Digital Water Pavilion

Artist's Impression 1

Source: http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2007/waterbuilding-0711.html

Haha, I usually don't read about architecture. But today I came across a novel concept in urban architecture. Unveiled at the The 2008 Zaragoza World Expo in Spain today, The Digital Water Pavilion is selected by Time Magazine as the "Best Invention of The Year" in the field of architecture. The theme of the expo is water and sustainable development. The fair is part of the city of Zaragoza's broader effort to reinvent itself as a 21st century hub of knowledge, innovation and creativity.

Artist's Impression 2

(Source: http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2007/waterbuilding-0711.html)

Located at the entrance of the expo, it features an entirely-water-based programmable water walls which act as doors which can open & close like a water curtain. It can be programmed to display various shapes & also texts, images, patterns and are able to respond dynamically to input from sensors. The only solid structure is its roof, which is supported by large pistons which can move up & down. The roof location is also adjustable by how much wind is blowing at that time. So advanced!

The water walls are generated by high-speed computer-controlled solenoid valves, about 3000 of them! The water used is fully recycled. But some of it is lost due to evaporation, but it is supplemented by rainfall at the pavilion's site.

A Snapshot of the Expo

If you interested to know what it's all about, here are the links :)
http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2007/waterbuilding-0711.html
http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2008/zaragoza-tt0611.html