Drinking fountain and sustainable ecosystem – all in one
Architecture + Other Things
Nothing expresses hospitality like "sabeel". Neighbourhood water fountains, often found outside villas and mosques, for centuries they have provided thirsty travellers with free refreshment. Now, through its Sabeel 2020 competition in conjunction with Art Jameel, Expo 2020 is celebrating this treasured piece of Islamic heritage through regional artists and designers. Water in the Green – created by Architecture + Other Things – transforms the sabeel into its own tiny ecosystem. As you fill your water bottle, any excess that trickles down the drain is used to irrigate the fountain’s miniature garden of native plants.
Discover Water in the Green in 360°
The Water in the Green sabeel consists of a miniature garden set atop a bowl-shaped fountain structure. The main body of the fountain is cast from Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) to mimic the texture of smooth grey concrete with visible stone aggregates.
Sabeel is an Expo 2020 initiative in collaboration with Art Jameel to reimagine traditional Emirati drinking fountains. Beginning in September 2019 with the Sabeel 2020 open call, winning concepts can now be found across Expo 2020 Dubai.
