Colorado Springs Utilities Water Table

While working with the local water department one of the educators asked if we could build a portable interactive display. This display would be taken to schools and events to educate people on the source and processing of our water. Emphasis was also placed on interactivity and engagement. The exhibit features a landscape representing the front range and a reservoir with circulation pump. Valves at the back of the piece control water flow to different features. A rechargeable battery pack provides power.

Water is Running!

The body of the exhibit is made of fiberglass and the surface is painted with an oil based enamel making touch up and repairs easy. Small objects represent the different buildings and components to our water supply.

The process of making the table necessitated building a plug, then mold and finally the part. Pictured below is the mold and the part, it was a significant moment getting the two to separate with so much detail.

Mold and Part

The original plug was made from carved foam coated with modeling clay. This allowed for the inclusion of greater detail and provided a surface resistant to the resins. Below is an image of the carving in process.

Completely covered in clay and ready for fiberglass application. This is the plug and it is used to make the mold. This technique produces a reusable mold which we still have!

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