Early Crete & The Minoans: Wall Fountains

Early Crete & Minoans: Wall Fountains 312675539598953902.jpg Early Crete & The Minoans: Wall Fountains During archaeological excavations on the island of Crete, various types of conduits have been discovered. Along with supplying water, they dispersed water that accumulated from deluges or waste. They were commonly created from clay or rock. Anytime terracotta was made use of, it was usually for waterways as well as conduits which came in rectangle-shaped or spherical forms. Among these were terracotta pipes that were U shaped or a shortened, cone-like shape which have exclusively showed up in Minoan civilization. Clay conduits were employed to administer water at Knossos Palace, running up to three meters below the flooring. The clay pipes were also utilized for collecting and saving water. Thus, these piping had to be effective to: Underground Water Transportation: Originally this process appears to have been designed not quite for convenience but rather to give water to specific individuals or rituals without it being spotted. Quality Water Transportation: There is also proof which suggests the pipes being utilized to feed fountains separately from the local strategy.

The Origins Of Fountains

The Origins Of Fountains A fountain, an amazing piece of engineering, not only supplies drinking water as it pours into a basin, it can also propel water high into the air for an extraordinary effect.

Originally, fountains only served a functional purpose. Inhabitants of cities, townships and small towns used them as a source of drinking water and a place to wash up, which meant that fountains needed to be linked to nearby aqueduct or spring. Used until the 19th century, in order for fountains to flow or shoot up into the air, their origin of water such as reservoirs or aqueducts, had to be higher than the water fountain in order to benefit from gravity. Serving as an element of adornment and celebration, fountains also supplied clean, fresh drinking water.Origins Fountains 9700070615234568139.jpg Bronze or stone masks of animals and heroes were frequently seen on Roman fountains. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden planners incorporated fountains to create mini variations of the gardens of paradise. Fountains played a significant role in the Gardens of Versailles, all part of French King Louis XIV’s desire to exert his power over nature. The Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were glorified with baroque style fountains made to mark the arrival points of Roman aqueducts.

Indoor plumbing became the key source of water by the end of the 19th century thereby limiting urban fountains to mere decorative elements. Fountains using mechanical pumps instead of gravity helped fountains to bring recycled water into living spaces as well as create unique water effects.

Modern-day fountains function mostly as decoration for open spaces, to honor individuals or events, and compliment entertainment and recreational gatherings.

The Impact of the Norman Invasion on Anglo-Saxon Landscaping

The Impact of the Norman Invasion on Anglo-Saxon Landscaping The introduction of the Normans in the latter half of the eleventh century greatly transformed The Anglo-Saxon ways of living. Architecture and horticulture were skills that the Normans excelled in, trumping that of the Anglo-Saxons at the time of the occupation. However the Normans had to pacify the whole territory before they could focus on home life, domestic architecture, and decoration. Because of this, castles were cruder structures than monasteries: Monasteries were usually important stone buildings located in the biggest and most fecund valleys, while castles were erected on windy crests where their citizens dedicated time and space to projects for offense and defense. The tranquil method of gardening was unlikely in these bleak bastions. Berkeley Castle is perhaps the most complete model in existence nowadays of the early Anglo-Norman form of architecture. The keep is said to date from William the Conqueror's time. A significant terrace serves as a hindrance to invaders who would attempt to mine the walls of the building. On one of these parapets is a picturesque bowling green covered in grass and surrounded by an aged hedge of yew that has been shaped into coarse battlements.

The Positive Benefits of Adding a Water Feature in Your Living Space

The Positive Benefits of Adding a Water Feature in Your Living SpacePositive Benefits Adding Water Feature Living Space 2162410554120.jpg The inclusion of a wall fountain or an outdoor garden fountain is an excellent way to adorn your yard or garden design. Any number of present-day designers and fountain artisans have found ideas in the fountains and water features of the past. You can also strengthen the connection to the past by adding one of these to your home's interior design. The advantage of having a garden fountain extends beyond its beauty as it also attracts birds and other wildlife, in addition to harmonizing the ecosystem with the water and moisture it emits into the atmosphere. Flying, bothersome insects, for instance, are frightened off by the birds congregating around the fountain or birdbath.

The space necessary for a cascading or spouting fountain is considerable, so a wall fountain is the ideal size for a small yard. You can choose to install a stand-alone fountain with a flat back and an attached basin propped against a fence or wall in your backyard, or a wall-mounted type which is self-contained and hung from a wall. A water feature can be added to an existing wall if you include some kind of fountain mask as well as a basin to gather the water at the bottom. Be sure to hire a specialist for this type of job since it is better not to do it yourself due to the intricate plumbing and masonry work needed.

Where did Garden Water Fountains Originate from? The incredible construction of a fountain allows it to provide clean water or shoot water high into air for dramatic effect and it can also serve as an excellent design feature to complement your home.... read more


Installation and Maintenance of Landscape Fountains A vital first step before installing any outdoor wall feature is to think about the space you have available.It will require a very strong wall to support its overall weight.... read more


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The Many Construction Materials of Outdoor Garden Fountains Garden fountains nowadays are mostly made from metal, although you can find them in other materials too.Metallic versions offer clean lines and unique sculptural accents and will fit in with nearly any decorative style and budget.... read more


Historic Crete & The Minoans: Garden Fountains During archaeological excavations on the island of Crete, a variety of types of channels have been uncovered.These were used to provide urban centers with water as well as to reduce flooding and get rid of waste material.... read more


The Intriguing Beauty of Wall Water Features Your loved ones and friends will appreciate the elegance a wall fountain lends to your decor.The dazzling elegance a wall water feature contributes to any area is in addition to the gentle background sounds it produces.... read more