The drawing water challenge was an international competition launched by Arup in September, 2006. Inspirational ideas and concepts were sought to help bring clean, safe water and sanitation to millions of people around the world. An outstanding response of 100 entries were received from 20 countries across North America, Europe, Africa and Asia. The submissions were judged by Sir Christopher Frayling, Ken Shuttleworth, WaterAids Valerie Kuntz and Frank Lawson, and Arups Jo da Silva and David Glover.
Arups competition challenge has been won by Joseph Cory and Eyal Malka of Israel with their idea WatAir. WatAir is an inverted pyramid array of panels, that collects dew from the air and turns it into fresh water in almost any climate. Second prize was given to Lebanons Maxime Hourani for Paddle for Water. And Christoph Wust and Eva Nemcova of Germany claimed third prize for Use your Water.
Some of the jury comments are as follows:
A wonderfully simple concept which draws its inspiration from nature.
–Jo da Silva on WatAir
A simple and effective idea using tried and tested technology.
–David Glover on Paddle for Water
The future of sewerage in urban planning. All sewerage will be handled this way.
–Ken Shuttleworth on Use your Water
Highly commended submissions include the following:
Life Band by Sam Wingfield and Ben Hodgkin, Faber Maunsell, UK
Portable Water Test Kit by Sadia Moeed and Tom Burgoyne, Environment Agency, UK
Rain Water Catch by Scott Wehner and Tim Hickey, Friends of Water, USA
Winning and shortlisted entries will be exhibited at the Building Centre in London until March 7, 2007. Hours of operation are Monday to Friday from 9:30am to 6:00pm and Saturday from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Admission is free.