A Short History of Early Outdoor Water Features
A Short History of Early Outdoor Water Features
As initially conceived, water fountains were designed to be functional, guiding water from streams or aqueducts to the residents of towns and villages, where the water could be used for cooking food, cleaning, and drinking. A source of water higher in elevation than the fountain was needed to pressurize the flow and send water spraying from the fountain's spout, a technology without equal until the late 19th century. Frequently used as monuments and commemorative structures, water fountains have influenced travelers from all over the world all through the centuries. If you saw the very first fountains, you probably would not recognize them as fountains. Crafted for drinking water and ceremonial reasons, the initial fountains were very simple carved stone basins. Stone basins as fountains have been discovered from 2,000 B.C.. Early fountains used in ancient civilizations relied on gravity to control the circulation of water through the fountain. The location of the fountains was influenced by the water source, which is why you’ll usually find them along reservoirs, canals, or rivers. Fountains with ornate decoration began to appear in Rome in approx. 6 B.C., normally gods and animals, made with natural stone or copper-base alloy. Water for the open fountains of Rome was brought to the city via a complex system of water aqueducts.
Anglo-Saxon Grounds During the Norman Conquest
Anglo-Saxon Grounds During the Norman Conquest Anglo-Saxons experienced extraordinary modifications to their day-to-day lives in the latter half of the eleventh century due to the accession of the Normans. At the time of the conquest, the Normans surpassed the Anglo-Saxons in building design and cultivation. But the Normans had to pacify the entire territory before they could focus on home life, domestic architecture, and decoration. Most often constructed upon windy summits, castles were straightforward constructs that enabled their occupants to devote time and space to offensive and defensive schemes, while monasteries were rambling stone buildings commonly added in only the most fecund, broad valleys. The barren fortresses did not provide for the quiet avocation of gardening. The early Anglo-Norman style of architecture is portrayed in Berkeley Castle, which is conceivably the most untouched sample we have.
It is said that the keep was developed during William the Conqueror's time. A significant terrace serves as a hindrance to invaders who would attempt to mine the walls of the building. On one of these parapets is a picturesque bowling green covered in grass and surrounded by an aged hedge of yew that has been designed into coarse battlements.
The Many Construction Materials of Wall fountains
The Many Construction Materials of Wall fountains Though they come in various materials, today’s garden fountains tend to be made of metal. Metallic models offer clean lines and unique sculptural accents and will fit in with nearly any decorative style and budget. The interior design of your residence should set the look and feel of your yard and garden as well.
Today, a lot of people elect copper for their sculptural garden fountains. Copper is common for both inside and outside use and is commonly found in tabletop and cascade fountains, among others. Another benefit of copper fountains is they are flexible and come in a wide range of styles.
If your style is more old-fashioned, a brass water fountain might be ideal for you. Brass fountains are often designed with interesting artwork, so they are popular even if they are a bit conventional.
Of all the metals, stainless steel is seen as the most contemporary-looking. A contemporary steel design will quickly raise the value of your garden as well as the feeling of serenity. As with all fountains, you can get any size you need.
Fiberglass is a popular material for fountains because you can get the look and feel of metal at a much lower price, and it is lighter weight and easier to move than metal. Keeping a fiberglass water fountain clean and working correctly is quite easy, another aspect consumers love.
Eco-Friendly Fountains: Good for the Environment
Eco-Friendly Fountains: Good for the Environment Are you seeking to beautify your backyard? Well, think about adding beauty and value to your residence by installing a solar powered water fountain. Solar powered water features can be a better investment versus electric ones because they not only improve one's health but they offer other interesting financial perks. Despite initial expenses, the long-term expense for this type of fountain is worth it. Electrical power deficits will no longer hinder utilizing your fountain since it will run on the energy of the sun.
Constant running water fountains will most probably lead to a higher electric bill at the end of the month. Even though short-term costs might be higher than you had predicted, don't forget that your residence is increasing in value.
The increased costs resulting from using more electricity is not the only factor, it also harms our eco-system. Solar powered water fountains get their energy straight from the sun thus making them the ideal “green” fountain. Using solar energy to power our homes as well as a water feature is important because it also safeguards our environment.
This sort of water fountain doesn't need as much maintenance as others.
These water features require less cleaning than other kinds. Since solar fountains don't have motors, they don't get clogged which leads to little cleaning. And less cleaning equals more time to enjoy yourself!
The Circulation of Water Fountain Engineering Knowledge in Europe
The Circulation of Water Fountain Engineering Knowledge in Europe
Throughout the European countries, the principal means of spreading practical hydraulic information and fountain design ideas were the circulated pamphlets and illustrated publications of the time, which added to the development of scientific innovation. An unnamed French fountain developer came to be an globally celebrated hydraulic pioneer in the later part of the 1500's. His expertise in developing gardens and grottoes with incorporated and brilliant water attributes began in Italy and with mandates in Brussels, London and Germany. He authored a book titled “The Principles of Moving Forces” towards the end of his lifetime while in France which became the basic book on hydraulic technology and engineering. Replacing vital hydraulic discoveries of classical antiquity, the publication also explains contemporary hydraulic technologies. Notable among these works were those of Archimedes, the creator of the water screw, a mechanical way of moving water. Sunlight heated the liquid in a pair of undetectable vessels next to the beautiful fountain were shown in an illustration. Activating the water feature is heated water that expands and ascends to seal up the conduits. The book furthermore covers garden ponds, water wheels, water feature concepts.
Water Features: The Minoan Civilization
Water Features: The Minoan Civilization On the Greek island of Crete, excavations have unearthed conduits of multiple kinds. These were made use of to supply towns and cities with water as well as to minimize flooding and get rid of waste material. Stone and terracotta were the elements of choice for these conduits. Terracotta was utilized for waterways and water pipes, both rectangle-shaped and spherical. The cone-like and U-shaped terracotta conduits that were uncovered haven’t been spotted in any other civilization. Terracotta pipes were put down underneath the floor surfaces at Knossos Palace and utilized to circulate water. The clay water lines were furthermore utilized for gathering and storing water. To make this conceivable, the pipelines had to be fashioned to handle: Underground Water Transportation: the undetectable process for water distribution may have been made use of to provide water to select men and women or functions. Quality Water Transportation: There’s also evidence which indicates the pipes being used to supply fountains independently of the domestic process.Free Water Fountains in and Around Berkley, California
Free Water Fountains in and Around Berkley, California
The first American city to pass a tax on high calorie drinks was Berkley, California in February 2014. The tax is believed to lower sugary drink consumption and augment the consumption of healthier beverages, such as water from fountains. Research was conducted to make sure that citizens of all races and economic classes had access to clean, working drinking fountains. By developing a mobile GPS application, researchers were able to gather data on Berkley’s drinking water fountains. This info was cross-referenced with demographic data on race and income acquired from the US Census Community Study database. The research workers sought to use both data sets to figure out if demographics were associated to drinking water fountain access. The surrounding demographics of each and every water fountain location was made note of, while additionally determining whether race or income rates made a huge difference in the state of repair of each fountain. Some of the water fountains were not clean or slow or stopped up, regardless of the fact that most fountains worked.