Public Water Features Lost to History
Public Water Features Lost to History As originally conceived, water fountains were designed to be functional, guiding water from creeks or reservoirs to the citizens of cities and settlements, where the water could be utilized for cooking, washing, and drinking. To produce water flow through a fountain until the later part of the 1800’s, and create a jet of water, demanded the force of gravity and a water source such as a creek or lake, situated higher than the fountain. Striking and spectacular, large water fountains have been designed as monuments in most civilizations. The contemporary fountains of modern times bear little resemblance to the first water fountains. The first recognized water fountain was a natural stone basin carved that served as a container for drinking water and ceremonial purposes. Stone basins as fountains have been uncovered from 2000 B.C.. The force of gravity was the energy source that controlled the oldest water fountains. Drinking water was provided by public fountains, long before fountains became decorative public monuments, as beautiful as they are functional. Fountains with elaborate decoration began to show up in Rome in about 6 B.C., commonly gods and animals, made with natural stone or copper-base alloy. Water for the communal fountains of Rome arrived to the city via a complicated system of water aqueducts.
Contemporary Garden Decor: Outdoor Fountains and their Roots
Contemporary Garden Decor: Outdoor Fountains and their Roots The dramatic or decorative effect of a fountain is just one of the purposes it fulfills, as well as providing drinking water and adding a decorative touch to your property.From the beginning, outdoor fountains were soley there to serve as functional elements.
Cities, towns and villages made use of nearby aqueducts or springs to supply them with drinking water as well as water where they could bathe or wash. Up to the late 19th century, water fountains had to be near an aqueduct or reservoir and higher than the fountain so that gravity could make the water move downwards or jet high into the air. Serving as an element of decoration and celebration, fountains also provided clean, fresh drinking water. Animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks were often times used by Romans to decorate their fountains. Muslims and Moorish garden designers of the Middle Ages included fountains to re-create smaller models of the gardens of paradise. 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. The Romans of the 17th and 18th centuries manufactured baroque decorative fountains to glorify the Popes who commissioned them as well as to mark the spot where the restored Roman aqueducts entered the city.
The end of the nineteenth century saw the increase in usage of indoor plumbing to supply drinking water, so urban fountains were relegated to purely decorative elements. The creation of unique water effects and the recycling of water were two things made possible by replacing gravity with mechanical pumps.
These days, fountains decorate public areas and are used to recognize individuals or events and fill recreational and entertainment needs.
The Advantages of Solar Powered Outdoor Fountains
The Advantages of Solar Powered Outdoor Fountains There are many different power sources you can use for your garden wall fountain. Older fountains have historically been powered by electricity, but due to an increased interest in eco-friendly fountains, solar power is used in new models. The initial expenses to run your fountain on solar energy are most likely going to be steaper, but you should keep in mind that in the long run it will be the cheaper option. An array of different materials such as terra cotta, copper, porcelain, or bronze are ordinarily used in making solar powered water features.
This wide array of options makes it easier to purchase one which fits your interior design. Such fountains can be easily serviced, and you can feel good about making a real contribution to the environment while also creating a peaceful garden sanctuary. Indoor wall fountains not only give you something attractive to look at, they also serve to cool your house. Yet another option to air conditioners and swamp coolers, they employ the very same principles to cool your living area Since they consume less energy, they also help you save money on your monthly power bill.
One way to produce a cooling effect is to fan fresh, dry air across them. You can either take advantage of air from a corner of your home or turn on your ceiling fan to better the circulation in the room The most critical consideration is to ensure that the air is continuously flowing over the surface of the water. It is the nature of fountains and waterfalls to generate cooled, fresh air. Merely being in the vicinity of a sizeable public fountain or waterfall will send a sudden chill through whoever is nearby. Be sure to situate your fountain cooling system where it will not be subjected to extra heat. If you want an efficient cooling system, it should be placed away from direct sunlight.