City of Vancouver_ One Water Animation
We designed a modern, isometric animation for the City of Vancouver to visualize the full water cycle, educating residents on how small individual changes can contribute to a sustainable future.
4 types
2 min
City of Vancouver One Water Animation
The City of Vancouver is a municipal government committed to sustainable urban planning and environmental stewardship. As the city grows and the climate changes, managing water resources has become increasingly complex, requiring a shift away from traditional "grey infrastructure" toward more integrated, nature-based solutions.
The City needed to communicate this shift to the public in an accessible way. They approached us to create a digital explainer video that would introduce the One Water approach—a strategy that views all water (drinking water, rainwater, wastewater, and groundwater) as a single, valuable resource. They needed a visual narrative that could break down technical concepts like "green rainwater infrastructure" and "urban wetlands" while highlighting the importance of collaboration with local First Nations.
Our solutions
To visualize the intricate movement of water through a municipality, we developed a distinct isometric style diagram of a small city. This "3D" perspective allowed us to effectively map out the complete water cycle within a single, cohesive view, making technical infrastructure easy to understand.
We used a modern, punchy colour palette of green, teal, white, and black to keep the video fun and energetic. By using simple icons to represent challenges (like rising costs) and solutions (like rain gardens and green roofs), we transformed dry technical data into a vibrant story. This approach highlights how nature-based solutions work together to protect the environment.
The payoff
The result is a clear, engaging two-minute video that simplifies the science of water management. By showing the journey from a "grey" city to a "green" one, the animation helps residents understand the "why" behind the City's new initiatives. Ultimately, it empowers viewers to see how their own small actions make a difference, turning a complex government strategy into a shared community goal.
Nature Conservancy of Canada.
