The connection between architecture and water is multifaceted, intertwining aesthetics, symbolism, and emotional resonance with sustainability and technological advancements.
Throughout history, water has been more than a functional necessity—it has been an integral design element. Artificial basins and fountains have served both decorative and practical purposes, enhancing the sensory experience of spaces while also contributing to climate control.
Ancient civilizations understood and leveraged water’s ability to regulate temperature. This principle was masterfully applied in the Islamic architectural tradition, Renaissance gardens, and even in the remote Sigiriya palace in Sri Lanka.
Beyond its practical applications, water plays a fundamental role in influencing the form and function of both buildings and urban landscapes. From historical landmarks built on lagoons to modern, resilient infrastructure designed to withstand rising sea levels, the relationship between architecture and water is a continuous narrative of innovation, challenge, and beauty.
Water as a Design Element: Aesthetics and Sustainability
In contemporary architecture, the deliberate use of water extends beyond aesthetics to embrace sustainability and resilience. Water serves as a powerful design element, shaping environments through its visual and symbolic presence while also demanding responsible management strategies. Ponds, fountains, and swimming pools contribute to creating serene and inviting spaces, while modern water collection and reuse systems, permeable surfaces, and resilient infrastructure play an increasingly vital role in sustainable design.
As climate change accelerates, architecture faces new challenges, from adapting coastal cities to rising sea levels to integrating advanced technologies for water conservation and management. In this evolving context, water is no longer merely a force to be controlled—it is a dynamic resource that architects can harness to create more sustainable, adaptive, and harmonious spaces.
5 Inspirational Contemporary Projects that Dialogue with Water
Modern architecture offers numerous examples where the relationship between water and design is a defining feature. Many of these projects draw inspiration from visionary works of the past—whether the intricate water elements in the designs of Venetian architect Carlo Scarpa, the vibrant, reflective pools of Mexican architect Luis Barragán, or the seamless integration of water and stone in Peter Zumthor’s renowned Thermal Baths in Switzerland.
The following five projects, each at different scales, showcase innovative ways in which water is woven into architectural design, offering valuable inspiration for the future.
Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) – Diller Scofidio + Renfro
The Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) in Boston, designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro and completed in 2006, is a striking example of architecture that engages in a dialogue with water. Situated along Boston’s waterfront, the building extends over the harbor with a dramatic cantilevered terrace, creating a strong visual and physical connection with the ocean.
The design emphasizes lightness and suspension, with the main volume appearing to float above the water. Expansive glass facades offer panoramic views of the harbor, capturing the ever-changing movement of the sea. This seamless integration of water into both the architectural and museum experience enhances the building’s connection to its coastal surroundings.
Moses Bridge – RO & AD Architects
The Moses Bridge, designed by RO & AD Architects and completed in 2011, is a unique pedestrian bridge that crosses the moat of a historic Dutch fortification while preserving the natural landscape. Unlike traditional bridges that rise above water, this design is fully submerged, creating the illusion of “parting” the water, much like the biblical story of Moses.
Constructed from water-resistant wood, the Moses Bridge establishes a direct and immersive relationship with its aquatic surroundings. Visitors experience an evocative journey through the water, walking along a path that integrates seamlessly with both the historical and natural context.
Oslo Opera House – Snøhetta
The Oslo Opera House, designed by Snøhetta and completed in 2008, is an architectural landmark situated along the Oslo Fjord in Norway. Its design seamlessly integrates with the seascape, featuring a sloping roof that extends directly to the water’s edge, inviting the public to walk across its surface as if stepping onto the fjord itself.
Expansive glass facades reflect the sky and the water, reinforcing the building’s connection to its surroundings. Its strategic position on the shoreline creates a fluid interaction between nature, culture, and architecture, making it a defining symbol of Oslo’s waterfront and a striking example of contemporary urban integration with water.
The Building on the Water – Álvaro Siza + Carlos Castanheira
Designed by Álvaro Siza and Carlos Castanheira, The Building on the Water serves as the administrative headquarters and research center for Shihlien Chemical in Huai’an, China. Completed in 2014, the building appears to float on an artificial lake, with its sinuous, flowing structure following the natural contours of the water.
Its design emphasizes fluidity and lightness, using curved forms and reflective surfaces to blend harmoniously with the surrounding landscape. The conversation between the building and the water creates a contemplative atmosphere, transforming the structure into a serene architectural proscenium that embodies balance between nature and human intervention.
Sea Tree – Waterstudio.NL
The Sea Tree is a conceptual project designed as a sustainable model for coastal cities worldwide. Conceived by Waterstudio.NL, a studio specializing in floating architecture, this visionary design proposes a floating urban ecosystem that is both resilient to climate change and adaptable to rising sea levels.
Inspired by oil platform anchoring systems, the structure is designed as a vertical ecological refuge, supporting biodiversity in densely populated urban environments. The Sea Tree serves as a habitat for birds, insects, and plants, both above and below the water’s surface, enhancing marine and terrestrial ecosystems. By integrating water as a fundamental structural and ecological component, the project aims to regenerate natural habitats while offering a scalable solution for cities facing environmental challenges.
