French artist and designer Olivier Clavel has drawn inspiration from science and technology to create a water sculpture for a new spa and wellness development in France.
Clavel’s water fountains for Le Royaume des Sens City Spa in Merignac, near Bordeaux, blend technology, light and water to create the effect of levitating water.
The spa and wellness development designed by Bordeaux-based architects URB1N, is set to be completed in late 2017.
Clavel uses water to custom create indoor and outdoor spaces including water walls, fountains, ponds or swimming pools.
Controlled by a mobile phone application, the water, sound and light effects can be changed to alter the mood.
The designer is expecting to duplicate his fountain design for several cities including Paris, Toulouse and Bordeaux.
Clavel said: “I play with the visual approach, but also with the auditory perception or the vibrational resonance of the water.
“It is no accident that we find the sound of water flowing to be relaxing. This is why I combine the vibration of water with the music transmitted through my fountains.
“When light is added, the whole contributes to developing that zen feeling that is so sought after and so beneficial.”
Clavel has previously installed his designs at Domaine de Verchant, Relais & Château 5* hotel, in Castelnau-le-Lez, near Montpellier, which chose his fountains for its new 2000sq m spa.
One of Clavel’s landmark designs is Sitting Zen, with overflowing flutes, lights, and built-in hidden speakers controlled by a smartphone application.
Clavel’s Fil d’eau design defines the space without partitioning it as water flows over transparent threads, accompanied by light.
The LED or optical-fibre lighting used in Clavel’s designs can be controlled by a smartphone and built into a home-automation system in order to create a customised ambiance.
Close Window