Contemporary Garden Decoration: Fountains and their Roots
Contemporary Garden Decoration: Fountains and their Roots 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. Pure functionality was the original role of fountains. People in cities, towns and villages received their drinking water, as well as water to bathe and wash, via aqueducts or springs in the vicinity. Up to the late 19th century, water fountains had to be near an aqueduct or reservoir and more elevated than the fountain so that gravity could make the water flow down or shoot high into the air. Fountains were not only utilized as a water source for drinking water, but also to decorate homes and celebrate the designer who created it. 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 demonstrate his dominance over nature, French King Louis XIV included fountains in the Garden of Versailles. 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 fresh, drinking water, by the end of the 19th century urban fountains were no longer needed for this purpose and they became purely decorative. Fountains using mechanical pumps instead of gravity allowed fountains to provide recycled water into living spaces as well as create special water effects.
Decorating city parks, honoring people or events and entertaining, are some of the functions of modern-day fountains.
Aqueducts: The Remedy to Rome's Water Challenges
Aqueducts: The Remedy to Rome's Water Challenges With the building of the very first elevated aqueduct in Rome, the Aqua Anio Vetus in 273 BC, individuals who lived on the city’s hillsides no longer had to depend solely on naturally-occurring spring water for their needs.
If people residing at higher elevations did not have access to springs or the aqueduct, they’d have to depend on the other existing solutions of the time, cisterns that gathered rainwater from the sky and subterranean wells that received the water from below ground. Starting in the sixteenth century, a newer method was introduced, using Acqua Vergine’s subterranean sectors to deliver water to Pincian Hill. Pozzi, or manholes, were engineered at standard stretches along the aqueduct’s channel. During the some 9 years he owned the residence, from 1543 to 1552, Cardinal Marcello Crescenzi utilized these manholes to take water from the channel in buckets, though they were actually built for the function of cleaning and maintenance the aqueduct. Even though the cardinal also had a cistern to accumulate rainwater, it couldn't supply sufficient water. To provide himself with a more practical system to obtain water, he had one of the manholes opened up, offering him access to the aqueduct below his property.
Keeping Your Fountain Clean
Keeping Your Fountain Clean It is essential to carefully maintain water fountains for them to function optimally. A typical issue with fountains is that they tend to accumulate dirt and debris, so it is vital that you keep it free from this. Also, algae tends to build up any place natural light meets water. Blend hydrogen peroxide, sea salt, or vinegar into the water to avoid this particular issue. There are those who choose to use bleach, but that is hazardous to any animals that might drink or bathe in the water - so should therefore be avoided.No more than 3-4 months should go by without an extensive cleansing of a fountain. Prior to cleaning, all of the water must be removed. Then use a soft towel and mild cleanser to scrub the inside.
A good tip is to use a toothbrush if there are tiny hard-to-reach spots. Be sure to carefully rinse the inside of the fountain to make sure all the soap is gone.
It is highly advised taking the pump apart to better clean the inside and remove any plankton or calcium. Letting it soak in vinegar for a couple of hours first will make it much easier to clean. Mineral or rain water, versus tap water, is ideal in order to avoid any build-up of chemicals inside the pump.
Lastly, make sure your fountain is always full by checking it every day - this will keep it in tip-top condition. If the water level drops below the pump’s intake level, it can harm the pump and cause it to burn out - something you don't want to happen!
The Advantages of Interior Wall Water Features
The Advantages of Interior Wall Water Features Clinics and health care facilities have been using interior fountains to create tranquil, stress-free environments for many years now. Softly falling water lulls people into a state of meditation.In addition, convalescence is thought to go faster when indoor fountains are used in therapy. Many physicians and mental health therapists think these are a useful addition in treating a number of maladies. Even the most afflicted insomnia patient as well as anyone suffering from PTSD can benefit from the calming, melodic sound of water.
A sense of security and well-being is enhanced, according to research, when you include an wall fountain in your home. As humans we are naturally drawn to the sight and sound of water, both of which add to our well-being and the preservation of our eco-system.
One of the two vital components in the art of feng- shui, water is considered to have life-changing effects. The key principle of feng-shui is that by harmonizing our interior environment we can achieve peace and balance. The element of water should be included in every living space. The front of your home, including the entryway, is the best place to put in a fountain.
You and your family will undoubtedly benefit from the inclusion of a water wall in your home, whether it be a wall mounted waterfall, a freestanding water feature or a custom-built one.
Having a fountain in a main room seems to affect people’s state of mind, their happiness as well as their level of satisfaction according to some research.
Water Features Lost to History
Water Features Lost to History As initially developed, water fountains were designed to be functional, directing water from creeks or reservoirs to the citizens of towns and settlements, where the water could be utilized for cooking, washing, and drinking. In the years before electricity, the spray of fountains was driven by gravity alone, often using an aqueduct or water source located far away in the surrounding mountains. Fountains throughout history have been developed as monuments, impressing local citizens and tourists alike. The contemporary fountains of today bear little resemblance to the first water fountains.
Created for drinking water and ceremonial purposes, the very first fountains were simple carved stone basins. 2000 BC is when the earliest identified stone fountain basins were used. The first fountains used in ancient civilizations relied on gravity to regulate the flow of water through the fountain. The placement of the fountains was determined by the water source, which is why you’ll commonly find them along reservoirs, waterways, or streams. Fountains with decorative Gods, mythological beasts, and creatures began to appear in Rome in about 6 BC, built from natural stone and bronze. The Romans had an intricate system of aqueducts that provided the water for the many fountains that were situated throughout the urban center.
The Advantages of Having an Indoor Wall Water Feature in your Home or Work Place
The Advantages of Having an Indoor Wall Water Feature in your Home or Work Place Your interior living space can profit from an indoor wall fountain because it embellishes your home and also gives it a contemporary feel. Installing this kind of fountain in your home or office permits you to create a place for your loved ones and clients where there is little noise as well as minimal stress and maximum relaxation. Putting in one of these interior wall water features will also gain the attention and appreciation your staff and clients alike. An interior water feature is certain to captivate all those who see it while also impressing your loudest critics. While sitting below your wall fountain you can indulge in the serenity it provides after a long day's work and enjoy watching your favorite sporting event. Indoor fountains produce harmonious sounds which are thought to release negative ions, eliminate dust as well as pollen, all while producing a comforting and relaxing setting.
The Countless Construction Materials of Garden Water fountains
The Countless Construction Materials of Garden Water fountains Garden fountains nowadays are mostly made from metal, though you can find them in other materials too. Metals tend to create clean lines and unique sculptural accents and can fit almost any design preference or budget. The interior design of your house should establish the look and feel of your yard and garden as well. A common choice today is copper, and it is used in the designing of many sculptural garden fountains. Copper is used in cascade and tabletop water fountains as well as many other styles, making it versatile enough for inside and outside fountains. Copper fountains also come in a wide array of designs - from fun and eccentric to modern and cutting-edge.
If you are drawn to more traditional -looking water fountains, brass is probably the best option for you. Even though they are a bit old-fashioned, brass fountains are quite common because they often include interesting artwork.
Probably the most contemporary of all metals is stainless steel. Adding a modern-looking steel design will immediately add value to your garden and elevate the overall ambiance. As with most fountains, they are available in numerous sizes.
For people who want the look of a metal fountain but want a lighter weight and more affordable option, fiberglass is the answer. The upkeep of fiberglass water fountains is quite simple, so they have many benefits that people appreciate.