Creators of the First Outdoor Fountains
Creators of the First Outdoor Fountains Frequently working as architects, sculptors, designers, engineers and discerning scholars, all in one, fountain designers were multi-talented people from the 16th to the later part of the 18th century. Throughout the Renaissance, Leonardo da Vinci illustrated the creator as a imaginative genius, inventor and scientific specialist. He systematically captured his ideas in his now celebrated notebooks, after his enormous interest in the forces of nature led him to explore the properties and movement of water. Converting private villa settings into amazing water displays full with symbolic significance and natural beauty, early Italian water fountain creators fused imagination with hydraulic and gardening knowledge. Known for his virtuosity in archeology, design and garden design, Pirro Ligorio, the humanist, provided the vision behind the splendors in Tivoli. Masterminding the extraordinary water marbles, water features and water antics for the assorted estates near Florence, other water feature builders were well versed in humanistic topics and classical scientific texts.Where did Fountains Come From?
Where did Fountains Come From? A water fountain is an architectural piece that pours water into a basin or jets it high into the air in order to supply drinking water, as well as for decorative purposes.The central purpose of a fountain was originally strictly functional. Water fountains were linked to a spring or aqueduct to provide drinkable water as well as bathing water for cities, townships and villages. Up to the late nineteenth century, water fountains had to be near an aqueduct or reservoir and more elevated than the fountain so that gravity could make the water move downwards or shoot high into the air. Fountains were an optimal source of water, and also served to adorn living areas and celebrate the artist. Roman fountains often depicted imagery of animals or heroes made of metal or stone masks. Muslims and Moorish landscaping designers of the Middle Ages included fountains to re-create smaller versions of the gardens of paradise. Fountains played a considerable role in the Gardens of Versailles, all part of French King Louis XIV’s desire to exercise his power over nature. The Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were glorified with baroque style fountains constructed to mark the place of entry of Roman aqueducts.
The end of the nineteenth century saw the increase in usage of indoor plumbing to provide drinking water, so urban fountains were relegated to strictly decorative elements. Gravity was substituted by mechanical pumps in order to enable fountains to bring in clean water and allow for amazing water displays.
Modern-day fountains function mostly as decoration for public spaces, to honor individuals or events, and compliment entertainment and recreational events.
The Positive Benefits of Adding a Water Feature in Your Living Space
The Positive Benefits of Adding a Water Feature in Your Living Space The inclusion of a wall fountain or an outdoor garden fountain is an excellent way to embellish your yard or garden design. Historical fountains and water features have stirred the notice of modern-day designers as well as fountain manufacturers.
Wall fountains are a good choice if your yard is small because they do not require much space as compared to a spouting or cascading fountain. There are two types of fountains to pick from including the freestanding version with a flat back and an attached basin set up against a fence or a wall in your yard, or the wall-mounted, self-contained version which is suspended directly on a wall. Be sure to include a fountain mask to an existing wall and a basin to collect the water at the bottom if you wish to add a fountain to your living area. Be sure to work with a specialist for this type of job since it is better not to do it yourself due to the intricate plumbing and masonry work involved.