2nd March 2009
The Cistern Steps in Seattle’s densely populated Belltown district is an inspiring example of how a community’s vision for more green space became the catalyst for a major transformation in the way stormwater would be managed on this steep hillside.
The installation collects the stormwater into a series of sculptural cisterns, the first section of which irrigates the “Belltown P-Patch,” the community garden. Unused rainwater is cleaned & filtered on its way down the Steps and then discharged into Elliot Bay. During heavy rains, the Steps serve the added function of diverting stormwater from combined sewers, thereby reducing the load on the sewage treatment plant.
All photos courtesy of Buster Simpson
Click Here to see more of Buster Simpson’s sculptures, many of which feature rainwater (external link)
Click Here for more about the Belltown P-Patch (external link)
The installation collects the stormwater into a series of sculptural cisterns, the first section of which irrigates the “Belltown P-Patch,” the community garden. Unused rainwater is cleaned & filtered on its way down the Steps and then discharged into Elliot Bay. During heavy rains, the Steps serve the added function of diverting stormwater from combined sewers, thereby reducing the load on the sewage treatment plant.
All photos courtesy of Buster Simpson
Click Here to see more of Buster Simpson’s sculptures, many of which feature rainwater (external link)
Click Here for more about the Belltown P-Patch (external link)
"Beckoning Cistern" by sculptor Buster Simpson. Rainwater gathered in the hand-like sculpture enters the Cistern Steps at the bottom left of the picture
Buster Simpson's funky downspouts channel rainwater to his sculpture, "Beckoning Cistern," (see photo above)