Rome’s Early Water Delivery Solutions
Rome’s Early Water Delivery Solutions With the building of the first elevated aqueduct in Rome, the Aqua Anio Vetus in 273 BC, folks who lived on the city’s hills no longer had to rely exclusively on naturally-occurring spring water for their demands. During this period, there were only two other technologies capable of supplying water to high areas, subterranean wells and cisterns, which amassed rainwater. Starting in the sixteenth century, a unique approach was introduced, using Acqua Vergine’s subterranean segments to provide water to Pincian Hill.
Throughout the time of its initial building and construction, pozzi (or manholes) were positioned at set intervals along the aqueduct’s channel. Although they were originally developed to make it possible to support the aqueduct, Cardinal Marcello Crescenzi started using the manholes to get water from the channel, starting when he bought the property in 1543. The cistern he had made to collect rainwater wasn’t satisfactory to meet his water needs. To provide himself with a much more effective means to gather water, he had one of the manholes exposed, offering him access to the aqueduct below his residence.
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.The primary purpose of a fountain was originally strictly practical. Residents of urban areas, townships and small towns used them as a source of drinking water and a place to wash, which meant that fountains needed to be linked to nearby aqueduct or spring. Used until the nineteenth century, in order for fountains to flow or shoot up into the air, their origin of water such as reservoirs or aqueducts, had to be higher than the water fountain in order to benefit from gravity. Serving as an element of decoration and celebration, fountains also generated clean, fresh drinking water. Roman fountains often depicted images of animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks. Muslims and Moorish landscaping designers of the Middle Ages included fountains to re-create smaller versions of the gardens of paradise. To show his prominence over nature, French King Louis XIV included fountains in the Garden of Versailles.
The Romans of the 17th and 18th centuries manufactured baroque decorative fountains to exalt the Popes who commissioned them as well as to mark the location where the restored Roman aqueducts entered the city.
The end of the 19th century saw the increase in usage of indoor plumbing to supply drinking water, so urban fountains were relegated to strictly decorative elements. Gravity was substituted by mechanical pumps in order to enable fountains to bring in clean water and allow for amazing water displays.
Nowadays, fountains adorn public areas and are used to honor individuals or events and fill recreational and entertainment needs.
Outdoor Wall Fountains: The Numerous Designs Available
Outdoor Wall Fountains: The Numerous Designs Available If you want to have a place to relax and add some pizzazz to a small area such as a patio or courtyard, wall fountains are perfect because they do not occupy much space. When looking at the many types of outdoor wall fountains available including traditional, antique, contemporary, or Asian, you are certain to find one best suited to your design ideas. Your tastes dictate the type you buy so while there may not be a prefabricated fountain to satisfy you, you do have the option of having a custom made one.Depending on your wishes, you can pick from mounted or freestanding models. Small, self-contained mounted wall fountains can be hung on any surface.
Fountains of this kind need to be lightweight, therefore, they are typically made of resin (resembling stone) or fiberglass. Stand-alone fountains, often referred to as floor fountains, are sizable, have a basin situated on the ground and a smooth side which leans against a wall. Water features such as these are usually made of cast stone and have no weight restrictions.
Landscape professionals often recommend a custom-built fountain for a brand new or existing wall. Hiring an expert mason is your best option to construct the basin and install the necessary plumbing. A fountain mask or a spout also needs to be incorporated into the wall. If you want a cohesive look for your garden, buy a customized wall fountain because it becomes part of the panorama rather than an afterthought.
The Many Good Reasons to Add a Wall Fountain
The Many Good Reasons to Add a Wall Fountain The inclusion of a wall fountain or an outdoor garden fountain is an excellent way to adorn your yard or garden design. Many current designers and craftsmen have been inspired by historical fountains and water features. As such, the impact of integrating one of these to your interior decor connects it to past times. The benefit of having a garden fountain extends beyond its beauty as it also attracts birds and other wildlife, in addition to harmonizing the ecosystem with the water and moisture it emits into the atmosphere. For example, irksome flying insects are usually deterred by the birds attracted to the fountain or birdbath. The space necessary for a cascading or spouting fountain is substantial, so a wall fountain is the ideal size for a small yard. There are two types of fountains to pick from including the freestanding model with a flat back and an attached basin set up against a fence or a wall in your yard, or the wall-mounted, self-contained variety which is suspended directly on a wall. Both a fountain mask located on the existing wall as well as a basin located at the bottom to collect the water are necessary if you wish to include a fountain. Be sure to employ a specialist for this type of job since it is better not to do it yourself due to the intricate plumbing and masonry work involved.