The Beginnings of Modern Outdoor Wall Fountains
The Beginnings of Modern Outdoor Wall Fountains Hundreds of ancient Greek records were translated into Latin under the auspices of the scholarly Pope Nicholas V, who led the Roman Catholic Church from 1397 to 1455. Beautifying Rome and making it the worthy capital of the Christian world was at the heart of his objectives. At the bidding of the Pope, the Aqua Vergine, a damaged aqueduct which had transported clean drinking water into Rome from eight miles away, was reconditioned starting in 1453. The ancient Roman custom of building an imposing commemorative fountain at the point where an aqueduct arrived, also known as a mostra, was resurrected by Nicholas V. The architect Leon Battista Alberti was commissioned by the Pope to build a wall fountain where we now find the Trevi Fountain. The Trevi Fountain as well as the renowned baroque fountains found in the Piazza del Popolo and the Piazza Navona were eventually supplied with water from the modified aqueduct he had reconstructed.The Outcome of the Norman Invasion on Anglo Saxon Landscaping
The Outcome of the Norman Invasion on Anglo Saxon Landscaping The Anglo-Saxon way of life was dramatically changed by the appearance of the Normans in the later eleventh century. Architecture and horticulture were abilities that the Normans excelled in, trumping that of the Anglo-Saxons at the time of the occupation. But home life, household architecture, and decoration were out of the question until the Normans taken over the entire population. Most often built upon windy peaks, castles were basic constructs that permitted their occupants to spend time and space to offensive and defensive programs, while monasteries were rambling stone buildings frequently installed in only the most fecund, extensive valleys. Peaceful activities such as gardening were out of place in these desolate citadels. The purest specimen of the early Anglo-Norman style of architecture existent in modern times is Berkeley Castle. It is said that the keep was created during William the Conqueror's time. A monumental terrace serves as a hindrance to invaders who would attempt to mine the walls of the building. On one of these terraces sits a charming bowling green: it's covered in grass and flanked by an old yew hedge that is created into the shape of rough ramparts.
The Genesis Of Garden Fountains
The Genesis Of Garden Fountains A water fountain is an architectural piece that pours water into a basin or jets it high into the air in order to provide drinking water, as well as for decorative purposes.Pure functionality was the original role of fountains. Water fountains were connected to a spring or aqueduct to provide potable 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. Serving as an element of decoration and celebration, fountains also supplied clean, fresh drinking water.
The main components used by the Romans to create their fountains were bronze or stone masks, mostly depicting animals or heroes. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden designers included fountains in their designs to re-create the gardens of paradise. Fountains played a considerable role in the Gardens of Versailles, all part of French King Louis XIV’s desire to exert his power over nature. The Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were extolled with baroque style fountains made to mark the place of entry of Roman aqueducts.
Urban fountains built at the end of the nineteenth 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 replacing the power of gravity with mechanical pumps.
Embellishing city parks, honoring people or events and entertaining, are some of the functions of modern-day fountains.