Fregate whale fountain — Attraction in Ventspils

Year: 2016

Designer: German architect David Cook

On August 5, 2016, a new and unique urban design object was opened in Ventspils – the fountain “FREGATE VALZIVS”.

During daylight hours, the fountain, which opens differently and diversely from each viewpoint, complements the magnificent and modern features of the Great Square, but when it gets dark, its illuminated appearance creates a special atmosphere for visitors and passers-by to the Great Square.

The compositional solution of the fountain was created based on the material found in historical visual materials about the external appearance of the sailing ship “Valzivs” that was part of Duke Jacob’s fleet – the parameters of the sailing ship, including the number of masts, height, total length and configuration of the ship. The fountain consists of 20 masts, 8 spars, as well as a flagpole, equipped with lighting and fog effects.

The author of the design of “Fregate “Valzivs”” is German architect David Cook, who is also the author of the project for the improvement of the music school with the function of a concert hall and the Great Square.

Awards:

The improvement of the Great Square of Ventspils and its main highlight – the fountain “Fregate “Valzivs”” has won a silver award at the Industrial Design Society of America competition IDSA – 2017, which is one of the world’s most prestigious design shows. The award was received in the nomination “ENVIRONMENT” (environment, surroundings).

The fountain “Fregate “Valzivs” has already won the Gold Award at the international competition in Italy A`Design Award, as well as the highest evaluation in several Latvian-wide competitions – the special award for technology and design innovations at the Latvian Construction Show 2016, the first place in the nomination Landscape at the Show of the Best Building of the Year in Latvia and the annual award in the category Environmental Design at the Latvian Designers’...

Место достаточно красивое, а расположено совсем недалеко от центра города, так что добаться сюда непроблема. Фонтан сам по себе интересный и достаточно красивый, особенно, ночью с разноцветной подсветкой. Но он достаточно непонятный. Главная фишка в том, что встать нужно от него под правильным углом и тогда трудно осознаваемое награмождение металлических конструкций собирается в парусник. Лично я рекомендую встать напротив выхода из магазина "Mego", что находится через дорогу. Зимой само собой фонтан отключают, но на этой площади на новый год сюда устанавливают елку и от сюда пускают салют, поэтому площадь и сам фонтан живут круглый год. Особо тут делать нечего, но хорошие снимки гарантированы, особенно после того как достроят музыкальную...

Nice landmark. Somewhat industrialistic due to materials chosen and very clean lines in granite, but great place nonetheless. Fountain is spraying fine mist accessible for public to cool off in hot...