as well as garage or shed storage. Another example is modular public toilets in San Francisco, US that can recycle water and be used as information kiosks.

Dimitri Nassisi, a design graduate from Ecole cantonale d’art de Lausanne (ÉCAL) in Lausanne, Switzerland, has designed a multipurpose fire hydrant. The fire hydrant features a double valve system and is usable for putting out fires or quenching thirst. By reducing the pressure of the valves, the hydrant functions as a drinking fountain for both people and dogs. When firefighters need the hydrant to fight fires, they can fully open both valves. This allows them to release the water at a high pressure.

Dimitri Nassisi choose a bright blue colour for the Drinking Hydrant. His colour choice ensures the hydrant stands out as he believes drinking fountains in Switzerland are often too discreet to locate. He designed the Drinking Hydrant following the same construction process for regular fire hydrants. The hydrant is cast out of iron and, like regular fire hydrants it can be removed and replaced without the need for roadworks.

In addition to combating fires and helping people re-hydrate, at the foot of the fountain there is a dog bowl. The water in the dog bowl is overflow water, therefore the fountain minimises wasting any water. Furthermore, the Drinking Hydrant is also environmentally-friendly as it functions as a bottle refill point. This reduces the use of single-use plastic bottles.

Takeaway: Adding feature to urban infrastructure can often be time-consuming, expensive, and construction can interrupt residents’ everyday lives. Incorporating fresh design into existing structures alleviates many of these problems. Efficient and flexible renovation could be key to creating smart cities of the future. What other design innovations can offer better solutions while blending into the existing infrastructure of public spaces?

Website: www.ecal.ch
Contact: [email protected]

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