Where did Large Outdoor Fountains Begin?
Where did Large Outdoor Fountains Begin?
The primary purpose of a fountain was originally strictly practical. Water fountains were connected to a spring or aqueduct to provide drinkable water as well as bathing water for cities, townships and villages. 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 the power of gravity. Fountains were an excellent source of water, and also served to decorate living areas and celebrate the designer. Roman fountains often depicted imagery of animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks. Throughout the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden planners incorporated fountains to create smaller depictions of the gardens of paradise. The fountains seen in the Gardens of Versailles were intended to show the power over nature held by King Louis XIV of France. To mark the entrance of the restored Roman aqueducts, the Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries commissioned the construction of baroque style fountains in the spot where the aqueducts arrived in the city of Rome
Urban fountains built at the end of the 19th century served only as decorative and celebratory adornments since indoor plumbing provided the necessary drinking water. Gravity was substituted by mechanical pumps in order to permit fountains to bring in clean water and allow for amazing water displays.
Nowadays, fountains decorate public areas and are used to recognize individuals or events and fill recreational and entertainment needs.
The Dispersion of Fountain Design Technology
The Dispersion of Fountain Design Technology Contributing to the development of scientific technology were the printed letters and illustrated books of the time. They were also the primary method of transferring useful hydraulic ideas and water fountain design suggestions throughout Europe. A globally renowned leader in hydraulics in the later part of the 1500's was a French water fountain engineer, whose name has been lost to history. His experience in designing landscapes and grottoes with incorporated and ingenious water features began in Italy and with commissions in Brussels, London and Germany. He wrote a book named “The Principles of Moving Forces” toward the end of his lifetime while in France which became the essential book on hydraulic mechanics and engineering. Replacing key hydraulic breakthroughs of classical antiquity, the publication also details modern hydraulic technologies. The water screw, a technical means to move water, and invented by Archimedes, was showcased in the book. A pair of undetectable vessels heated up by the sun's rays in a room adjacent to the creative fountain were presented in an illustration. The end result: the fountain is triggered by the hot liquid expanding and rising up the pipes. Pumps, water wheels, water attributes and garden pond styles are covered in the book.What Are Garden Fountains Made From?
What Are Garden Fountains Made From? While today’s garden fountains are made in a number of materials, the majority are made from metal.
Today, many people elect copper for their sculptural garden fountains. Copper is used in cascade and tabletop water fountains as well as various other styles, making it versatile enough for inside and outside fountains. Another advantage of copper fountains is they are flexible and come in a wide assortment of styles.
Brass water fountains are also common, though they tend to have a more classic look than copper ones. Although it is not the most stylish, the creatures and sculptural features you find on fountains are commonly made of brass, thus making them very popular.
Of all the metals, stainless steel is viewed as the most contemporary-looking. For an instantaneous increase in the value and comfort of your garden, get one of the contemporary steel designs. Just like other water features, they come in an array of sizes.
Because it is both lighter and more affordable than metal but has a comparable look, fiberglass is quite common for fountains. It is not complicated to clean and maintain a fiberglass water fountain, yet another reason they are trendy.