Did You Know How Technical Designs And Styles of Fountains Became Known?
Did You Know How Technical Designs And Styles of Fountains Became Known? Throughout Europe, the chief means of spreading practical hydraulic information and fountain design suggestions were the published pamphlets and illustrated books of the time, which contributed to the advancement of scientific development. An internationally recognized leader in hydraulics in the later part of the 1500's was a French fountain engineer, whose name has been lost to history. With Royal commissions in Brussels, London and Germany, he started his work in Italy, developing expertise in garden design and grottoes with integrated and ingenious water hydraulics. He wrote a book entitled “The Principles of Moving Forces” towards the end of his life while in France that turned into the fundamental tome on hydraulic mechanics and engineering. Detailing modern hydraulic systems, the book also updated critical hydraulic discoveries of classical antiquity.
Where did Fountains Originate from?
Where did Fountains Originate from?
Originally, fountains only served a practical purpose. Cities, towns and villages made use of nearby aqueducts or springs to provide them with potable water as well as water where they could bathe or wash. Until the late 19th, century most water fountains functioned using gravity to allow water to flow or jet into the air, therefore, they needed a source of water such as a reservoir or aqueduct located higher than the fountain. Acting as an element of adornment and celebration, fountains also provided clean, fresh drinking water. Animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks were often times used by Romans to decorate their fountains. Throughout the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden planners included fountains to create smaller depictions 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.
Urban fountains made at the end of the 19th century functioned only as decorative and celebratory ornaments since indoor plumbing provided the essential drinking water. Amazing water effects and recycled water were made possible by switching the power of gravity with mechanical pumps.
Modern-day fountains serve mostly as decoration for open spaces, to honor individuals or events, and enhance entertainment and recreational gatherings.