The Origins Of Outdoor Fountains

Pure practicality was the original purpose of fountains. Residents of urban areas, townships and small towns used them as a source of drinking water and a place to wash, which meant that fountains needed to be connected to nearby aqueduct or spring. Up until the nineteenth, fountains had to be higher and closer to a water supply, including aqueducts and reservoirs, in order to take advantage of gravity which fed the fountains. Fountains were an optimal source of water, and also served to adorn living areas and memorialize the designer. The main materials used by the Romans to create their fountains were bronze or stone masks, mostly illustrating animals or heroes. Muslims and Moorish garden designers of the Middle Ages included fountains to re-create smaller versions of the gardens of paradise. King Louis XIV of France wanted to illustrate his superiority over nature by including fountains in the Gardens of Versailles. The Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were glorified with baroque style fountains built to mark the place of entry of Roman aqueducts.

Since indoor plumbing became the norm of the day for clean, drinking water, by the end of the 19th century urban fountains were no longer needed for this purpose and they became purely ornamental. The introduction of unique water effects and the recycling of water were 2 things made possible by swapping gravity with mechanical pumps.

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

The Many Types of Wall Water Fountains

Also knownas a floor fountain, a stand-alone wall fountain is normally rather big, and its basin is placed on the ground.

On the other hand, a fountain affixed to a wall can be incorporated onto an existing wall or built into a new wall. This type of fountain adds to a cohesive look making it appear as if it was part of the landscape instead of an added feature.