ATLANTIS LIQUID DYNAMICS

Water play rises from the deep with this incredible collection of Australian-made aquatic sculptures.

The Atlantis Liquid Dynamics range is a visually stunning collection of aquatic structures that capture the eye and the imagination. Vibrant and energetic, this innovative range demonstrates a superior materiality and textural complexity designed to reveal beauty in its purest form.

Spherical forms, fluid lines and fantastical creations are the hallmarks of the Atlantis collection. More than just play equipment, this highly versatile and sculptural range can be used to create layered water features of such intricate designs that they will stop people in their tracks. From oversized jellyfish to sinuous seahorses and interactive water blasters, the creative force of this range is endless.

Fabricated in an array of materials ranging from stainless steel, heat-formed acrylics, fibreglass, manufactured stone and medium and high-density Polyethylene, the Atlantis range is built to withstand the Australian climate. The use of recyclable and durable materials assists in ensuring longevity for projects, as well as lowering maintenance and replacement costs.

Create a fantasy wonderland of botanical inspiration that drips, sprays and squirts as children frolic. Design an oceanic-inspired landscape on land that activates the imagination in a public space, or develop a customisable landmark that activates new exploration of a previously lifeless zone.

Though officially launched in Australia in February 2022, the Atlantis range is far from unproven. Playscape Creations has already been hard at work designing, specifying and constructing exemplary custom aquatic projects across the country featuring Atlantis products, including The Mill at Petrie, Flagstone Town Centre, Anzac Park in Maryborough and Gladstone Aquatic Centre.

With the demand for Australian-made aquatic equipment in the recreation market growing, the Atlantis Liquid Dynamics range ensures designers can obtain the aesthetics they crave, while achieving the quality and delivery timelines they need. To find out more about this compelling collection, Outdoor Design Source had a chat with Marcel Veraart, Director and founder of Playscape Creations and Atlantis Liquid Dynamics.

INTERVIEW

ODS   What started your journey in developing the Atlantis brand?

MV   Over the past 15 years we have worked with several North American manufacturers of splashpark equipment and found they would struggle with custom products or modifications to their standard products. The Australian market is always looking for something bespoke and our team had been able to design and build these personalised items efficiently using our local supply partners.

Over the past few years, we realised we had the core of a solid range, and we were getting good traction in the markets, so took steps to evolve and formalise this selection of products and create a recognisable brand.

ODS   How did the design elements evolve from concept to creation?

MV   We are lucky to have some really talented people within our business. Our head designer is particularly creative and conceptualises the products to meet the architectural design intent. These concepts then go to our engineering department where our product design team develop shop drawings and cut sheets for the features so they can be fabricated without losing the aesthetic quality. Design intent is front and centre throughout the process, including fabrication and finishing.

ODS   How does the Atlantis range differ from other aquatic equipment collections?

MV   Most of the equipment currently available is designed only for playability, targeted at younger children. Our goal is to design and manufacture products that span a broader demographic, with the ability to straddle both architecture and play functions to be a multi-generational, multi-functional piece.

The sheer scale of the products in the Atlantis range is staggering, with some features standing up to eight-metres high. These are designed for active adult interaction, while also appealing to children.

ODS   What is the collection’s strongest selling point?

MV   Having a stronger architectural design emphasis allows our products to be used comfortably in all genres of recreation, from urban plazas to retail environments as well as more traditional recreational spaces such as splashparks.

While water adds movement and interactivity to the features, each piece has been designed to complement a setting, even when not activated with water flow. These are sculptural pieces, they are playable art as much as water features.

ODS   How important was it to Playscape Creations that this collection be environmentally sound and how was this achieved?

MV   In today’s world, everyone is more environmentally aware. Manufacturers have a responsibility to ensure that they too are conscious of the impacts of manufacturing processes and use of raw materials. To that end, we have chosen materials that meet the demands of the environments in which they have to function while leaving as light a footprint as possible on the natural environment.

All Atlantis Liquid Dynamics products have been designed to enthral an audience without overusing resources such as water and power. Through initiatives such as water treatment and activation systems, the features are only in use during peak periods or when the audience is aware, thereby saving water and electricity.

Innovative use of plantroom equipment and proprietary smart controllers with remote telemetry reduce overall energy and water use, ensuring ongoing cost and resource savings for the asset owner.