Sofia Drinking Fountain: A Multifunctional Design for Public Spaces

A Contemporary Solution for Accessible and Sustainable Drinking Water

The Sofia Drinking Fountain stands out with its central spatial accent and minimalist design. It ensures easy access to drinking water for all users, regardless of their physical abilities. The fountain features a round-shaped base that seamlessly connects it to the municipal infrastructure. The casted body includes an animal bowl with a water flow system, ensuring constant water quality. Additionally, a drinking water sign with tactile-touch braille provides accessibility for visually impaired individuals.

One of the standout features of the Sofia Drinking Fountain is its multifunctionality. The water flows from the upper part, designed for people, to the lower part, intended for animals. This design ensures that the water in the animal bowl is always refreshed, with excess water spilling over into the infrastructure. The bottom bowl also includes a grid-shaped form to drain excessive amounts of water, preventing any overflow issues.

The realization of the Sofia Drinking Fountain involves a meticulous process. The designer first creates 3D wood models and casts molds for various parts using a CNC milling machine. The final product is made from bronze, which is carefully casted and polished to achieve a smooth surface. The fountain elements include the base, the casted body with the animal bowl, and the drinking water sign with tactile-touch braille.

With dimensions of 1170 x 400 x 1000 mm, the Sofia Drinking Fountain is designed to fit seamlessly into various public spaces. It offers a contemporary and ergonomic solution that combines aesthetic value with practicality. The design team, led by Dragomir Suka, includes 3D visualization expert Predrag Suka and marketing specialist Nemanja Suka.

The Sofia Drinking Fountain project started in July 2016 in Karlovac, Croatia, and was exhibited in Ars Publicae in September 2016 in Zagreb, Croatia. The designer conducted extensive research to ensure the uniqueness and functionality of the design. While there are numerous drinking fountain designs worldwide, the Sofia Drinking Fountain stands out for its ergonomic values, multifunctionality, and stylistic features.

Overcoming various challenges, the designer successfully created a contemporary and urban design that meets the social needs of the community. The realization of the design depends not only on the creative process but also on decision-makers, legal requirements, and infrastructure considerations.

The Sofia Drinking Fountain design, with its minimalistic form and thoughtful water flow, provides easy access to drinking water for all users. Its multifunctionality caters to wheelchair users, visually impaired individuals, and animals, ensuring inclusivity and sustainability. By incorporating this design into public spaces, communities can promote accessibility and enhance the quality of life for their residents.

Images:

Image #1: Design: Dragomir Šuka / Illustrator: Predrag Šuka, 2017.

Image #2: Design: Dragomir Šuka / Illustrator: Predrag Šuka, 2017.

Image #3: Design: Dragomir Šuka / Illustrator: Predrag Šuka, 2017.

Image #4: Design: Dragomir Šuka / Illustrator: Predrag Šuka, 2017.

Image #5: Design: Dragomir Šuka / Illustrator: Predrag Šuka, 2017.

Awards and Accolades:

This design was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Street and City Furniture Design category in 2018. The award recognizes well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. The Sofia Drinking Fountain stands out for its integration of industry best practices, competent technical characteristics, and contribution to a better world.