Recycling Art: the Dresden Drainage System and a Sense of Dr. Seuss
Deputy Dog has an amazing photo of a Dresden house with a unique artistic drainage system. Not all of the houses are like this in Dresden, but it is definitely a way to go. As a commenter Richard adds “It’s part of Dresden Neustadt called “Kunsthof Passage” loosely translated as “Art Court”.
The reaction of commenters is mixed “Typical Germans…they could over-engineer a fart. But it looks cool.” vs. “Katulu - There is no such thing as over engineering.” even up to “I would like to see the same house during a rainstorm to see whether that design is just for show, or if it’s actually a working drainage system.” and brushing up childhood memories “Looks like something out or a Dr. Seuss book.” But my favorite is the one that takes the idea further suggesting recycling drain water: (sorry, the original is all capslock) “BUT WHY NOT MAKE IT USEFUL, BUILD A LARGE TANK AND FEED EACH PIPE INTO TANK, THEN PUT A WATER PUMP ON IT AND USE IT AS EXTRA FRESH WATER FOR WHATEVER. myinventube@www.inventube.com
Whether over-engineering or not, it is more pleasing to the eyes and better to walk past and get unnoticeable inspirations sinking in the back of the mind. Functional? Hard to imagine that a whole houseful community would put up with a non-functional decor drainage though.
The whole facade is strongly resembling Hundertwasser’s architectural solutions with colors, playful patterns and a warm eco-friendly touch. His design of facades reflect our growing need for responsible environmentalism.
Wikipedia connects the Austrian artist to Gaudí, the Spanish genius: “The common themes in his work are a rejection of the straight line, bright colours, organic forms, a reconciliation of humans with nature, and a strong individualism. He remains sui generis, although his architectural work is comparable to Antoni Gaudí in its biomorphic forms and use of tile.”
I think the drainage system turned into musical instruments like trumpets, saxophones, clarinets would be very nice in jazzy New Orleans too. Plus it is an art of recycling in a gimmicky way.
