water drums by amy chua and syed atif husain at singaplural IFFS 2013

water drums by amy chua and syed atif husain

‘water drums’ by amy chua and syed atif husain are musical instruments that work like normal drums, but which are meant to be played in the water. available in a series of six different heights and diameters, which can subsequently be nestled into one another, the variations of the percussion pieces produce different sounds; the inner hollowness allows the trapped air level to be adjusted in water thus creating a larger spectrum of tones.

how the water drums workvideo courtesy of atif husain

detail of the flexible fiber polymer from which the drums are made

each drum is made from a flexible fiber polymer composite that is shaped through a steam treatment, making it easy to form into its required cylindrical shape. the wood enhances the purity and honesty of the instrument, while also giving it the ability to float on water.

diagram illustrating the connecting joint

the fibrous material is connected using a joint that effectively counters the shearing force from the tension of the bent wood. its diagonal cut increases the contact area and provides a stronger and longer lasting connection.

the water drums come in six different sizes and heights

the size of the coloured rims were tested and the most appropriate thickness was chosen to achieve the desired feel when being played. the current thickness gives the drums a clean and elegant look that is suitable not only for children but adults as well. the process of choosing the colours was similar. the warm pastel colours were selected to cater to the young as well as the old.

currently, the drums are targeted for children as young as 10 years old to even adults. not only are they intended to be an educational musical instrument for kids, the drums are by all means made to satisfy the needs of serious drummers. primarily, they aim to create a communal play activity.

image © designboom

the ‘water drums’ were spotted at *SCAPE, a congregated plaform for local young talents to showcase their artworks within the singaplural program of the larger IFFS international furniture fair singapore 2013.