location: Rathenauplatz, Cologne / Germany
material / technical equipment: a defunct fountain, a defunct photovoltaic system, 100 weatherproof sockets, voltage converter
dimensions: 150 x 150 x 150 cm
 

There is a fountain in Cologne‘s Rathenauplatz. The fountain is not a natural well; the water is supplied by the city‘s water pipes with the help of an electric pump. The pump itself is driven by electricity generated from a closed photovoltaic system. Curiously enough, this solar power fountain has never really worked: the city government has closed the fountain for cost reasons.

In March of last year, I appealed to the Cultural Department of the City of Cologne with the following project proposal: The broken solar power fountain in Rathenauplatz should become a public outlet. The collected solar energy should simply be offered for the benefit of the public. The power line should be branched into several lines within the fountain housing. Several sockets should be drawn from the mouth of the fountain, giving the fountain the appearance of an overflowing water source. Anyone may use these sockets for everyday needs. Electricity is always in demand. It may be used to recharge laptops, mobile phones, MP3 players, or any other electronic device.

 
 
concept, photos Andrey Ustinov
sketches: © Szlomo Tarnaroutski, 2018
 
 
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If you want to support this project, please transfer any amount on the bank account specified below. For bank tranfers please put the title of the project (“Plug-in Fountain”) plus “project support” in the memo line:
 

 
I thank you for support!
 
 

drawings, electro-sculpture, participatory project, projects on paper, site specific project