The Genesis Of Outdoor Fountains
The Genesis Of Outdoor Fountains 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.
The main purpose of a fountain was originally strictly practical. Residents of urban areas, townships and small towns utilized them as a source of drinking water and a place to wash, which meant that fountains had to be linked to nearby aqueduct or spring. Up to the late 19th century, water fountains had to be near an aqueduct or reservoir and higher than the fountain so that gravity could make the water move downwards or shoot high into the air. Artists thought of fountains as wonderful additions to a living space, however, the fountains also served to supply clean water and celebrate the designer responsible for building it. Bronze or stone masks of wildlife and heroes were frequently seen on Roman fountains. To illustrate the gardens of paradise, Muslim and Moorish garden planners of the Middle Ages introduced fountains to their designs. 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 including beautiful baroque-style fountains at the point where restored Roman aqueducts arrived into the city.
Since indoor plumbing became the standard of the day for clean, drinking water, by the end of the 19th century urban fountains were no longer needed for this purpose and they became purely ornamental. Fountains using mechanical pumps instead of gravity enabled fountains to deliver recycled water into living spaces as well as create unique water effects.
Embellishing city parks, honoring people or events and entertaining, are some of the uses of modern-day fountains.
The Many Reasons to Include a Wall Fountain
The Many Reasons to Include a Wall Fountain The addition of a wall fountain or an outdoor garden fountain is an excellent way to beautify your yard or garden design. A myriad of present-day designers and fountain craftsmen have found ideas in the fountains and water features of the past.
Therefore, in order to link your home to earlier times, add one these in your decor. In addition to the positive characteristics of garden fountains, they also produce water and moisture which goes into the air, thereby, drawing in birds as well as other creatures and harmonizing the environment. For example, birds lured by a fountain or birdbath can be useful because they fend off annoying flying insects. Spouting or cascading fountains are not the best alternative for a small backyard since they need a great deal of space. Either a freestanding fountain with an even back and an attached basin placed against a fence or a wall, or a wall-mounted style which is self-contained and hangs on a wall, are some of the options from which you can choose. Adding a fountain to an existing wall requires that you add a fountain mask as well as a basin at the bottom to gather the water. The plumbing and masonry work necessary for this kind of work requires training, so it is best to employ a skilled person rather than do it yourself.
The Father Of Roman Fountain Design
The Father Of Roman Fountain Design
In Rome’s city center, there are countless celebrated public fountains. One of the most distinguished sculptors and designers of the 17th century, Gian Lorenzo Bernini planned, conceived and built almost all of them. His abilities as a fountain designer and also as a city designer, are visible throughout the roads of Rome. Ultimately moving to Rome to totally express their artwork, chiefly in the shape of community water fountains, Bernini’s father, a famed Florentine sculptor, mentored his young son. An diligent worker, the young Bernini received praise and patronage of various popes and influential designers. His sculpture was originally his claim to celebrity. An authority in classic Greek engineering, he used this knowledge as a foundation and melded it seamlessly with Roman marble, most famously in the Vatican. He was affected by many a great artists, however, Michelangelo had the biggest effect on his work.
Keeping Your Outdoor Garden Fountain Tidy
Keeping Your Outdoor Garden Fountain Tidy It is vital to carefully maintain water fountains for them to function properly.
Leaves, twigs, and bugs often find their way into fountains, so it is important to keep yours free from such debris. On top of that, algae can be a problem, as sunshine hitting the water permits it to form quickly. To stay clear of this, there are some common ingredients that can be added into the water, such as vinegar, sea salt, or hydrogen peroxide. There are those who choose to use bleach, but that is harmful to any animals that might drink or bathe in the water - so should therefore be avoided. Experts suggest that the typical garden fountain undergoes a thorough cleaning every three-four months. The first step is to get rid of all of the water. Next use gentle and a soft sponge to clean the interior of the reservoir. A good tip is to use a toothbrush if there are little hard-to-reach spots. Be sure to completely rinse the inner surface of the fountain to make sure all the soap is gone.
It is highly suggested taking the pump apart to better clean the inside and get rid of any plankton or calcium. Letting it soak in vinegar for several hours first will make it much easier to clean. Neither rain water nor mineral water contain substances that will collect inside the pump, so use either over tap water if possible.
Lastly, make sure your fountain is always full by checking it every day - this will keep it in tip-top shape. Low water levels can damage the pump - and you don't want that!