Seasonal Water

In order to create new hope in times of climate crisis, the search for a sense of life and meaning, strong symbols are needed, located in public places, which radiate life and confidence for all inhabitants.


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  • DREISEITLconsulting GmbH
    Landscape Architecture, Urban Regeneration, Place Making, Artistic Water Design, and Art

    Location
    Catalano Square, Milwaukee, USA (Model Making at Kramer Hall, Überlingen)

    Client
    Wisconsin Preservation Fund, Inc. c/o Bruce T. Block

    Collaborators
    Timo Bee, Benjamin Fäth, Felix Bockemühl, David Schimmeyer, Mara Brandt, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

    Timeline
    Apr-May 2023

    Model Size
    500m2

    Status
    Completed (Study Model 1:1 Mock Up)

The Contribution of Art to Our Lives in Times of Crisis.
Can we forge a space for communal engagement within Wisconsin's vibrant landscape, commemorating Milwaukee's heritage as we reshape this unique location into a sustainable future? A space that fosters intergenerational connections and promotes cultural inclusivity? A place capable of hosting diverse events in tune with the changing seasons, enveloped by water? These inquiries drive Herbert Dreiseitl's contemplations on Seasonal Water, marked by respect, affection, and delight.

Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward is a culturally rich place, with Catalano Square representing the city's potential for transformation, reflecting environmental, social, and economic challenges.

The pandemic underscored the vital role of the arts in addressing a range of human emotions, from despair to inspiration and healing. Art expands the human spirit, fostering creativity and resilience. The pandemic exposed a deep wound in our lives and community fabric due to its impact on artists and art.

Hence, we view Catalano Square not merely as a place of entertainment but as an integral part of the Historic Third Ward, where art serves as a catalyst for something greater.

  • Existing Site

    Catalano Square, a triangular park bordered by three streets E. Menomonee Street, E. Erie Street, and N. Young Street, is to be redeveloped and transformed into a modern form.

  • The current access and state of the neighboring public space dampen the space's spirit. In essence, two primary challenges require attention. (1) Celebrate the Historic Third Ward's culture and heritage, fostering creativity and inclusivity. (2) inviting new visitors to Catalano Square through creativity and curiosity, rather than imposing change.

  • Beneath its neglected appearance lies a deep heritage and immense potential, currently masked by an atmosphere of abandonment.

  • Envisioning a fresh and new cultural destination: a vibrant, inclusive public space that connects generations with multi-seasonal events, celebrating Milwaukee with joy and community. (Artist vision)

  • Seasonal Water is a versatile public art space in the Historic Third Ward. Its three accessible, stepped podiums and scattered seating invite everyone to gather, relax, and connect with the area’s heritage.

  • Imagine the Third Ward pulsing with energy—where striking art ignites curiosity on every corner, and a warm, inclusive community spirit makes it not just a place to visit, but a wonderful place to live, work, and belong. (Artist vision)

  • Modelling with clay and by bare hands of Seasonal Water.

  • Working with 9 tons of clay

  • Water tests are extremely critical in the intial stages. It allows us to understand the flow dynamics of water.

  • Clay + Trim + Water Test + REPEAT

  • The core team behind Seasonal Water, (From L-R: Felix, Herbert Dreiseitl, Timo, Benjamin, Ray, David)

“If you really want to work with water, you have to get your hands wet and learn to dance and think with the water."

- Herbert Dreiseitl calls this "Fluid Thinking"

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Seasonal Water is a public art area that fosters creativity, inclusion, and the heritage of Historic Third Ward. It comprises four stepped podiums, accessible by steps or ramps for wheelchair users. Informal seating elements are scattered throughout, inviting people of all ages to use the square as a versatile gathering or relaxation spot.

Water flows from three platforms to the center, where it's recirculated. Each segment mirrors the characteristics of the seasons, with water displaying different movements: vibrant and transformative in spring, expansive like the Lake Michigan dunes in summer, calmer and settled in autumn, and seemingly still under winter's ice.

The art space is enclosed by a "curtain" of staggered metal tubes, featuring an integrated light and sound installation. Natural stone is the intended material for the floor relief and platform steps. All construction and special part production will occur in the USA, with design work originating from Germany.

In line with American urban development norms, local and regional business associations, in collaboration with the Historic Third Ward organization and the city administration, have joined forces. Herbert Dreiseitl, the recipient of Milwaukee's "Urban Edge Award" in 2011, was tasked with crafting a design for Catalano Square. The presence of the US branch of the Wacker-Neuson Group in Milwaukee further strengthens the connection between Lake Michigan and Lake Constance.

Water possesses remarkable flexibility and vitality, akin to the ever-unfolding unpredictability of life. Its responsiveness is both independent and astonishingly swift, mirroring the essence of existence itself.