Aquarena by William Pye

Aquarena is a unique water sculpture on an epic scale by William Pye, Britain’s most respected sculptor working with water.

Pye’s ingenious site-specific design combines both an extraordinary water sculpture and a highly original performance space – which gives the piece its name.

Visitors entering at the North-East corner of Millennium Square will be greeted by a shimmering wall of water which curves in an embracing arc in front of them. Passing through a gap in this wall of water, they will pass between terraces on each side and view the expanse of the square beyond – and see Aquarena in all its glory.

The most all-encompassing element of Aquarena is a series of reflecting water terraces which will create a spectacle of tranquil calm within this essential urban environment.

Other elements of Aquarena are two prism shaped monoliths in mirror polished stainless steel which form a narrow canyon through which people can pass; a low level waterfall; and rows of water jets which form vaults and a skeletal dome structure.

Aquarena operates in many combinations, and the ingenious design allows the circular terrace to be drained to become a stage for live performances.

It is his knowledge of the laws of hydrostatics that enable him to realise his original concepts.

He says: ‘For me, water shapes the concept, directing the form and determining the fabric of the sculpture. It is often the smallest and most timeless of means by which water can be controlled that hold the greatest fascination, utilising those natural laws that govern the way water behaves.’

Other significant pieces by the artist include Canyon (2004) for the Serpent Garden, Alnwick Castle, Northumberland; Cathay Prism (1999) for the Cathay Pacific Hotel at Hong Kong International Airport; and Cader Idris (1999), the focal point of the refurbishment of Cardiff’s Central Square.