Urban Rain: Stormwater as Resource

Urban Rain: Stormwater as Resource by Jackie Brookner

In San Jose, California, the new Roosevelt Community Center is located near Coyote Creek. This creek connects all forms of underground hydrology and surface water that leads to San Francisco Bay. This in-depth case study looks at two installations created by artist Jackie Brookner – installations which collect and filter rainwater from the roof of the community centre building.

The two artworks, entitled Urban Rain, are located at the building entrances. One appears as a large steel fingerprint, the other a rectilinear-type slate. Rainfall from the building’s roof flows down onto the two artworks, creating kinetic, visually striking sculptures. But the artworks also cleverly integrate stormwater systems, which reduce the volume and improve the quality of the water entering the storm sewer system.

The book documents Brookner’s process, from research and concept drawings through to installation, with accompanying essays by art critics, a hydrologist and architects reviewing the project. The book also looks at other successful water/art projects, including moss-covered hand sculptures and a public swimming pool in Germany in which the water is filtered entirely by plants.

Jackie Brookner, Oro Editions, paperback, 2009, 64 pages. RRP US$16.95.