Colored Vortex

Colored Vortex lets visitors conjure a swirling whirlpool with the turn of a wheel. Three wheel-shaped handles drive a turbine hidden at the base of a tall acrylic tank, and as visitors crank them, the coloured water inside begins to spin — climbing into a mesmerising, funnel-shaped vortex. The faster the wheels are turned, the more powerful and dramatic the whirlpool becomes, giving children direct, physical control over a striking natural effect.

Vivid, tactile and instantly rewarding, Colored Vortex pairs the simple joy of turning a big wheel with the satisfying spectacle of a whirlpool taking shape before your eyes.

Visitor experience

The three handles are an open invitation, and children take to them at once, delighting in the way their cranking summons a spinning column of colour inside the tank. The link between effort and effect is wonderfully direct: turn harder and the vortex deepens and quickens, so visitors race to spin the wheels as fast as they can to make the biggest whirlpool.

Because there are three handles, friends can team up to drive the turbine together, combining their effort for a truly dramatic result. The bright, swirling water is captivating to watch, and the physical, full-arm action makes the exhibit as energetic as it is beautiful, keeping children cranking for one more, bigger vortex.

How it works

1. Three wheel handles. Visitors turn the wheel-shaped handles on the exhibit.
2. Drive the turbine. The handles spin a turbine set at the bottom of the acrylic tank.
3. Raise the vortex. The turning turbine swirls the coloured water into a rising, funnel-shaped vortex.
4. Crank for more. The faster the wheels are turned, the faster the turbine spins and the more powerful the vortex becomes.

By putting a whirlpool under direct hand control, Colored Vortex offers a hands-on, physical demonstration of how spinning motion draws liquid into a vortex.