DESIGNING FOR A THIRSTY NATION

Access to water isn’t just a public amenity, it’s a design statement. As Australia faces hotter, drier conditions, hydration infrastructure is becoming one of the most vital inclusions in modern landscape design.

Since 1910, Australia’s average temperature has risen by 1.5°C and heatwaves now occur twice as often as they did 50 years ago. Comfort, safety and hydration now play an essential role in how we design outdoor environments. This shift has driven a stronger focus on wellness-driven environments, spaces that don’t just look good but actively support public health.

For architects, builders and developers, this means designing with comfort, safety and hydration in mind. Gone are the days when shade and seating were enough; communities now expect accessible, hygienic and in some cases chilled water sources as part of every public or educational project.

This approach is often guided by “hydration mapping,” a design principle that ensures people are never more than a short walk away from a refill point. Research shows that easy access to water can increase public hydration rates by up to 40 percent, particularly in schools and recreational areas. (Hydration for Health and Performance Report, 2023).

HYDRATION AS A DESIGN ELEMENT

Modern hydration stations do more than deliver water, they shape how people experience and connect with public spaces. Urban+'s drinking fountain designs reflect this evolution. Each piece combines form and function in precision-engineered steel, offering custom branding and configuration options that bring durability and design integrity together in one seamless solution.

Built to endure the Australian elements — from coastal salt to harsh sun and high-traffic areas — every design balances strength with aesthetic appeal. From DDA-compliant models to intuitive push-button operation, Urban+ fountains are created for every user and every space.

Today, schools, councils and sports facilities are leading the shift toward inclusive, sustainable hydration.

DESIGNING FOR THE FUTURE

When hydration is treated as a design layer, we create spaces that foster wellness, sustainability, and social connection. Urban+ fountains encourage a refill culture that helps reduce plastic waste, while supporting communities that value accessibility and long-term performance.

By choosing Urban+ solutions, designers can specify products that are built to last and are ready to meet the needs of tomorrow’s public spaces.

 “When we design with hydration in mind, we’re not just quenching thirst, we’re creating spaces that care.” Urban+