< PreviousCOST Inc. started out back in 1957. John Stanwyck’s con- struction company was tasked to revolutionize the habitats at the Milwaukee County Zoo. With steel and iron cages no longer a welcome sight in the industry, Stanwyck started work on remodeling the zoo in a manner that was both functional are aesthetically pleasing. Since that successful initiation to the sector, the company has developed and grown immensely. Operating out of its 144,000 sq ft plant, the company has completed work in locations as diverse as theme parks, casinos, resorts, botanical gardens, residential communities, golf course, family entertainment centers, retail stores and restaurants. However, it is this integration of technology in design through construction that has led it to the highest points of the industry with no sign of slow- ing down. According to Tim Zimmerman, Project Manager at COST Inc., this means that the company uses a hybrid approach, incorporating cutting edge machinery with tra- ditional methods to share its vision with a potential client. “We rely heavily on clay handmade models, which is very old school. One of the biggest components of a job in terms of moving it forward is getting approval of the model. Once the client sees the model, the job really comes to life. We use a lot of new technology such as software, but we also use an old school component in the clay model. I think it’s a huge part of our business, clarifying everybody’s expectations. This marriage between traditional methods and new tech- niques is echoed by Sergio Castro, Project Manager. Castro explains that the practical benefits of collaboration using innovative tools are considerable. “A lot of these types of projects now are run through centralized models, Previously, maybe 20 years ago, everyone had a set of blueprints. Now, however, people are working on different sides of the country, or on different sides of a jobsite. They are collaborating in real time through integration models, through coordination. Everyone’s work is now integrating.” It is impossible to maintain a successful presence in the construction industry for over six decades without an ability to move with the times. Alongside this, however, is the need to forge and maintain strong working relationships. At COST Inc., building partnerships is a vital component. As Zimmer- man explains, not only have these relationships ensured that the company goes from strength to strength, but they also stand as evidence of the true value of having a quality staff. “Our business is built on the relationships that we have throughout the country. Our job is to execute the vision and the wants of the owner. We make sure that we have the best artists and personnel behind the scenes to make those things Kingdoms of Asia at Fresno Zoo Fresno, California | 20 NOVEMBER 2023happen. We execute what our clients want. It’s timeless in a sense, so we do things the right way, we are transparent in how we operate, and the work that we have done on large- scale high-profile projects is world class. This is a product of our personnel.” These world class projects give an insight into the level of detail and quality that goes into a job for COST Inc. Take the Galapagos Islands at Houston Zoo, for example. With the sharpest eye for detail, COST Inc. worked tirelessly to produce incredible craftsmanship and detail on the project. As Zimmerman shares, the work produced for this job was simply incredible. “That project had a lot of focus on the finer details and on what makes the Galapagos Islands so unique. So, everything that we did there was very accurate in the real world. It all had a sense of realism to it. The rocks had to look like the Galapagos rock formations. We put a lot of emphasis on it having to look like the real thing. Every aspect, down to the algae and barnacles. A highlight for us would be the workmanship. It is exceptional, a world class exhibit.” Alongside this, Kingdoms of Asia at Fresno Zoo and Lost Island Theme Park in Iowa are also brought up in terms of high-quality projects that succeeded, in part, due to the consistently positive relationships the company has with both clients. “All of those projects are long term relationships. The relationship built over a decade or two decades, creates a tremendous amount of trust. I think people can hear each other better when you have that trust. They want a higher level of detail, and they know we can do that. They trust us to do it. In all three of those examples that actually happened. The architects and the designers have a look, tell us where to get information and references. From there, we turn it into models using computers, 3d printing, and clay models and then we turn it into real life.” With nearly seventy years of experience at the forefront of Theme and Specialty Construction, COST Inc. has established a reputation as one of the foremost producers in the sector. With that in mind, the question must be asked, where do you go from here? While they remain tight-lipped about specific details, the future is certainly bright for the company with several more high-profile jobs beginning in the near future. As Jared Stanwyck shares, the future will always be one of balance and steady innovation. In an ever-changing industry where new demands are being placed on those at the coal face, it would be remiss of COST Inc. to rest on its laurels. “Right now, we’re focused on North America, but future chal- lenges we anticipate relate to things like, what are we doing to stay ahead of the curve on technological developments? These are rapidly evolving in terms of programs, model inte- grations, 3D scanning, and even augmented reality. The bar has been raised with higher expectations on precision and fabrication. Given the scope and nature of our projects it’s something we face quite often, but it’s also something we have always embraced. We are always learning and pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Creative thinking and problem solving is what got us here today. Houston Zoo Houston, Texas Lost Island Theme Park Waterloo, Iowa “We put a lot of emphasis on it having to look like the real thing.” | 21 APEIRON CONSTRUCTIONWRITTEN BY FIONA SHERIDAN W ater is the most universal element. For many, it evokes calm, tranquility, and cherished memories. As a global leader in the commercial water feature industry for over five decades, Crystal Fountains is celebrated for its mastery of blending water and light, consistently cap- tivating audiences around the world. Founded in Toronto, Canada, in 1967, Crystal Fountains has been a global leader in designing and manufacturing commercial water features and water feature components for over 55 years. The mes- merizing water features can be seen at iconic landmarks such as the Crown Fountain in Chicago, World Voices at Bruj Khalifa, Dubai, UAE and even the Palace of Versailles. Expo 2020 Dubai Dubai | 22 NOVEMBER 2023Its inspiration can be traced back to Roger L’Heureux, an engineer by trade and artist by heart. While employed as a mechanical engineer at a drain company, Roger was unex- pectedly tasked with a water feature design. Without prior fountain design experience, he rose to the challenge, which led him to striking out on his own and collaborating with sculptor and architect Gerald Gladstone for EXPO 1967 in Montreal, Canada under the name Crystal Fountains. Rog- er’s dream was simple: to blend water and light, connecting people with places. While delving into the history of Crystal Fountains, I had the privilege of interviewing its current President, Darcy L’Heureux. Being the grandson of Roger L’Heureux, Darcy carries on the legacy with dedication, pas- sion, and excitement. | 23 APEIRON CONSTRUCTIONAt the heart of Crystal Fountains’ success lies its guiding prin- ciple: “We collaborate to craft joy with water and light.” In dis- cussion, Darcy L’Heureux reveals the essence of the company’s sustained success. “It’s about being Experienced, Invested, and Innovative,” he explains. With a legacy spanning over 55 years, Crystal Fountains navigates the intricacies of the water feature industry, transforming client visions into tangible realities by placing their needs at the forefront of every project. In this challenging environment, the company confronts the reality of designing water features. “Water features today require a multifaceted understanding, from knowledge of water and electricity, adherence to best practice health and safety standards, architectural design, proficiency across multiple engineering disciplines, to expertise in manufac- turing and metallurgy. We’re essentially putting computers underwater. It’s a tricky affair since electronics despise water,” L’Heureux jokes, emphasizing the painstaking development and testing ensuring reliability. In the face of evolving trends and a heightened global emphasis on sustainability, Crystal Fountains adopts holistic approach through conscientious water use and interactive, multifunc- Cairo Festival City New Cairo, Egypt The Amazing Brentwood Burnaby, BC Royal Princess Cruise Ship USA The Apple Store Marayh Island, Abu Dhabi Expo 2020 Dubai Dubai | 24 NOVEMBER 2023tional designs. “There’s a significant shift towards lower water- use effects, like fog, which can be dramatic, engaging, and uses minimal water,” addressing the growing environmental concerns. “Designers are increasingly conscious of limiting water usage in water features due to the perception of them being wasteful, particularly in places like Dubai with substantial evaporative loss,” acknowledging the industry’s environmental responsibility. Crystal Fountains counteract wasteful practices like repurposing AC condensate, turning a building byproduct into a valuable resource for water features. Navigating extreme weather conditions and ensuring prod- uct durability are central to Crystal Fountains’ commitment to excellence. “We do projects in countries where temperatures reach plus 50,” acknowledges the L’Heureux. “Dubai has the heat, the sandstorms, the heavy winds. Then there are places where temperatures drop to minus 20. Our Canadian-manu- factured products have to work in both extremes and every- thing in between,” emphasizing the intense preparatory work behind each project. “The rigorous amount of testing we do, coupled with our ISO9001:2015 program is what stands out in terms of quality.” This meticulousness is crucial, especially when considering diverse climatic challenges. Cairo Festival City New Cairo, Egypt Woodlands Turning Basin Texas | 25 APEIRON CONSTRUCTIONCrystal Fountains maximizes the utility of spaces with what it terms “dual use.” In colder climates, water features tradition- ally turn off in winter, but the company’s innovative strategies keep these installations functional and engaging year-round. “Our lighting still works in negative temperatures. So, you have an interactive water feature that kids play in, you turn off the water in winter, but then use the lighting to illuminate different sculptural elements or what we call ‘snow globes,’ essentially transforming them into Christmas ornaments.” However, Crystal Fountains challenges this perception with thoughtful, purpose-driven design. “You can be very inten- tional in how water is used, designing for the spaces you have,” they explain. One best-practice approach involves reusing AC condensate — the water that typically drips off and is wasted from air conditioning units. “We’ve encouraged clients to think of water features as a stopping point for this water on its journey to waste. It gets filtered to water feature level quality and used to top up what’s there, effectively recy- cling what would otherwise be wasted.” This ingenuity extends beyond water conservation, touching on customer engagement with modern technology. “We’re in a society now where everyone has an expectation of being able to control things with their cell phone. There’s a desire for patron engagement, so we integrate modern hardware and software sensor technologies to turn on different ele- ments of a water feature or control them with a device,” they note, highlighting the fusion of interactive experiences and sustainability. Yet, despite the complex nature of modern water features, the natural allure of water remains constant. “Water is a universal human experience,” L’Heureux highlights. “Whether it’s the sea, swimming pools, or fountains, it holds precious memories for many. That’s why, after all these years, foun- tains still captivate and attract people.” This intricate dance between staying relevant and honoring timeless appeal is at the heart of Crystal Fountains. This isn’t achieved by chance, but through the unwavering efforts of their dedicated team. The water feature industry, being niche, requires unique expertise that cannot be found easily. “Our employees are truly our bedrock. Their vast knowledge is invaluable to us and the way we collaboratively work with clients is pivotal to our success,” L’Heureux expressed. A strong emphasis on “employee training, retention and empowerment” was evident when discussing the company culture and internal dynamics at Crystal Fountains. Citing its significance, L’Heureux shared “The quality of your team members says a lot about your company, and your culture.” This commitment to its team has clearly paid off. L’Heureux beams with pride, “We are fortunate to have such a talented and knowledgeable team, many of whom have been with us for decades. We are nothing without our people.” This wealth of knowledge isn’t just an internal asset; it translates directly into client benefits. With a team of experts, Crystal Fountains is well-equipped to deliver innovative solutions that ensure unparalleled customer success and satisfaction. Venturing further, the company has ingrained a commitment to client satisfaction and perpetual success by investing in WATERlab™, a proprietary, state-of-the-art simulation soft- ware. WATERlab™ is a physics-based simulation developed to accurately demonstrate how water and light interact in a water feature. The WATERlab™ controller facilitates the design and shows programming within the software. It reduces ambiguities in selling water feature concepts, offer- ing clients a clear understanding of what they’re investing in. “It was created to show how water and light actually work in Arizona Biltmore Pheonix, AZ Expo 2020 Dubai Dubai | 26 NOVEMBER 2023a water feature,” one expert clarified, emphasizing that “what you observe is the actual representation of the feature. No extravagant embellishments.” Crystal Fountain’s commitment is towards satisfaction and long-term success. Understanding the nuances of each project, the company customizes its approach to align seamlessly with their clients’ needs. As L’Heureux delved into the company’s trajectory and the essence of their client rela- tionships, he emphasized the importance of direct, personal interactions. “Office openings are always a big deal for us,” he said, adding that, “Our industry is so heavily built on trust. You get trust by building rapport, face to face.” One of Crystal Fountains’ most notable projects was its col- laboration with the Palace of Versailles. “I still remember we did the Palace of Versailles in France when the first under- water lights ever used in those water features,” L’Heureux reminisced, emphasizing the decade-long relationship with the palace. When the opportunity arose, they recounted the excitement: “I still remember when the sales rep brought in the opportunity and said, ‘Hey, I think I have a good marketing opportunity,’ and I replied, ‘Do you mean the most famous fountains in the world, Palace of Versailles?’ Its global impact doesn’t stop there, however. L’Heureux spoke with pride about the company’s presence at five World Expos, particularly spotlighting the recent event in Dubai. “Seeing those fountains, and people engaging with them was the best.” Legacy projects hold a special place in L’Heureux’s heart. “There’s still fountains that my grandfather did... I can bring my children to see the fountain that their great grandfather built,” they mentioned, nodding to the timeless Toronto Eaton Center’s fountain from 1977. Success for Crystal Fountains’ is not defined by scale or gran- deur. As L’Heureux pointed out, it’s about providing long-last- ing success for its clients, and the joy its projects bring to communities. It’s this enduring impact on communities, the joy reflected in a child’s laughter, and the shared moments of families by the water that truly define their legacy. “A mile- stone for me is more so watching our water features be part of the community... regardless of the scale. Seeing people actually enjoy water features... it’s so cool that kids are play- ing with it, or families are visiting it together.” For over five decades, Crystal Fountains has crafted a journey marked by awe-inspiring installations, and cherished moments where water, light, and human connection converge. “I can bring my children to see the fountain that their great grandfather built.” Eaton Centre, 1977 Toronto, ON Palace of Versailles – Neptune and Latona Fountain Paris, France Crown Fountain at Millenium Park Chicago, IL | 27 APEIRON CONSTRUCTION| 28 NOVEMBER 2023WRITTEN BY DAVID O’NEILL C ities around the world are continuing to work on novel and innovative ways of cooling their streets down. Unfortunately, this is something that has now become an immediate and severe chal- lenge. Studies initially claimed that heat contributed to around 1,500 deaths each year, with this figure largely being made up by homeless people and those working in low-paid, outdoor jobs. However, experts believe that heat-related fatalities are largely unreported and that the figure is exponentially higher. The largest scale study using more modern, accurate, measures, shows that between 1997 and 2006 there were around 12,000 heat-related deaths per annum. The big picture is that heat is a hugely damaging and dangerous aspect of modern living. According to a Bloomberg report, around one eighth of humanity lives in extreme heat for six months of every year while scientific discover- ies are showing that humans are much more suscep- tible to heat than first thought. The resulting impact of this silent and invisible killer is also a considerable one from a financial perspective. The cost on human life can run into billions of dollars in economic damage. The simple fact is that, when hotter climates and rising temperatures are paired with towns and cities with colossal amounts of concrete and asphalt, poor outcomes are almost guaranteed. While governments and city planners are trying to mitigate against these threats, not enough is being done. Phoenix, Arizona is America’s hottest city with temperatures getting close to 100 degrees Fahrenheit by April each year. West of downtown Phoenix, there is an area named by the 1,000 unsheltered people who live there, as “the Zone.” This stretch of shadeless streets is one of the largest homeless encampments in the United States. In this space, residents find no respite from the heat, with little support and medical attention for their heat exhaustion, peeling skin and blisters. According to one resident, the community comes together to ensure that everyone is kept safe. “If you’re going outside, let somebody know where you’re going so you can be tracked so you don’t pass out, out there,” he said. “If you fall out in the heat, you don’t want a third-degree burn from the ground.” While Phoenix is an extreme example of how heat can have catastrophic effects on a city, it is not the only such place. Heatwaves are now a common occurrence across North American cities each year, bringing sig- nificant challenges to the homeless populations that reside there. Mitigating programs and tools, it seems, may have reached an impasse. Green infrastructure such as tree-lined streets, and reflective paint that works against asphalt’s natural heat-retaining prop- erties, can only go so far. In fact, heat related issues are not the only challenges caused by the increasing number of paved areas across the country. | 29 APEIRON CONSTRUCTIONNext >