The Origins Of Fountains
The Origins Of Fountains A fountain, an incredible piece of engineering, not only supplies drinking water as it pours into a basin, it can also propel water high into the air for an extraordinary effect. Originally, fountains only served a functional purpose. Water fountains were linked to a spring or aqueduct to supply 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. Acting as an element of decoration and celebration, fountains also generated 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. Muslims and Moorish garden designers of the Middle Ages included fountains to re-create smaller models 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 entryway 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
The end of the 19th century saw the rise in usage of indoor plumbing to supply drinking water, so urban fountains were relegated to purely decorative elements. Fountains using mechanical pumps instead of gravity allowed fountains to bring recycled water into living spaces as well as create special water effects.
Modern-day fountains function mostly as decoration for community spaces, to honor individuals or events, and enhance entertainment and recreational activities.
The Many Good Reasons to Include a Water Feature
The Many Good Reasons to Include a Water Feature A good way to enhance the look of your outdoor living area is to add a wall water feature or an exterior garden fountain to your landscaping or garden layout. Any number of current designers and fountain artisans have found inspiration in the fountains and water features of the past. Therefore, in order to link your home to previous times, add one these in your home decor. Among the many attributes of these beautiful garden water features is the water and moisture they release into the air which attracts birds and other wild life as well as helps to balance the ecosystem. For instance, pesky flying insects are usually discouraged by the birds drawn to the fountain or birdbath.The space necessary for a cascading or spouting fountain is substantial, so a wall fountain is the perfect size for a small yard. Two possibilities to pick from include either a freestanding type with an even back set against a fence or wall in your garden, or a wall-mounted, self-contained type which is suspended on a wall.
Adding a fountain to an existing wall requires that you add a fountain mask as well as a basin at the bottom to collect the water. Since the plumbing and masonry work is extensive to complete this type of job, you should employ a specialist to do it rather than try to do it alone.