Water & Renewal: Lunar New Year Stories Through Water Features
As we welcome the Lunar New Year, themes of renewal, prosperity, balance, and continuity come to the forefront. In Chinese culture, water plays a central role in expressing these ideas. It is not only a natural element, but a powerful symbol of wealth, harmony, life, and momentum.
At Vincent Helton, water is also at the heart of what we do. Through thoughtful engineering and design, our water features are created to perform, endure, and inspire. This Lunar New Year, we reflect on five timeless cultural perspectives on water—and how they are expressed through projects we have delivered over the years.
1. 水为财 — Water Brings Wealth
In traditional Chinese belief, “水为财” means water represents wealth. Flowing water symbolizes money moving freely, while stagnant water suggests blocked fortune. Fountains near entrances during New Year celebrations invite good energy and prosperity.
In water feature design, this idea translates into intentional flow — carefully oriented circulation and sound that draw people in without overwhelming the space.
Case Study: Escala
Project Context
Escala is a residential development where the water feature plays a key role in shaping the arrival experience. Positioned to be encountered early, the feature creates an immediate sense of motion, vitality, and welcome.
Design Insight
The controlled flow direction and consistent circulation reinforce the cultural idea of water drawing prosperity inward. The feature is expressive without being loud, allowing movement to signal energy while remaining refined.
Suggested Image for Blog
Use a hero image that shows water flowing toward the viewer or along the main entry path, ideally captured at eye level to emphasize movement and invitation.
2. 山水之道 — Harmony Between Water and Stone
Oriental landscape philosophy emphasizes the relationship between mountain (石) and water (水). Stone represents stability and permanence, while water represents adaptability and life. Together, they form 山水 — a balanced, harmonious whole.
In design, this balance translates into rockwork, framing, and carefully considered materials that support the movement and expression of water.
Case Study: Parc Residences
Project Context
At Parc Residences, the water feature is integrated into a broader landscape composition, where hardscape and water are designed as a unified system rather than separate elements.
Design Insight
Stone elements ground the space visually and physically, while water introduces movement and softness. The result is a calm, balanced environment that reflects traditional shan shui principles through contemporary construction.
3. 年年有余 — Abundance
The New Year greeting “年年有余” means abundance year after year. The word “余” (abundance) sounds like “鱼” (fish), which makes water an essential symbol of prosperity and continuity.
Koi pond convey this idea beautifully — calm water mirrors its surroundings, creating a sense of richness and balance.
Case Study: TELUS Gardens
Project Context
TELUS Gardens integrates a refined koi pond within a dense urban environment, offering contrast to the surrounding energy of the city.
Design Insight
Still water enhances spatial clarity and doubles the visual impact of architecture and landscape. The reflective surface reinforces a sense of abundance through restraint — achieving more by doing less.
🔗 View projectvincenthelton.com/telus-gardens
4. 动中有静 — Movement with Intention
Oriental aesthetics value purposeful movement — energy that’s controlled, calm, and expressive, rather than chaotic. “动中有静” describes the idea of movement with quiet at its core.
In water feature design, this translates to layered flows, calibrated sound levels, and systems designed for people and place.
Case Study: Falls Building
Project Context
The Falls Building features a water element that adds animation to the space while remaining sensitive to its architectural and urban context.
Design Insight
Flow rates and drop conditions are carefully engineered to create texture and sound without overwhelming the environment. The feature demonstrates how motion can energize a space while still feeling composed.
5. 水生万物 — Water as the Source of Life
The phrase “水生万物” means water gives life to all things. Beyond symbolism, water sustains ecosystems, supports plant life, and brings people together in shared spaces.
In the New Year, it represents renewal, resilience, and continuity.
Case Study: Richmond Olympic Oval
Project Context
At the Richmond Olympic Oval, water plays a role in shaping a large-scale civic environment designed for performance, community, and long-term use.
Design Insight
The project demonstrates how water features can operate reliably over time while supporting human interaction and landscape integration. It reflects Vincent Helton’s commitment to durability, performance, and longevity.
Welcoming the New Year of the Horse
As we celebrate the Lunar New Year, we are reminded that water is both ancient and ever-changing. It connects culture with craft, symbolism with engineering, and tradition with modern design.
At Vincent Helton, we look forward to continuing this journey—creating water features that reflect balance, prosperity, and life for years to come.
Happy Lunar New Year from all of us at Vincent Helton.