A Chronicle of Fountains
A Chronicle of Fountains Hundreds of classic Greek documents were translated into Latin under the authority of the scholarly Pope Nicholas V, who led the Roman Catholic Church from 1397 to 1455. He undertook the embellishment of Rome to turn it into the worthy capital of the Christian world. At the bidding of the Pope, the Aqua Vergine, a ruined aqueduct which had transported clean drinking water into Rome from eight miles away, was renovated starting in 1453. Building a mostra, an imposing commemorative fountain built by ancient Romans to memorialize the entry point of an aqueduct, was a tradition revived by Nicholas V. At the behest of the Pope, architect Leon Battista Alberti undertook the construction of a wall fountain in the place where we now find the Trevi Fountain. Changes and extensions, included in the repaired aqueduct, eventually supplied the Trevi Fountain and the well-known baroque fountains in the Piazza del Popolo and Piazza Navona with the necessary water supply.
The Vast Array of Outdoor Water Features
The Vast Array of Outdoor Water Features
Have you ever thought about turning your garden into an oasis of tranquility? Incorporating a fountain into your garden provides tranquility as well as a variety of beneficial effects that come with having a water feature. Sending a stream of water shooting into the air, spouting fountains leave a spectacular impression. It is doable to have one of these fitted into an existing, large pond. These types of fountains are often seen in parks or historical manor homes.
Pick a stylish wall fountain to put outside. Even with a smallish backyard, it is possible to put in one of these water features. Wall fountains are not flamboyant water features as compared to a spouting fountain. In a very simple process, the water spills out of a spout, trickles down a magnificently textured wall only to be pumped back to the top.
Dependent on the look you have chosen for the garden, you could think about a themed fountain. If your bungalow or garden is styled in a rustic manner, you should consider including a traditional type of statue, such as a seraph holding the spout, to your fountain. On the other hand, a more contemporary garden can include more of a bold design. Choosing what to do is completely in your hands.
The main attribute of tiered fountains is the multiple levels spewing out water. Cascading fountains is another expression used to identify this type of fountain because water flows down multiple levels.
The space needed for an outdoor fountain can be extensive, therefore, a better alternative is to install a wall fountain or a pondless fountain. The reservoirs needed for these types of water features are concealed underground which helps you better use your limited space.
Japanese fountains are thought to impart a sense of tranquility and wellness. Bamboo sticks are used in this kind of fountain to expel the water. A rustic bucket or shaped stone is positioned at the bottom of this feature to collect the flowing water only to have the cycle repeated over and over again.
One of the many designs of fountain around is the glass fountain. Trellis-style fountains of this sort, highlight molded metalwork which provides a more conventional look. Gardens with many sharp edges as well as contemporary shapes and designs are better for these types of water features. The flowing water creates a beautiful effect as it moves down the glass panels. In some cases, the water is colored by LED lights as it flows over the glass panels. The jagged surface of rock waterfall fountain makes for an appealing façade as the water gently flows downwards.
The attribute which distinguishes a bubbling rock fountain is a large rock drilled with holes where pipes can be inserted into its center. Low pressure is employed to push up the water which then bubbles and gurgles at the top. Water then streams as a slow trickle down the sides of the rock to its base. Gardens with limited space are good spots to include this style of fountain. This sort of fountain, which uses low pressure to move water, is ideal because it stops water from being sprayed around in breezy weather.
The trend of setting up solar powered fountains is becoming progressively prevalent. There are numerous reasons for this newly found appeal such as the absence of cables, less difficulty in running them, a reduction in electricity bills, and the advantages to the environment. Outdoor solar-powered fountains are available in countless different styles, therefore, you will not have to compromise on which one to purchase.
The Original Garden Fountain Designers
The Original Garden Fountain Designers Multi-talented people, fountain artists from the 16th to the late 18th century often worked as architects, sculptors, artists, engineers and cultivated scholars all in one person. Leonardo da Vinci, a Renaissance artist, was notable as a ingenious master, inventor and scientific expert. He methodically reported his findings in his now famed notebooks about his studies into the forces of nature and the properties and mobility of water. Remodeling private villa settings into imaginative water showcases complete with symbolic meaning and natural beauty, early Italian fountain designers combined imagination with hydraulic and horticultural knowledge. The humanist Pirro Ligorio, renowned for his virtuosity in archeology, architecture and garden design, provided the vision behind the wonders in Tivoli. For the assorted properties near Florence, other water feature designers were well versed in humanistic topics as well as classical scientific texts, masterminding the excellent water marbles, water attributes and water antics.Where did Landscape Fountains Begin?
Where did Landscape Fountains Begin? A water fountain is an architectural piece that pours water into a basin or jets it high into the air in order to supply drinkable water, as well as for decorative purposes.The primary purpose of a fountain was originally strictly functional.
People in cities, towns and villages received their drinking water, as well as water to bathe and wash, from aqueducts or springs nearby. Used until the 19th 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. Designers thought of fountains as wonderful additions to a living space, however, the fountains also served to supply clean water and honor the designer responsible for creating it. Bronze or stone masks of wildlife and heroes were frequently seen on Roman fountains. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden designers included fountains in their designs to mimic the gardens of paradise. Fountains enjoyed a considerable role in the Gardens of Versailles, all part of French King Louis XIV’s desire to exert his power over nature. Seventeen and 18 century Popes sought to laud their positions by adding beautiful baroque-style fountains at the point where restored Roman aqueducts arrived into the city.
Urban fountains made at the end of the 19th century functioned only as decorative and celebratory ornaments since indoor plumbing provided the essential drinking water. Gravity was substituted by mechanical pumps in order to enable fountains to bring in clean water and allow for beautiful water displays.
Contemporary fountains are used to adorn community spaces, honor individuals or events, and enhance recreational and entertainment events.
The Many Construction Materials of Outdoor Garden Fountains
The Many Construction Materials of Outdoor Garden Fountains While today’s garden fountains are made in a range of materials, the majority are made from metal.
Metals tend to create clean lines and unique sculptural accents and can fit almost any design theme or budget. Your outdoor design should complement the style of your residence. Today, many people choose copper for their 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. If you decide to go with copper, your fountain can be any style from fun and whimsical to contemporary.
If your style is more conventional, a brass water fountain might work for you. You will see a lot of brass fountains, as their interesting artwork makes them common even if they are on the more traditional side.
Most folks today see stainless steel as the most modern option. Adding a modern-looking steel design will immediately add value to your garden and elevate the overall mood. As with all fountains, you can find any size you need.
For people who want the look of a metal fountain but want a lighter weight and more affordable option, fiberglass is the answer. Keeping a fiberglass water fountain clean and working well is quite easy, another aspect consumers like.