Kamal Ghorui
Located in the heart of Brno, Czech Republic, a captivating technological phenomenon has engendered imagination and excitement for both residents and tourists alike. Sometimes mistaken for an ordinary clock, Brno’s ‘Light Fountain’ is an extraordinary technological marvel, located adjacent to the Janáček Theatre. This impressive installation utilises cutting-edge technology with computer-controlled water jets to use the moving water as a medium or surface for projecting real-time data (e.g. current time and date) into the air. The amazing blend of fluid dynamics, engineering precision and public art creates an awe-inspiring experience from what is essentially an ordinary fountain, transforming it into a dazzling, short-lived spectacle that appears to be a magical event created by science. Visitors often gather mesmerized as cascading liquid displays reveal intricate patterns, beautifully bridging the gap between classical urban architecture and innovative modern digital artistry.
Where is this fountain that tells time
Brno city has this ‘Light Fountain’ (the water clock) as a prominent feature located in a revitalised public park area in front of the Janáček Theatre. The Light Fountain is an easily accessible point of interest for those who want to explore Brno’s rich history and diverse mix of cultural sites and modern architecture within a revitalised urban space near the city’s historical centre in the South Moravian region of the Czech Republic.
Why was this fountain designed
The Light Fountain was designed and built as a modern public installation that incorporates elements of art, technology, and urban design. While it is frequently referred to in discussions as a contemporary engineering achievement, it was created largely through the combined efforts of the local municipality and various engineering firms to beautify urban spaces in Brno. It serves as evidence of Brno’s dedication to providing opportunities for both residents and visitors in the South Moravian region to experience the benefits of the innovative use of modern technology in their daily lives as part of the overall urban landscape.
Why is this fountain special
It is simply special, being a mid-air ‘liquid display.’ Rather than depending on a static shape or static traditional designs, this installation utilises programmed jets for issuing printed real-time data. This inspires people passing by to marvel as digital digits floating into the air appear for their time and date, while it splashes below into the collection basin, something turning into an attractive clock.
What technology is behind this
At the heart of the technology is an elaborate setup wherein hundreds of high-speed solenoid valves are operated by a computer-controlled system that regulates the time of opening and closing of the valves for less than a millisecond, which releases precise, timed droplets downwards in particular patterns. The gaps between water droplets are timed with respect to gravitation and terminal velocity so that crisp and readable numbers appear in mid-air for a moment of space and magic.
How does the fountain work
The fountain functions as a liquid printer while designing digital fountains – each having its own benefits and unique implementations. For example, some digital fountains use LED lights arranged with a drop of water creating a pixel to form images or words from the top to bottom as a collective arrangement – the computer synchronises the release of thousands of droplets per second to form coherent images or words, therefore creating a graphic in the water before the water disperses into the basin.
