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The Curious Flow of Water - think differently about the space, imagine what could be 

site-specific projection installation. September 2014. 

A projection piece staged on the historic facade of Philadelphia’s Fairmount Water Works. Architectural surfaces—especially the entrance houses—became canvases for imagery that follows water’s cycles: from clouds to earth, from river to ocean, and back again—evoking the timeless, ongoing dance of the hydrological cycle.

Superimposed onto the projections is text from the poem “Rising” from Flow by Beth Kephart, paired with original animation and video work produced in collaboration with visual media artists, and a sound score by Blair Brothers Music.

Why It Matters

This project showcases Habithèque’s commitment to creating immersive works that make people pause, feel, and reflect. By combining architecture, poetry, performance, and video, The Curious Flow of Water:

  • invites a deeper awareness of water’s patterns

  • honors the local river—its ecosystems, histories, and ongoing presence

  • opens up space for beauty as a bridge to environmental consciousness

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Over the next six months, Habithèque Inc. and our project partners will be installing new watershed exhibits at the Fairmount Water Works interpretive center. Our first round of new exhibit components is about to be complete including a state-of-the-art AR Topographic Sandbox called Make it Rain and a beautiful bird's-eye view mural of the Fairmount Water Works on the banks of the Schuylkill River leading to the heart of Philadelphia. This new application of our projected installation provides a captivating threshold experience as visitors step into the Fairmount Water Works. Producers: Beth Kephart—The poem "Rising" from her book Flow Habithèque Inc.— Vision and Creative Direction Greenhouse Media— Video, Editing and Animation Blair Brothers Music— Original Soundscape The over arching goal of the new experiences at the FWW is to help visitors build a deeper awareness of water. Curiosity is encouraged throughout the newly enlivened spaces— building on knowledge as the visitor moves through the exhibition, providing opportunities for personal growth and action in an attempt to cultivate water stewards of all ages. Our exhibition approach (a merging of science, art, history and technology) reflect the feel and intent of the evolving FWW brand and vision. Many of the recent public events that have spectacularly activated the site are a source of inspiration for the development of this open-ended, playful and intriguing direction for the FWW. Communication goals will manifest into bold visitor experiences that are reflective of the FWW today that exist in collaboration with the significant work of PW’s Public Affairs Department. So, stay tuned and come and visit the FWW often. Great things are coming.
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The projection was preceded by an “Ode to Water” theatrical performance by Brett Keyser, where the audience was invited to honor the Schuylkill River, and followed by a four-person dance performance by Hidden River that threaded in and out of the crowd under the historic Fairmount Water Works pavilion.

 

Poem: "Rising" from Flow by Beth Kephart. Animation and video created in collaboration with Greenhouse Media. Score by Blair Brothers Music.