A Short History of the First Public Water Fountains
A Short History of the First Public Water Fountains As initially developed, fountains were designed to be functional, directing water from streams or aqueducts to the citizens of cities and settlements, where the water could be used for cooking food, cleaning, and drinking. Gravity was the power source of water fountains up until the end of the 19th century, using the potent power of water traveling downhill from a spring or brook to push the water through valves or other outlets.
Fountains spanning history have been designed as monuments, impressing hometown citizens and tourists alike. Crude in design, the first water fountains did not look much like modern fountains. Basic stone basins sculpted from nearby stone were the first fountains, used for spiritual purposes and drinking water. The earliest stone basins are suspected to be from around 2000 B.C.. Gravity was the energy source that operated the initial water fountains. Drinking water was delivered by public fountains, long before fountains became decorative public statues, as attractive as they are practical. The people of Rome began constructing decorative fountains in 6 B.C., most of which were bronze or natural stone masks of animals and mythological heroes. The Romans had an elaborate system of aqueducts that supplied the water for the countless fountains that were situated throughout the city.
Where did Landscape Fountains Begin?
Where did Landscape Fountains Begin? 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 a noteworthy effect.
From the onset, outdoor fountains were soley there to serve as functional elements. Water fountains were connected to a spring or aqueduct to supply drinkable water as well as bathing water for cities, townships and villages. Up until the 19th century, fountains had to be higher and closer to a water source, such as aqueducts and reservoirs, in order to take advantage of gravity which fed the fountains. Acting as an element of adornment and celebration, fountains also generated clean, fresh drinking water. The main materials used by the Romans to build their fountains were bronze or stone masks, mostly illustrating animals or heroes. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden designers included fountains in their designs to re-create the gardens of paradise. Fountains enjoyed a considerable role in the Gardens of Versailles, all part of French King Louis XIV’s desire to exert his power over nature. Seventeen and 18 century Popes sought to laud their positions by adding decorative baroque-style fountains at the point where restored Roman aqueducts arrived into the city.
The end of the 19th century saw the increase in usage of indoor plumbing to provide drinking water, so urban fountains were relegated to purely decorative elements. The creation of special water effects and the recycling of water were two things made possible by replacing gravity with mechanical pumps.
These days, fountains adorn public spaces and are used to honor individuals or events and fill recreational and entertainment needs.
Aqueducts: The Answer to Rome's Water Troubles
Aqueducts: The Answer to Rome's Water Troubles Previous to 273, when the very first elevated aqueduct, Aqua Anio Vetus, was constructed in Rome, citizens who lived on hills had to go even further down to gather their water from natural sources. During this time period, there were only 2 other technologies capable of offering water to high areas, subterranean wells and cisterns, which accumulated rainwater. In the very early 16th century, the city began to utilize the water that ran below ground through Acqua Vergine to deliver drinking water to Pincian Hill.
The aqueduct’s channel was made accessible by pozzi, or manholes, that were situated along its length when it was initially constructed. Whilst these manholes were developed to make it easier to conserve the aqueduct, it was also possible to use containers to pull water from the channel, which was utilized by Cardinal Marcello Crescenzi from the time he invested in the property in 1543 to his passing in 1552. It seems that, the rainwater cistern on his property wasn’t good enough to meet his needs. Through an orifice to the aqueduct that ran underneath his property, he was able to satisfy his water wants.
The Understated Charm of the Outdoor Wall Fountain
The Understated Charm of the Outdoor Wall Fountain Introducing a wall fountain as a decoration element will make a great impression on your family and friends. The dazzling elegance a wall water feature lends to any area is in addition to the soft background sounds it produces. You can leave a lasting impression on your guests with the visual elegance and the welcoming sounds of this sort of feature. A wall fountain can add a great deal of beauty, even to today's living areas. If you wish to embellish your modern-day decor, consider adding one made of stainless steel or glass. Does your home or workplace have a limited amount of space? A wall water fountain is probably the best solution for you. Since they are installed on a wall, these features do not take up precious space. These sorts of fountains are particularly prevalent in bustling office buildings. Interior spaces are not the only places to display a wall fountain, however. Fiberglass and resin are good materials to use for exterior wall water features. Gardens, patios, or other outdoor spaces needing a stylish touch should include a water fountain made of one of these waterproof materials.
Wall fountains can be manufactured in a wide array of different looks ranging from contemporary to classic and provincial. The type you pick for your space is dictated by your individual decoration preferences. A mountain lodge might require a conventional material such as slate whereas a high rise apartment might require sleek glass to enliven the interior space. You can choose the material most appropriate to your needs. There is no doubting the fact that fountains are features which delight visitors and add to your quality of life.