NYC Fire Hydrants Get Colorful, Functional Makeover For A Splashing Good Time
For over a century, New Yorkers have turned to a simple solution when the summer heat surges: seeking “watery relief” at the numerous neighborhood fire hydrants within the city. While the fun tradition is one that should be maintained, allowing water to flow out uninhibited could be a source of waste.
Hence, creative agency Zulu Alpha Kilo has teamed up with the Street Lab nonprofit to create Splash Spots—an addition to the traditional hydrant caps the Fire Department of New York uses on a day-to-day basis.
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These simple and colorful components come with an on/off function, releasing 50% fewer gallons of water per minute than a traditional hydrant would. To make things more interesting for those in search of a refreshing splash, there are four different types of Splash Spots with varying features.
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First, the yellow ‘Sunshine’ sends water spraying in all directions, while ‘Blossom’ is a gentler mist that allows one to immerse themselves in a cloud of H20. ‘Jump Rope,’ which comes in green, allows kids to leap over a whirling loop of water, whereas the light blue ‘Pinwheel’ takes things up a notch with three rotating sprays.
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All of the Splash Spots are made from machined metal, so they work as optimized, are durable, and provide a safer play space for New Yorkers. Plus, as they’re engineered for greater water conservation, residents can now soak in the cooling atmosphere without any guilt.
Colin P Kelly, founder of Group Project, the industrial design firm that turned the idea into reality, told The Stable that the “first-of-their-kind” innovations are just the beginning. Perhaps someday, these Splash Spots will be found in every firehouse across the city.
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[via The Stable and The Message, cover image via Splash Spots]
