BRINGING FOG, LIGHT & MOVEMENT TO LIFE
BY ROBERT MIKULA OALA, CSLA (DIRECTOR OF CREATIVE DESIGN - CRYSTAL FOUNTAINS)
What began as a simple blue dot on a site plan in 2020 has evolved into one of Calgary’s most captivating public spaces. The Eau Claire Plaza redevelopment set out to reimagine an aging downtown plaza as a destination that connects people through play, atmosphere, and experience. The City of Calgary and DIALOG envisioned a space that could adapt throughout the year, dynamic in summer, expressive in winter, and timeless in its appeal.
At the heart of this transformation is a signature water feature designed, choreographed, and manufactured by Crystal Fountains. The feature redefines how people experience public space by blending art, technology, and environmental design into one cohesive, interactive installation.
COLLABORATION & VISION
From the earliest concept discussions, the design vision centred on two primary goals. The first was to create a multi-generational public experience. The second was to enhance the microclimate through evaporative cooling. The intention was to craft an environment that encourages people of all ages to interact, explore, and connect through a shared sensory experience. Calgary’s climate presented both challenges and inspiration, guiding the team toward a solution that delivers year round engagement while remaining low maintenance, energy efficient, and visually striking.
The Eau Claire Plaza project was led by DIALOG as Prime Consultant, with the City of Calgary as Prime Stakeholder. Crystal Fountains was responsible for water feature design, choreography, and manufacturing of all water feature components.
To bring the system to life, we collaborated closely with AME Consulting Group as Specialist Mechanical Engineering Consultant and AES Engineering Ltd. as Specialist Electrical Engineering Consultant, who provided critical expertise in integration and performance. Ful Flo Industries Ltd. served as Water Feature Specialist Contractor, managing installation with precision and craftsmanship. Stuart Olson Construction Ltd. oversaw broader site construction as General Contractor, ensuring seamless coordination across all trades and disciplines.
THE DESIGN JOURNEY
The design process began with a 400 square metre area defined as a spray jet zone. From that starting point, our team explored multiple directions, each inspired by geometry, rhythm, and the way people move through public space. Three distinct concepts were developed. Lines, Pixel Gradient, and Pixel Pods. The final selection, based on the Pixel Pods concept, emphasized modularity, texture, and the ability to create immersive spatial compositions using fog and light.
Our concepts evolved from exploring a range of traditional sequencing jets and water expression combinations to a more refined approach using a single water expression, fog, paired with integrated LED lighting. Fog offered the most engaging and inclusive multi generational experience, aligning with the project goals to enhance the microclimate through evaporative cooling while creating an interactive environment for all ages.
Once approved, the project entered a detailed design phase that required close coordination between architecture, landscape, and engineering. Every technical element, from manifold placement and water flow dynamics to lighting integration and control sequencing, was mapped to ensure the choreography would feel natural and intuitive. The concept evolved further following reviews from Alberta Health Services, resulting in a fully fog based design that replaced jets with custom fog emitters. This shift enhanced safety, minimized water use, and maintained the visual drama that the plaza needed.
DESIGN DETAILS
The completed installation spans 400 square metres and features 79 custom fog niches, with 43 equipped with integrated LED ring lights. The system is divided into 12 programmable activation zones. Four stainless steel bollards serve as user controls, enabling visitors to trigger sequences and interact directly with the space.
Each zone operates with its own timing and choreography, creating an ever changing atmosphere that transitions from subtle mist to dense fog and from gentle glows to bursts of light and shadow. The LEDs are fully addressable, allowing colour and intensity to shift in response to programmed shows or seasonal events. With the City of Calgary skyline as its urban backdrop, the feature creates a striking visual connection between people, architecture, and landscape. The result is an experience that feels alive, transforming the plaza from tranquil and reflective to bold and energetic within moments.
WINTERIZATION & YEAR-ROUND APPEAL
A defining feature of this project is its winter operation mode. Understanding Calgary’s climate, our team added decorative covers that ensure the installation remains active even when the water system is turned off. Stakeholders are often drawn to the idea of extending a fountain’s active life, as it offers greater value and impact for the investment. More importantly, it transforms the user experience by adding a new layer of engagement and creating a dynamic evolution of the space that people find highly appealing.
The winter system covers fog nozzles with illuminated decorative globes that attach to the deck level housings. The LED light source continues to function through the globes, creating a glowing winter display that brings warmth and visual interest to the plaza during colder months. This dual mode design extends the life of the feature, keeping it relevant and engaging through every season while ensuring that Eau Claire Plaza remains an animated destination year round.
TECHNICAL PRECISION, AESTHETIC HARMONY & IMPACT
Designing the Eau Claire feature required a balance between technical innovation and artistry. Coordination between control systems, mechanical engineering, and landscape design ensured seamless integration into the plaza’s architecture. Stainless steel components, precision fog manifolds, and integrated lighting provide durability without compromising visual quality.
From the beginning, the intent was not simply to build a water feature, but to craft a living installation that interacts with its environment and the people who inhabit it. Each mist cycle catches sunlight differently, while at night the illuminated fog produces an atmospheric glow that softens the surrounding architecture. Fog is highly influenced by its surrounding environment, and our team viewed that as an opportunity rather than a limitation. Changing wind, humidity, and lighting continually reshape the experience, creating a dynamic interaction that ensures no two moments at Eau Claire Plaza ever feel the same.
Eau Claire Plaza now stands as a renewed landmark for Calgary, inviting residents and visitors to pause, play, and reconnect with the city by reimagining water as light and mist. The design shows how public space can evoke emotion, foster creativity, and cultivate community.
This project reflects Crystal Fountains’ ongoing commitment to merging technology and artistry to elevate civic environments around the world. Eau Claire Plaza is not just a revitalized park. It is a testament to how thoughtful, innovative design can transform a city’s relationship with its public realm.
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What makes a splash pad design suitable for hot climates?
Splash pads in high-temperature regions use low-flow jets, timed activations, shaded areas, and durable surface materials. These features help manage water use, heat exposure, and overall visitor comfort.
How is safety maintained in public splash pads?
Safety is managed through non-slip surfacing, rounded spray elements, and automated water-quality monitoring. Continuous filtration and disinfection help maintain clean, safe water for public use.
Can splash pads be customized for themed environments like zoos or resorts?
Yes. Splash pads can be customized with themed spray features, lighting, and interactive sequences that complement a site’s story, brand, or environment—such as desert oases, wildlife parks, or resort plazas.
What kind of maintenance do splash pads require?
Maintenance typically includes cleaning spray nozzles, inspecting pumps and filters, testing water chemistry, and performing seasonal checks to ensure performance and safety.
What role does Crystal Fountains play in splash pad design and engineering?
Crystal Fountains provides full water-feature design and engineering services—from hydraulic layout and product selection to control programming and system integration—collaborating with landscape architects and site designers to deliver reliable, interactive experiences.
