Inspired by rainwater in a Oaxacan courtyard, roof runoff (normally concealed from view) cascades down the facade of the building lining Washington Avenue. The street is on axis with Grand Haven’s musical fountain across the river, a local precedent for putting water on display for the public’s enjoyment.

On the top floor, the water’s seen from the skatepark, falling in concentrated streams past rows of windows; on the ground floor, it trickles down the surfaces of columns to supply plants and pools. Excess water is stored for use in restrooms and climate control, so the water’s benefits are felt long after the show’s over.

Water’s often in motion at a higher position, and at rest below. That’s been a guiding principle for this project, with the activity of a skatepark above the tranquility of a place for relaxing among plants, shallow pools, and stately columns. Like stormwater, skaters are often regarded as a nuisance; we recognize diversity as essential to the urban experience.

This project seeks to raise people’s awareness in a playful way, giving them a pleasant experience linked to the rain while giving the community a stronger connection to this natural process.