The new fountain is the result of a student competition at TH OWL. Around 25 students from the Civil Engineering and Interior Architecture degree programs had submitted their designs for sustainable and aesthetically appealing drinking fountains in advance.
The competition was supervised by Professor Jörg Felmeden from the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Professor Sandra Bruns from the Faculty of Detmold School of Design. Thomas Kaltenberg from the Faculty of Civil Engineering coordinated the project between TH OWL and the city of Detmold. The project was also supported by Stadtwerke Detmold, Stadtverkehr Detmold, and the Lions Club Detmold-Residenz.
Mayor Frank Hilker expressed his delight at the new installation. He reminded everyone that access to clean drinking water is by no means a given: "Drinking water is a valuable commodity. It should remain freely available to all people." The installation was prompted by a 2022 federal government resolution requiring cities and municipalities to provide public drinking water fountains.
The winning design is entitled "Das Wasserband" (The Water Band). It was created by Annika Bodemer, Clara Kudoll, and Lilith Tiedemann. The curved shape of the fountain is reminiscent of the flow of water. An integrated seating area invites visitors to linger and combines functionality with aesthetic appeal.
"This is a place that shows how students can turn their ideas into reality," said Professor Felmeden at the inauguration. Professor Martin Christian Vogel, deputy chairman of the Lions Club Detmold-Residenz e.V. relief organization, also praised the good cooperation between the university, the city, and the sponsors.
The wasser^plus OWL project was also represented at the fountain's inauguration with an activity stand. Those present were able to try various creations made from tap water, such as syrup or refreshing variations with lemon, mint, or rosemary. The wasser^plus OWL team drew attention to the advantages of tap water: clean, sustainable, inexpensive, and available at all times. In addition, the young people gained insights into career prospects in the water industry. This not only raised awareness of the diversity and quality of tap water, but also sparked interest in possible career opportunities.
At the end of the celebration, everyone toasted with water from the new fountain. The project is an example of how teaching, student enthusiasm, and social commitment can be realized in a real-world project. Hilker promised: "Two more drinking water fountains will be built in Detmold's city center in the near future.
