Seoul unveils 7 new water fountain designs for tumblers, wheelchairs, pets

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has introduced a series of seven new water fountain designs aimed at providing convenient refilling options for personal tumblers, wheelchair users, children, and pet owners. This initiative is part of the city's broader strategy to reduce single-use plastic consumption and improve access to public drinking water.

The fountains dispense Arisu, the tap water brand of Seoul, and were developed through a collaborative process involving citizen workshops and coordination between various city departments.

The designs incorporate universal design principles to ensure accessibility. These features include removing floor-level steps and creating open spaces underneath the fountains, allowing wheelchair users and children to approach them easily. Safety is a priority, with structures in place to prevent burns from hot water and tactile buttons that can be operated with minimal pressure.

The water fountains come in various outdoor and indoor types. There are three outdoor versions: one for refilling tumblers, an expanded refill option, and a pet-friendly design. Additionally, there are four indoor types, including a smaller version suitable for younger children and one designed to be built into a wall. Each fountain is equipped with a dedicated nozzle to hold tumblers securely, facilitating faster refills. An internal mechanism ensures efficient operation of the fountains.