In feng shui traditions, the ancient art of placement is vital, and the kinetic sound of water activates and balances the chi in the space. Following these revered traditions, WET’s water feature was designed specifically to maintain Global Trade Center’s chi, re-directing it from flowing out of the lobby between two existing soaring towers.

Embracing the many fortuitous symbolisms in the Chinese culture, the kinetic fountain features a shallow pool of water that gently overflows into a thin skin of water below. Inside the black granite basin of the pool is an eight-pointed star, embellished with mosaic tiles of red and gold. A ring of eight glass-like water arcs, along the dish’s outer edge follows the feature’s radial geometry as they gradually rise and fall over time. Combined with eight delicately domed sheets of water, an ambient sound calms the bustle of the lobby traffic. Centrally placed in the dishlike pool is a ring of pulsing vertical expressions, emphasizing height and accentuating the geometric arrangement of the feature’s design. Choreography can be used to transpose the essence of the fountain throughout the day from subtle and ambient to lively and punctuated.