Final Report Part 2

The creation of art is often a protracted dance between vision and execution, a meticulous process of translating abstract concepts into tangible realities. The brutalist fountain that took shape over several days was no exception, its construction a testament to both the initial design aspirations and the pragmatic adjustments necessitated by material constraints and technical skill. The journey from conceptual sketch to physical manifestation involved a series of key steps, each contributing to the final form and aesthetic of a piece intended to embody the stark power of brutalism while embracing the dynamic fluidity of water. The core of this process lay in the innovative use of a foam core as a structural foundation, meticulously layered with fiberglass reinforcement, waterproofing, anchoring screws, and finally, the concrete skin that would bestow upon it the desired brutalist character. 

The initial stage of this endeavor involved the creation of a foam core, which would serve as the fundamental structural framework of the fountain. This decision stemmed from a practical reassessment of the initial ambition to utilize poured concrete, a material choice that, while aesthetically aligned with brutalism, presented significant challenges in terms of weight and construction complexity. To begin, several two feet by two feet by one inch foam insulation boards were acquired, chosen for their lightweight nature and ease of manipulation. Guided by the initial design sketches, the process of shaping the foam into the components of the two primary “fins” commenced. This was a deliberate and tactile process, involving the careful layout of cutting lines on the foam surfaces followed by the precise application of a Japanese hand saw. The choice of a hand saw allowed for a greater degree of control in shaping the relatively soft material, ensuring the clean, angular forms characteristic of brutalist design.

Once the individual pieces of the “fins” were cut, the next step involved their permanent assembly. Contact cement and construction adhesive were employed to bond the foam segments together, gradually building the three-dimensional structure of each fin. During this assembly, a crucial functional detail was integrated: a small slot was carefully carved into the interior of one of the fins to accommodate the hose that would eventually carry water from the basin to the apex of the structure. This early consideration of the water’s circulatory path highlights the integrated nature of the design, where form and function are intrinsically linked. Following the completion of the individual fins, they were then joined together at a precise right angle, their union forming the essential pyramidal shape that would define the fountain’s overall silhouette. This angular intersection is a direct nod to the geometric rigidity often found in brutalist architecture.

With the pyramidal core established, the construction of the water-collecting basin commenced. This involved first adhering the base of the newly formed pyramid to a full sheet of insulation foam. This larger foam sheet would serve as the foundation of the entire fountain, providing a stable base to which all other elements would be attached. Next, two five-inch wide strips of foam were cut to form the walls of the basin. These strips were then carefully glued to the perimeter of the foam base and to the lower edges of the two “fins,” creating a shallow, square enclosure that would contain the water. This defined geometric basin further reinforces the brutalist aesthetic of clean lines and clear spatial organization.

Once the foam core of the fountain was fully assembled, the crucial stage of preparing its exterior for the application of concrete began. This involved a multi-layered approach aimed at providing both structural reinforcement and a suitable surface for the concrete to adhere to. The first step was to cover the entire exterior surface where concrete would eventually be applied with fiberglass drywall tape. This material, commonly used in drywall construction to reinforce seams, was chosen for its ability to add texture to the smooth foam surface, thereby creating a mechanical key for the concrete to grip onto. In areas with complex curves or tight angles, a staple gun was sometimes necessary to ensure the tape conformed precisely to the underlying foam shape.

Following the application of the fiberglass tape, nearly the entire exterior of the foam core was coated with a layer of waterproofing paint. This step was critical for the longevity and functionality of the fountain. The waterproofing paint serves two primary purposes: to create a barrier that prevents water from saturating the foam insulation, which could compromise its structural integrity, and to minimize the potential for leaks once the fountain is operational. This careful consideration of water resistance demonstrates a practical understanding of the challenges inherent in creating a water feature.

The final preparatory step before the concrete application involved the strategic placement of drywall screws across the areas that would receive the concrete layer. These screws were intentionally driven into the foam so that their heads protruded from the surface by approximately a quarter of an inch. These protruding screw heads were designed to act as additional anchor points for the concrete, providing a physical interlock that would further enhance adhesion and reduce the risk of the concrete detaching from the relatively smooth surface of the prepared foam. This meticulous attention to detail underscores the commitment to creating a durable and long-lasting structure.

With the foam core meticulously prepared, the transformative stage of applying the concrete exterior commenced, a process intended to imbue the fountain with its desired brutalist aesthetic. A bag of concrete, chosen based on perceived suitability for this application, was mixed with water until it reached a workable consistency. However, this stage proved to be particularly challenging due to the limited prior experience with this type of concrete application and the unexpectedly rapid setting time of the chosen concrete mixture. Armed with a small trowel, the process of applying the concrete to the complex surfaces of the pyramid and the exterior of the basin began. The quick setting nature of the concrete made it difficult to achieve the desired level of smoothness and uniformity, necessitating the division of the application process into several distinct sessions. This resulted in a textured surface that, while perhaps not perfectly smooth, inadvertently contributed to the raw, unrefined aesthetic often associated with brutalism. True to the principles of the architectural style, the applied concrete was left unpainted, allowing its natural gray tones and inherent texture to define the fountain’s visual character.

Reflecting on the design and construction process, several key deviations from the initial plans emerged, driven by practical considerations and evolving understanding. The initial ambition to construct the entire fountain from poured concrete was ultimately abandoned due to the anticipated complexity of the mold-making process and the prohibitive weight of the final piece. The decision to utilize a lightweight foam core with a concrete veneer proved to be a more feasible and manageable approach. Furthermore, the original design envisioned a pyramid composed of four triangular “fins,” a more complex geometric arrangement. This idea was also revised in favor of a simpler two-fin design to reduce the overall complexity of the construction process.

In hindsight, one significant aspect of the project that I would approach differently would be the selection of the concrete mixture. The rapid setting time of the chosen concrete proved to be a major obstacle during the application process, hindering the ability to achieve a smoother finish and requiring a segmented approach to the work. A concrete mixture with a longer working time would have likely resulted in a more controlled and potentially more refined final surface.

Looking beyond the immediate context of the design and build process, the future of this brutalist fountain is envisioned within a personal space. Following its exhibition, the plan is to place the fountain in my backyard, where its stark form and the gentle sound of cascading water can be enjoyed by my wife and me. This transition from a public display to a private setting underscores the personal connection to the creative endeavor and the desire to integrate this unique piece of art into the fabric of everyday life. The brutalist cascade, born from a vision of juxtaposing architectural ideals with the fluidity of water, will ultimately find its permanent home as a contemplative and aesthetically striking element within a familiar landscape.

*The above was written with the help of Google Gemini