The Early Society: Fountains
The Early Society: Fountains During archaeological digs on the island of Crete, various varieties of conduits have been found. These furnished water and removed it, including water from waste and deluges. They were typically created from clay or stone. When clay was used, it was usually for channels as well as water pipes which came in rectangular or circular patterns. Amidst these were clay conduits that were U shaped or a shortened, cone-like shape which have only appeared in Minoan civilization.
The Origins Of Wall Fountains
The Origins Of Wall Fountains
Originally, fountains only served a practical purpose. Water fountains were linked to a spring or aqueduct to provide drinkable water as well as bathing water for cities, townships and villages. Until the late nineteenth, century most water fountains operated 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. Designers thought of fountains as wonderful additions to a living space, however, the fountains also served to provide clean water and honor the artist responsible for building it. Animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks were often times utilized by Romans to decorate their fountains. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden designers included fountains in their designs to re-create the gardens of paradise. The fountains seen in the Gardens of Versailles were meant to show the power over nature held by King Louis XIV of France. 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.
Urban fountains made at the end of the 19th century served only as decorative and celebratory adornments since indoor plumbing provided the necessary drinking water. Amazing water effects and recycled water were made possible by replacing 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.