Where did Fountains Originate from?
Where did Fountains Originate from? A fountain, an incredible piece of engineering, not only supplies drinking water as it pours into a basin, it can also launch water high into the air for an extraordinary effect. From the onset, outdoor fountains were soley meant to serve as functional elements.
Water fountains were linked to a spring or aqueduct to provide potable water as well as bathing water for cities, townships and villages. Until the late 19th, century most water fountains operated using the force of gravity to allow water to flow or jet into the air, therefore, they needed a supply of water such as a reservoir or aqueduct located higher than the fountain. Fountains were not only utilized as a water source for drinking water, but also to decorate homes and celebrate the artist who created it. Bronze or stone masks of wildlife and heroes were commonly seen on Roman fountains. Muslims and Moorish garden designers of the Middle Ages included fountains to re-create smaller models of the gardens of paradise. Fountains enjoyed a considerable role in the Gardens of Versailles, all part of French King Louis XIV’s desire to exercise his power over nature. Seventeen and 18 century Popes sought to extol their positions by including decorative baroque-style fountains at the point where restored Roman aqueducts arrived into the city.
Urban fountains built at the end of the 19th century functioned 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 force of gravity with mechanical pumps.
Nowadays, fountains decorate public spaces and are used to pay tribute to individuals or events and fill recreational and entertainment needs.
Bernini's Garden Fountains
Bernini's Garden Fountains There are many renowned fountains in the city center of Rome. One of the greatest sculptors and designers of the 17th century, Gian Lorenzo Bernini designed, conceptualized and built almost all of them. Marks of his life's efforts are evident throughout the streets of Rome because, in addition to his skills as a water fountain builder, he was also a city architect. To totally express their skill, chiefly in the form of public water features and water features, Bernini's father, a celebrated Florentine sculptor, mentored his young son, and they eventually relocated in Rome. The young Bernini was an exemplary employee and earned praise and backing of important painters as well as popes. His sculpture was initially his claim to glory. He used his knowledge and melded it seamlessly with Roman marble, most significantly in the Vatican. Though he was influenced by many, Michelangelo had the most profound effect on him, both personally and professionally.
Did You Know How Technical Concepts of Water Fountains Became Known?
Did You Know How Technical Concepts of Water Fountains Became Known? Throughout the European countries, the primary means of spreading useful hydraulic facts and fountain design suggestions were the circulated pamphlets and illustrated books of the day, which contributed to the advancement of scientific technology. In the late 1500's, a French water fountain developer (whose name has been lost) was the globally renowned hydraulics innovator. With imperial commissions in Brussels, London and Germany, he began his work in Italy, developing expertise in garden design and grottoes with integrated and imaginative water hydraulics. The text, “The Principles of Moving Forces,” written near the end of his life in France, turned out to be the fundamental text on hydraulic mechanics and engineering. Detailing contemporary hydraulic systems, the publication furthermore modified key hydraulic advancements of classical antiquity. The water screw, a technical way to move water, and developed by Archimedes, was showcased in the book. Sunlight heating water in two containers hidden in a room next to an beautiful water fountain was displayed in one illustration. The end result: the water feature is activated by the heated water expanding and rising up the pipes. Pumps, water wheels, water features and garden pond designs are mentioned in the book.
