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HYDRIA, 1994-1997
Concrete cistern, educational sign and benches
Artists: Charles Fager and Joan Marmarellis
The Art of Cistern Construction
 In 1997, the Hillsborough County Public Works Department, Stormwater
Section built a cistern to serve as the primary source of irrigation
for a xeriscape demonstration at the Main Hillsborough County Courthouse
in downtown Tampa. A project team of scientific professionals calculated
significant technical data regarding numerous aspects of this important
(storm) water conservation project. Additionally, in conjunction with
the Public Works Department, the County's Public Art Committee invited
the artists, Joan Marmarellis and architect, University of South Florida
Professor of Art, Emeritus, Charles J. Fager to collaborate with the
scientific team for a unique design opportunity.
Between 1994-1997 the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners
commissioned visual artists and construction professionals
 to create and build the primary sculptural cistern, known
as HYDRIA. As well, the
artists designed and fabricated related educational and site
components. A diverse team including scientists, hydraulic
and structural engineers,
architects, builders, a fine artist and judicial client produced
the first collaborative public art sculpture project in Hillsborough
County
and the region that importantly functions as a cistern.
HYDRIA, the Greek for water jar,is projected to achieve significant
water conservation, public art and educational goals, utilizing
art as a solution to an important regional dilemma. The cistern collects
approximately
15,000 gallons of rain (storm) water from the Courthouse roof
in the columns and an underground tank. The water is reused in the irrigation
system
to water the Courthouse Florida-friendly landscaping. HYDRIA replaces 2 million
gallons of water each year that otherwise would have been obtained from
the County's
potable water supply system for irrigation purposes.
Public awareness is an integral aspect of the success of this project.
Understanding the need for a cistern increases public enlightenment regarding
critical water and conservation needs. This sculpture with the related
site-specific educational components and media materials should interest
both the private and corporate communities. The unusual and necessary
facts and ideas for constructing other water conservation and irrigation
cistern systems can be provided by the County’s Public Works Department,
Stormwater Section.
For more information, please contact:
Hillsborough County Public Art
Program
c/o Real Esate Department, Architecture Services
P.O. Box 1110
Tampa, Florida 33601-1110
Phone: (813)276-2536 |
