The competition was organized by the weekly Architects ′ Journal and Turkishceramics, an association of Turkish ceramic tile manufacturers. Participants were offered locations in the Soho and South Bank areas to locate their properties.
The key terms of the Competition Project were the use of tiles in the fountains and the continuation of the tradition of artistic craftsmanship that characterized the design of such structures in the past.
Despite the fact that the drinking fountain in the modern era seems outdated, there is still a demand for them in the British capital: for example, a few years ago there was a competition for a similar standard project for the Royal Parks. It is a free and therefore accessible way to quench your thirst, and accessibility is the basis of a quality public space. In addition, it is an eco-friendly alternative to bottled water that does not add glass and plastic used packaging to the huge mass of metropolitan waste.
Zaha Hadid's bureau proposed a canopy structure with a swimming pool, while Allford Hall Monaghan Morris architects in their modest version took inspiration from underground plumbing.
Adam Architecture remembered the historical forms and traditional Turkish tiles, and Eric Parry connected the fountain with a kiosk where you can sell ice cream or newspapers.
Michael Hopkins' workshop came up with an object in the form of a water fountain gushing out of the ground, and Studio Weave offered to the public a “watering pole” - a multi-colored structure that could become the center of social activity.
