Contemporary Garden Decor: Large Outdoor Water Fountains and their Roots
Contemporary Garden Decor: Large Outdoor Water Fountains and their Roots The incredible architecture 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 enhance your home.Originally, fountains only served a practical purpose. Residents of urban areas, townships and small towns utilized them as a source of drinking water and a place to wash up, which meant that fountains had to be linked to nearby aqueduct or spring. Used until the nineteenth century, in order for fountains to flow or shoot up into the air, their source of water such as reservoirs or aqueducts, had to be higher than the water fountain in order to benefit from gravity. Fountains were an excellent source of water, and also served to adorn living areas and celebrate the artist. Roman fountains usually depicted imagery of animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks. To depict the gardens of paradise, Muslim and Moorish garden planners of the Middle Ages added fountains to their designs. The fountains seen in the Gardens of Versailles were supposed to show the power over nature held by King Louis XIV of France.
Seventeen and 18 century Popes sought to extol their positions by adding decorative baroque-style fountains at the point where restored Roman aqueducts arrived into the city.
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 decorative. Gravity was replaced by mechanical pumps in order to enable fountains to bring in clean water and allow for amazing water displays.
Contemporary fountains are used to embellish public spaces, honor individuals or events, and enhance recreational and entertainment events.
Bernini's Early Showpieces
Bernini's Early Showpieces The Barcaccia, a stunning water fountain constructed at the base of the Trinita dei Monti in Piaza di Spagna, was Bernini's earliest water fountain. To this day, this spot is filled with Roman locals and tourists alike who enjoy conversation and each other's company. Today, the city streets around Bernini's fountain are a trendy area where people go to gather, something which the artist would have been pleased to learn. In about 1630, the great master designed the very first fountain of his career at the behest of Pope Ubano VIII. Depicted in the fountain's design is a large ship slowly sinking into the Mediterranean Sea. Period writings dating back to the 16th century show that the fountain was built as a memorial to those who lost their lives in the great flooding of the Tevere. Absenting himself from Italy only once in his life for a long-lasting time period, in 1665 Bernini traveled to France.
The Myriad Designs of Water Wall Fountains
The Myriad Designs of Water Wall Fountains
Small verandas or courtyards are a perfect place to install wall fountains since they add style to an area with little space. Conventional, antique, contemporary, or Asian are just a few of the styles you can choose from when looking for an outdoor wall fountain to your liking. While there are countless prefabricated ones on the market, you may need a custom-built fountain if none of these are appealing to you. Depending on your wishes, you can choose from mounted or freestanding types. Small, self-contained versions can be placed on a wall are known as mounted wall fountains. Fountains of this type need to be lightweight, therefore, they are typically made of resin (resembling stone) or fiberglass. Floor fountains are freestanding, big, and also have a basin on the ground as well as a flat side against the wall. Generally made of cast stone, this style of water feature is not restricted in weight.
It is a good idea to incorporate a custom-made fountain into a new or existing wall, something often recommended by landscape experts. Employing an expert mason is your best option to build the basin and install the necessary plumbing. The wall will have to have a spout or fountain mask incorporated into it. A tailor-made wall fountain blends into the landscape instead of standing out because it was a later addition, which contributes to a unified look.