The Genesis Of Wall Fountains
The Genesis Of Wall Fountains
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 main purpose of a fountain was originally strictly functional. Inhabitants 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. Until the late 19th, century most water fountains functioned using the force of gravity to allow water to flow or jet into the air, therefore, they needed a source of water such as a reservoir or aqueduct located higher than the fountain. Fountains were an optimal source of water, and also served to decorate living areas and celebrate the designer. Animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks were often times used by Romans to beautify their fountains. To illustrate the gardens of paradise, Muslim and Moorish garden planners of the Middle Ages added fountains to their designs. Fountains played a considerable role in the Gardens of Versailles, all part of French King Louis XIV’s desire to exercise 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.
Since indoor plumbing became the norm 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. Amazing water effects and recycled water were made possible by replacing the power of gravity with mechanical pumps.
Modern fountains are used to embellish public spaces, honor individuals or events, and enrich recreational and entertainment events.
California's Outdoor Fountain Research and Results
California's Outdoor Fountain Research and Results The very first American city to implement a tax on sugary drinks was Berkley, California in February 2014. The aim is to have everyone drinking more water and other natural drinks by raising the cost of soda and other sugar-sweetened drinks. First, the city conducted research to evaluate whether residents had easy access to functioning drinking water fountains. Important information on the city’s drinking water fountains were gathered using a GPS created exclusively for the research. This information was cross-referenced with demographic records on race and income obtained from the US Census Community Study database. By cross-referencing the water fountain sites with the demographic facts, they were in a position to determine whether access to functioning fountains was class dependent. The testing was able to establish the demographics of areas with water fountains, also observing whether the state of the fountains was greater or worse in lower class neighborhoods. While the bulk of the fountains were in working order, an escalating number were uncovered to be in a bad state of repairs.What Are Outdoor Fountains Crafted From?
What Are Outdoor Fountains Crafted From? While today’s garden fountains are made in a number of materials, most are made from metal. Metallic fountains, with their clean lines and sculptural accents, exist in in a range of metals and can accommodate any style or budget. If you have a modern-day look and feel to your interior design, your yard and garden should have that same style.A prevalent choice today is copper, and it is used in the making of many sculptural garden fountains.
Copper fountains are the best choice because they are perfect for the inside and outside. If you decide to go with copper, your fountain can be any style from fun and whimsical to cutting-edge.
Also common, brass fountains typically have a more old-fashioned appearance to them versus their copper counterpart. Though not the most stylish, the creatures and sculptural features you find on fountains are commonly made of brass, thus making them very popular.
Most folks today see stainless steel as the most modern choice. If you pick a cutting-edge steel design, both the value and tranquility of your garden will get a nice boost. Like other water features, they come in an array of sizes.
Fiberglass fountains are widespread because they look similar to metal but are more affordable and much less cumbersome to move around. The maintenance of fiberglass water fountains is quite simple, so they have many merits that people appreciate.
How Fountains can be Good for the Environment
How Fountains can be Good for the Environment Are you seeking the perfect piece to enhance your home? Well, you can add that extra touch and increase the value of your home just by adding a solar run water fountain. Solar powered water features can be a wiser investment versus electric ones because they not only improve one's well-being but they offer other interesting financial perks. While you may spend a bit upfront, the savings that you make in the long-term are worth it. Despite occasional power shortages, your fountain will not be affected as it does not run on electricity.
Running water fountains will lead to a spike in your electric bill. Keep in mind that while you may not notice any rewards right away, your home will be worth more down the road.
The increased prices resulting from using more electricity is not the only factor, it also damages our eco-system. Solar powered water fountains are fueled straight from the sun thus making them the optimal “green” fountain. Using solar power to run a water feature is not only worthwhile to our environment but it also heats and cools our homes.
This kind of water fountain doesn't need as much upkeep as others.
These fountains need 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 play!
Choose from Countless Outdoor Wall Fountain Designs
Choose from Countless Outdoor Wall Fountain Designs If you want to have a place to relax as well as add some flair to a small area such as a patio or courtyard, wall fountains are perfect because they do not occupy much space.
When considering the many types of outdoor wall fountains available including traditional, vintage, modern, or Asian, you are certain to find one best suited to your design ideas. While there are innumerable prefabricated ones on the market, you may need a customized fountain if none of these are pleasing to you. Mounted and stand-alone fountains are readily available on the market. Small, self-contained versions can be hung on a wall are called mounted wall fountains. One of the most important features of wall fountains is that they be light, so they are typically made of fiberglass or resin to mirror the look of stone. In large free-standing fountains, otherwise referred to as wall fountains, the basin is located on the ground with the flat side positioned against a wall. Water features such as these are ordinarily manufactured of cast stone and have no weight restrictions.
It is a good idea to integrate a customized fountain into a new or existing wall, something often recommended by landscape experts. Hiring an expert mason is your best option to construct the basin and install the essential plumbing. You will need to incorporate a spout or fountain mask into the wall. Custom-built wall fountains lend to a unified look because they become part of the landscape rather than look like a later addition.