Berlin is knorke: Water Bow: Award-winning design made in Berlin

Berlin, 25. October 2024 – Around 26 per cent of the world’s population and therefore (too) many people have no access to clean drinking water. Although access to both sanitary facilities and drinking water is guaranteed in Germany, innovative concepts are already needed to promote the sustainable use of this important resource in the future. For example, the award-winning drinking water fountain from the Berlin design studio IONDESIGN enables direct and barrier-free drinking for humans and animals as well as easy filling of bottles. An integrated hygiene rinse also ensures ideal water quality at all times. The fountain was produced in collaboration with Behr Giesserei from Berlin-Lichtenberg and is therefore a sustainable innovation made in (and by) Berlin(ers).

Developed in Berlin and initially produced as a prototype using a 3D printing process, the first drinking water fountain, which bears the illustrious name “Water Bow”, was put into operation in Hamburg in mid-May 2023. It owes its name to its curved shape, which allows free access and use of the water from different directions and positions. The fountain was designed with a special focus on accessibility and also offers wheelchair users plenty of space either to drink the water directly, fill bottles or refresh themselves with it. An integrated animal drinking trough at the foot of the fountain body allows animals such as birds, dogs or cats to quench their thirst or groom themselves. Behind the human and animal-friendly construction is a comprehensive understanding of design that is aimed in particular at all-round user-friendliness.

In addition to this, the drinking water fountain is also characterised by its attractive and well thought-out design. Instead of an all-round closed fountain body with a round opening, which a fountain traditionally has, an open ring is reminiscent of a basin. The water can therefore flow freely. The fountain body itself also has a flowing, curved shape and ends in a base plate, which can be customised in different ways and in some cases with branding.

The model equipment for the series production of the fountain was manufactured by the Berlin-Pankow-based model construction company Manfred Lichy. The body of the fountain is sand-cast from aluminum at H & Ph Behr Giesserei and powder-coated in Waren Müritz. The interior of the fountain is made by local plumber Schütt.

The idea to produce this sophisticated fountain was conceived a year ago by Behr Giesserei, one of the last remaining industrial foundries based in Berlin.  The traditional family business was founded in 1839 by Christian Gustav Adolf Behr as a turnery in Berlin and can look back on an eventful history. The Behr family is now represented in the company by the sixth generation. In collaboration with IONDESIGN, the company realized one of its most sophisticated cast objects.

A spirit of innovation and excellent craftsmanship that paid off. The drinking water fountain was honored with the German Design Award - Winner 2025. The award highlights the contribution that well thought-out and innovative design can make to a “sustainable transformation of the economy”. The jury therefore primarily selects those ideas and products that skillfully combine innovation and sustainability and are future-proof in their entirety. An award that is also a statement. In the case of the drinking water fountain, this could read as follows: Access to water must be easier, should be more sustainable and can be visually aesthetic at the same time