chat travieso: coolstop sprinkler prototype for fire hydrants

chat travieso: coolstop sprinkler prototype for fire hydrants
all images courtesy of chat travieso

resembling a large cartoon splash, ‘coolstop’ by american artist and designer chat travieso is a sprinkler prototype that easily connects to fire hydrants. these water sources are a vital way for many people living without air conditioning in new york city to stay cool. unfortunately, opening fire hydrants reduces local water pressure, wastes water, and can be dangerous. ‘coolstop’ provides a safe alternative, it only uses 15 gallons of water per minute opposed to an opened hydrant that can release up to 1,000 gallons per minute. the installation is constructed out of pvc pipes, and attached to each one are several micro-spray nozzles that release a controlled amount of water, creating a much needed source of respite from the heat. the project was commissioned by the nyc department of transportation urban art program for summer streets – an annual event that transforms seven miles of new york into pedestrian and bicycle zones only for three consecutive saturdays in august. 

the sprinkler uses water sourced from the fire hydrant

coolstop only uses 15 gallons of water per minute opposed to an opened hydrant’s 1,000 gallons per minute

each PVC ‘stem’ had three spray nozzles attached to it that release a controlled amount of water

public interacting with the installation  

enjoying the water mist

a fun alternative for children and toddlers to cool off outdoors during the summer months

the installation is attached to the fire hydrant for extra structural support

view of nylon line structural support

crowds running through the spray

detail of spray nozzles

playing in the water

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.