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BOOK REVIEW
THE WATER FEATURE
DESIGNER’S HANDBOOK
In an era where ecological sensitivity and experiential design
converge, water remains a compelling tool. It encourages
interaction and conveys a great deal about sustainability,
placemaking and client value. Yet for many landscape
architects and professional designers, transitioning from
inspiration to realisation can feel like navigating uncharted waters. It is
precisely this gap that The Water Feature Designer’s Handbook aims to bridge.
orn from decades of hands-on experience,
this publication is a strategic guide to
Bdesigning practical and environmentally
responsible water features. From structural
detailing and waterproofing to mechanical
systems, it supports the integration of water into
residential, commercial, civic and large-scale
projects.
What sets the handbook apart is its clarity,
respect for the designer’s time, budget and
professional standing. Written by a professional
landscape architect, it offers insights that can be
scaled or simplified to suit diverse client briefs.
Whether you are consulting with engineers,
briefing a developer or championing ecological
Sasamat Gardens, Vancouver, Canada infrastructure, it sharpens your argument with
technical confidence and visual impact.
Landscape architects are uniquely positioned
to shape how water is perceived and
experienced in public life, not only for biophilic
or aesthetic appeal, but also for resilience.
Rainwater harvesting, filtration, splash control
and maintenance forecasting are no longer
optional extras, but essential components of
good design.
Author Pawel Gradowski is a landscape
architect with over 40 years of international
Olympic Village, Vancouver, Canada experience in water feature design. His portfolio
includes the Vancouver Olympic Village in
Canada and Indwe Park in Johannesburg —
both celebrated for their sustainable, water-
integrated public spaces. As the founder of
LASquare, he merges practical engineering
with artistic vision, resulting in functional and
environmentally conscious designs that attract
visitors while protecting water resources and
the environment.
The Handbook covers everything from
sustainability strategies to hydraulic
engineering, lighting, planting and long-term
maintenance. Enhanced by case studies and
real-world calculations, it becomes a trusted
reference at any stage of the project, providing
valuable insights for practical design.
The 680-page printed edition is also available
as an e-book. You can view its content by
downloading a complimentary preview edition
from lAsquare.org.
Indwe Park in Braamfontein, Johannesburg Information and photos supplied by Pawel Gradowski. n
12 Landscape SA • Issue 152 2025 Check us out www.salandscape.co.za
