Gizmodo: fountain

World's Tallest, Most Expensive Fountain In Sparkling Action

Jesus Diaz — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:21:29 EST

As you would expect, the world's tallest fountain is in Dubai. As you would expect, it's next to the world's tallest building. And as you would expect, it's as naff as everything else in there.

The Dubai Fountain—which was recently finished by the Burj Dubai—can reach 492 feet up in the air.

It was built for $217 million by WET Design, which is the same company that created the one at the Bellagio Hotel, in Las Vegas. The 900-foot long water show uses 6,600 lights, 50 colored projectors, and hundreds of servos, all computer controlled and synchronized with music to offer some of the most sophisticated water entertainment since Zeus decided to impregnate Danaë. [Wikipedia and Dark Roasted Blend]

James Dyson's 'Wrong Garden' Optical Illusion Makes Water Flow Uphill

Adam Frucci — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 10:40:00 EDT

This fountain, created by inventor James Dyson and inspired by MC Escher, has water flowing up a series of ramps. Or so it appears to.

It's actually a pretty ingenious optical illusion. Water is pumped out of the tops of each ramp, cascading water down both the ramp and over its edge. Bubbles rising inside each ramp give the illusion of water flowing uphill, and all together it makes it look like the water is defying gravity. Pretty amazing stuff, and it took a solid year to design and build.

You can go check it out at the Chelsea Garden Show in England if you're in the area. [BBC via Oh Gizmo! via The Daily What]

Vortex Fountain Scares the Piss Out of Traditional Fountains

Mark Wilson — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EDT

The Vortex Fountain eschews gentle, soothing streams for a powerful water funnel. The illusion of a standing block of water is created by an acrylic case hidden by transparency and water cascading down the sides, and the vortex itself is formed through the combination of strong, alternate currents of water that collide in the tank. Depending on the angle from which you view the fountain, it alternates between a majestic restraint of nature and an oversized science experiment involving expensive two-liters. Here's a clip of the Vortex Fountain in full vortexness:

[WilliamPye via OhGizmo]

AquaRain Bath Fountain Puts on a Show Using Your Bathwater

Elaine Chow — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EDT

I've never found bath time boring enough to need a water fountain and a light show, but in case you hate not being reminded of the Bellagio every time you step into the tub, the AquaRain is here to allay your washroom ADD. The AquaRain floats in your bathtub and pumps bathwater through its jets to create a fountain effect. Four LED lights—red, purple, blue and white—can be remixed to turn your shower into a rave. On sale at Japan Trend Shop for $49, hilarious Engrish included. [Japan Trend Shop via Gizmo Diva]

Backyards Scream "Classy!" With StereoStone Birdbath Fountain Speaker

Wilson Rothman — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 17:00:47 EDT

Sorry, but I just can't believe anyone's going to buy this. Not only does it just look ridiculous, with its faux stone carving topped with a leafy pineapple, and its two submerged halogen lights. (Why not four lights, or a whole ring of them? I mean, if you're going cheesy, go all the way.) On the good side, it does contain a hidden 8-inch 250-watt stereo speaker system, and can plug directly into a standard 120V wall unit. But still, it's not worth it at any price, especially not $600. Yes, I said $600. [Electronic House via Ubergizmo]