MARCEL VERAART, FOUNDER & DIRECTOR, ATLANTIS LIQUID DYNAMICS

Q What are the biggest challenges facing your industry right now?

A The recreational aquatic industry has grown immensely over the past 15 years. At a local government level, we are seeing constituents’ expectations grow around the provision of facilities within every LGA, which needs to be considered alongside increasing capital and operational costs and the availability of suitable spaces, all within a broader open space framework.

As environmental awareness grows, so does the recognition of water as a finite resource. Leaps in technology have advanced water filtration and up-cycling, whereby we can safely treat and re-use the same water a number of times before it is sent out as irrigation or to re-enter the natural water cycle. Reducing water loss and resource use is critical in ensuring water features are a sustainable public feature.

Globally, the rising costs of raw materials and labour have put pressure on all facets of manufacturing. Continuous investment into research and development is a key focus in our business to ensure we can continue to bring innovative solutions to the market and maintain a sustainable, affordable and stimulating experience for the end user.

Q What are the future-proofing factors at play in your industry that will ensure resilience and longevity?

A Having worked with practice as well as open space strategic planners and landscape architects, one of the most encouraging things I see is the investment into broader strategy planning for recreational projects. This includes councils having a vision for their priority development areas and working alongside property developers, state and federal government and members of the public to create spaces where people want to live and work. Planning and building for future generations is key to ensuring the investment we make now is going to be sustainable and leave a legacy for those that follow.

For me, longevity means creating an intergenerational space that can be enjoyed by everyone regardless of age, ability or cultural background. Research has shown the value of recreational spaces in promoting social interactions and its correlation with positive mental health and wellbeing. The creation of accessible spaces, inspiring features and public recreational infrastructure gives people an asset they can invest in, care for and be proud of.

Q What eco-conscious initiatives is your industry considering or implementing to ensure environmental sustainability?

A Across the industry, companies are employing innovative technologies to reduce resource consumption. We are currently investing in “low-flow” technology that reduces water consumption by as much as 99 percent within an open loop system. As well as reducing potential water loss, this also reduces infrastructure costs like water storage and chemical treatment, ultimately decreasing capital expenditure and operation costs. With the use of new technologies, we can offer misting and fog at high pressure, enhanced with Digital Multiplex (DMX) controlled LED lighting to provide an array of visual and tactile experiences for public spaces.

Q What do you feel is your industry’s biggest contribution to the public space arena over the last decade and what lasting changes has it supported?

I believe Australia is on the forefront of recreational project design and delivery, from foreshore redevelopments to destination parklands, environmental rehabilitation and pay-for-play activities. The investment being put into the design and creation of worldclass public outdoor facilities, water features and splashparks is rapidly increasing their importance to our communities.

To support this contribution and create more intergenerational spaces, the Atlantis design DNA integrates stunning aesthetics with the latest sustainable technologies to elevate water features from functional pieces to elements of stunning architecture that enhance spaces and enthral an audience.

Q What is unique to your company this is not being widely done by others in your industry and why is it valuable?

A Having a strong architectural design emphasis allows our products to be used comfortably in all genres of recreation. Our products are designed for active adult interaction while also appealing to children. More than just play equipment, our highly versatile and sculptural range can be used to create intricate and layered water features that are visually arresting and enhance the appeal of the broader landscape. I am also proud to offer a full design and engineering team inhouse. Our knowledge is built on more than 20 years of practical experience and innovation, so we can help our clients to ensure their project incorporates best practice and sustainable design, together with innovative product features to ensure a beloved community asset with situational longevity.

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ATLANTIS LIQUID DYNAMICS

Atlantis Liquid Dynamics builds on more than 20 years of excellence and experience in the recreational aquatics industry, delivering aesthetically focussed water features that enhance every space. Designed and manufactured in Australia to suit our unique environmental needs, Atlantis is supported by an innovative team of experts to bring you best practice design knowledge, the latest sustainable technologies, and a suite of ready-to-specify aquatic elements.