Dubai unveils ‘Fountains of Mercy’ project to provide water for birds and wildlife
The Fountains of Mercy initiative reflects Dubai’s commitment to compassionate and sustainable urban living. While the visual language of the fountains is calm and minimal, their performance relies on thoughtful engineering and precise fabrication. The fountains were engineered, fabricated, and installed by Metal Fabrik, with a focus on durability, functionality, and seamless integration into public environments Designed by Studio E+A
Concealed Reservoir & Continuous Replenishment
Each fountain incorporates an internal water reservoir concealed within the structural body. This allows for continuous water availability while preserving the purity of the external form. The system is designed for easy replenishment without visual disruption or exposed mechanical components.
Integrated Drainage & Hygiene Control
To maintain water quality and prevent stagnation, a built-in drainage mechanism manages overflow efficiently. This ensures that excess water is discharged safely while keeping the drinking surface clean and usable for birds and small animals.
Controlled Water Movement
The water outlet has been engineered to create a soft bubbling effect, encouraging interaction while avoiding aggressive flow. The gentle movement helps keep the water fresh and visually alive, without disturbing wildlife.
Bird Feed Integration
The design thoughtfully incorporates a dedicated provision for bird feed, positioning it to avoid interference with water flow. This separation allows nourishment and hydration to coexist hygienically within a single structure.
Material Selection for Extreme Outdoor Conditions
To ensure long-term durability, the fountains use SS316 stainless steel, chosen for its superior resistance to corrosion and environmental stress. This marine-grade material performs exceptionally well in harsh outdoor conditions, making it ideal for public installations exposed to sun, dust, humidity, and intermittent water contact.
The use of SS316 ensures:
- No rusting or structural degradation over time
- Minimal maintenance requirements
- Long-term aesthetic stability
- Reliability in both shaded and fully exposed locations
The structural and internal layout allows for future solar integration, enabling autonomous operation where required. This flexibility supports deployment in varied public contexts while aligning with sustainability goals.
Studying Bird Movement & Interaction
Metal Fabrik studied local bird behavior in the UAE to inform the fountain’s design, shaping its height, geometry, and water access to feel natural and welcoming to wildlife. The form guides instinctive movement, minimizes hesitation, and comfortably accommodates multiple birds at once. Finished with Metal Fabrik’s handcrafted cotton rust treatment, the fountain balances durability with organic warmth. E+A Studio designed the project, and Metal Fabrik executed it, seamlessly integrating engineering, ecology, and craftsmanship into the urban environment.
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