Where did Fountains Begin?
Where did 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 drinking water, as well as for decorative purposes. The primary purpose of a fountain was originally strictly functional. Water fountains were linked to a spring or aqueduct to provide drinkable water as well as bathing water for cities, townships and villages. 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 the power of gravity. Fountains were an excellent source of water, and also served to adorn living areas and celebrate the designer. Bronze or stone masks of wildlife and heroes were commonly seen on Roman fountains. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden planners incorporated fountains to create mini depictions of the gardens of paradise. The fountains found in the Gardens of Versailles were meant to show the power over nature held by King Louis XIV of France. To mark the entrance of the restored Roman aqueducts, the Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries commissioned the building of baroque style fountains in the spot where the aqueducts entered the city of Rome
Indoor plumbing became the key source of water by the end of the 19th century thereby limiting urban fountains to mere decorative elements. Gravity was replaced by mechanical pumps in order to enable fountains to bring in clean water and allow for amazing water displays.
Contemporary fountains are used to embellish community spaces, honor individuals or events, and enhance recreational and entertainment events.
Acqua Vergine: The Answer to Rome's Water Troubles
Acqua Vergine: The Answer to Rome's Water Troubles Prior to 273, when the 1st elevated aqueduct, Aqua Anio Vetus, was constructed in Roma, inhabitants who resided on hillsides had to go even further down to collect their water from natural sources. Outside of these aqueducts and springs, wells and rainwater-collecting cisterns were the only techniques obtainable at the time to supply water to segments of high elevation.
Beginning in the sixteenth century, a unique system was introduced, using Acqua Vergine’s subterranean sections to deliver water to Pincian Hill. Pozzi, or manholes, were built at standard intervals along the aqueduct’s channel. While these manholes were manufactured to make it simpler and easier to protect the aqueduct, it was also feasible to use containers to extract water from the channel, which was utilized by Cardinal Marcello Crescenzi from the time he acquired the property in 1543 to his passing in 1552. He didn’t get a sufficient quantity of water from the cistern that he had manufactured on his residential property to collect rainwater. That is when he made a decision to create an access point to the aqueduct that ran directly below his residential property.
Pets and Water Fountains
Pets and Water Fountains Give some thought to how your cat or dog may respond to a water feature before you buy one. A pet dog or cat could think that a freestanding fountain is a big pool or a drinking pond. Your beloved pets will probably take well to a water element in your backyard. Think about the best place to put your water feature if you do not want birds to use it as a bathing pond. Add a birdbath if your aim is to draw birds to your yard. Setting up a wall water fountain inside your house is a good alternative if you want to avoid such concerns. Grand homes, in addition to dentist’ and doctors’ offices, often have such fountains on show.Garden Fountains Hydro-Statics 101
Garden Fountains Hydro-Statics 101 All liquids in a state of equilibrium exert force on the materials it comes in contact with. There are 2 forms, hydrostatic load or external forces.
When used against a level surface, the liquid exercises equal force against all points of that surface. Liquid in equilibrium will implement vertical pressure at every point of an object’s exterior when that object is fully submerged in the liquid. We refer to this concept as Archimedes’ principle, which deals with the forces of buoyancy. Hydrostatic pressure is created by hydrostatic force, when the force exerts itself on a point of liquid. A city’s water supply system, fountains, and artesian wells are all samples of the application of these concepts on containers.
The Countless Construction Materials of Landscape Fountains
The Countless Construction Materials of Landscape Fountains
Although they come in different materials, today’s garden fountains tend to be made of metal. Metallic versions 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 determine the look and feel of your yard and garden as well. One of the more popular metals for sculptural garden fountains these days is copper. Copper is used in cascade and tabletop water fountains as well as various other styles, making it versatile enough for inside and outside fountains. Another advantage of copper fountains is they are flexible and come in a wide range of styles.
Also common, brass fountains often have a more old-fashioned style to them versus their copper counterpart. Although it is not the most stylish, the creatures and sculptural features you find on fountains are mostly made of brass, thus making them very popular.
Probably the most cutting-edge of all metals is stainless steel. A contemporary steel design will quickly raise the value of your garden as well as the feeling of peacefulness. As with all fountains, you can get any size you choose.
For people who want the appearance of a metal fountain but prefer a lighter weight and more affordable option, fiberglass is the answer. It is easy to clean and maintain a fiberglass water fountain, yet another reason they are common.
Outdoor Elegance: Outdoor Garden Fountains
Outdoor Elegance: Outdoor Garden Fountains Having a pond in the vicinity of your outdoor water fountain is no longer required because they can now be placed on a wall near by.
Due to the myriad possibilities available, it no longer necessary to deal with excavations, difficult installations or cleaning the pond. Plumbing is no longer necessary since this feature in now self-contained. All the same, water needs to be added consistently. Empty the water from the basin and add fresh water whenever the surrounding area is dirty. The most utilized materials employed to manufacture garden wall fountains are stone and metal, even though they can be made out of any number of other materials. The most appropriate material for your water feature depends completely on the design you choose. It is best to shop for garden wall fountains which are uncomplicated to hang, hand-crafted and lightweight. Buying a fountain which demands little maintenance is important as well. In general, most installations are straight forward since the only pieces which may require scrutiny are the re-circulating pump and the hanging hardware whereas other kinds of setups can be a little more difficult. Little exertion is needed to liven up your garden with these kinds of fountains.