Urban Cenote (2024)
Design Assignment for Studio Roosegaarde / ⤷ Submission (PDF)
A waterfall that cleanses urban waters for immersing in it. The assignment was to visualise the city of “Schoonheid”: in Dutch the word means both beauty and cleanliness, and Studio Roosegaarde widens it to clean air, energy, soil and water.
A cenote is a geological feature of the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico. It is a clear water pond into which water trickles through the surrounding layers of rock, soil and vegetation, being cleaned of any excessive nutrients, sediment and naturally occurring debris. It creates a space that culturally has a great significance as a sacred space, often used for bathing and swimming.
This structure cleans urban bodies of water, which are often polluted and unfit for bathing. It captures water smog, which consists of microplastics and PFAS (forever chemicals), heavy metals, and excessive nitrogen and phosphor from agricultural fertilisers, to create an Urban Cenote where people can reconnect with the water safely.
44 second animation of the waterfall, no sound.
How it works
The water is circulated and cleaned from PFAS and other microparticles through active-carbon filters and reverse osmosis membranes located within the centre-pod of the structure. The outside of this pod hosts a variety of aquatic plants and organisms, which make use of the nutrients left in the water and prevent the excessive growth of harmful algae.
- Water is pumped up through the filters to the water tank and released through gaps in its side, creating a clean waterfall.
- A pipe system of carbon and reverse osmosis membranes captures PFAS and other microplastics as well as heavy metals and other toxins.
- Aquatic plants on a grow wall filter excessive nutrients that cause invasive algae growth.
- A clean area of water is created that is safe and pleasant to swim in, and free of forever plastics.
- Spray helps cool the heated air around the Urban Cenote in summer. LEDs illuminate the waterfall at night.
Bathing as a ritual
Bathing is more than hygiene; it’s a ritual for relaxation, reflection and connecting with nature. Across cultures, water symbolises purity and renewal, making immersion a soothing and meditative experience. The Urban Cenote re-enables this practice in urban spaces, creating a sanctuary where individuals can experience the transformative power of water.
By bathing in the Urban Cenote, people engage in an ecological harmony, contributing to the health of urban water bodies. The structure purifies the water while creating a vibrant environment, both visually and haptically. It serves as a reminder to preserve our water resources and maintain the delicate balance of ecosystems that sustain life.
Process
