Wishing You Well

The Wishing You Well began with our interest in urban water systems and the way rain moves through cities. Various systems have been designed to catch, contain, absorb, and transform water as it encounters the urban environment during its life cycle. The Shakers did this with particular sensitivity and creativity, harvesting the energy of natural waterways to power their woodworking machines and redirecting runoff to irrigate their crops in a sustainable manner.

By catching rain in a wishing well, we suspend a part of the water cycle in this moment of magic, drawing public attention to daily water levels—even annual climate patterns. The form of the Well references Shaker cast iron stoves and other utilitarian objects. A mirrored interior creates moving reflections as sunlight hits and coins are tossed in. Passersby will see reflections—magic at the surface—and make a wish. The Well offers both reflection and opportunity to consider others.

How do we feel when we make a wish on behalf of someone else?