The Root of Contemporary Outdoor Wall Fountains
The Root of Contemporary Outdoor Wall Fountains Pope Nicholas V, himself a learned man, ruled the Roman Catholic Church from 1397 to 1455 during which time he commissioned many translations of old classic Greek documents into Latin.
It was imperative for him to beautify the city of Rome to make it worthy of being called the capital of the Christian world. Beginning in 1453, the ruined ancient Roman aqueduct known as the Aqua Vergine which had brought fresh drinking water into the city from eight miles away, underwent reconstruction at the bidding of the Pope. The ancient Roman tradition of building an awe-inspiring commemorative fountain at the location where an aqueduct arrived, also known as a mostra, was resurrected by Nicholas V. The architect Leon Battista Alberti was commissioned by the Pope to put up a wall fountain where we now find the Trevi Fountain. Changes and extensions, included in the restored 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.
Water Transport Strategies in Ancient Rome
Water Transport Strategies in Ancient Rome Prior to 273, when the first elevated aqueduct, Aqua Anio Vetus, was built in Rome, citizens who resided on hillsides had to go further down to get their water from natural sources. Outside of these aqueducts and springs, wells and rainwater-collecting cisterns were the only technological innovations available at the time to supply water to areas of high elevation. From the early sixteenth century, water was routed to Pincian Hill through the underground channel of Acqua Vergine. Throughout the length of the aqueduct’s channel were pozzi, or manholes, that gave entry. Though they were originally planned to make it possible to service the aqueduct, Cardinal Marcello Crescenzi started using the manholes to accumulate water from the channel, opening when he bought the property in 1543. Whilst the cardinal also had a cistern to get rainwater, it couldn't supply sufficient water. That is when he made a decision to create an access point to the aqueduct that ran under his residence.
Modern Garden Decoration: Garden Fountains and their Roots
Modern Garden Decoration: Garden Fountains and their Roots
The dramatic or ornamental effect of a fountain is just one of the purposes it fulfills, in addition to supplying drinking water and adding a decorative touch to your property. From the beginning, outdoor fountains were simply meant to serve as functional elements. Inhabitants of cities, townships and small towns used them as a source of drinking water and a place to wash up, which meant that fountains had to be linked to nearby aqueduct or spring. Used until the 19th century, in order for fountains to flow or shoot up into the air, their source 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 not only utilized as a water source for drinking water, but also to decorate homes and celebrate the designer who created it. Animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks were often utilized by Romans to beautify their fountains. Throughout the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden planners included fountains to create smaller variations of 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. The Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were glorified with baroque style fountains made to mark the arrival points of Roman aqueducts.
Urban fountains created at the end of the nineteenth served only as decorative and celebratory adornments since indoor plumbing provided the essential drinking water. The creation of unique water effects and the recycling of water were two things made possible by replacing gravity with mechanical pumps.
Contemporary fountains are used to embellish community spaces, honor individuals or events, and enrich recreational and entertainment events.
What Are Outdoor Water fountains Manufactured From?
What Are Outdoor Water fountains Manufactured From? Most contemporary garden fountains come in metal, although many other types exist. Those made from metals have clean lines and unique sculptural elements, and are flexible enough to fit any budget and decor.
Your landscape should complement the style of your home. Today, many people favor copper for their sculptural garden fountains. Copper fountains are the ideal option because they are perfect for the inside and outside. If you choose to go with copper, your fountain can be any style from fun and whimsical to contemporary.
If your style is more traditional, a brass water fountain might work for you. Though not the most stylish, the creatures and sculptural features you find on fountains are mostly made of brass, thus making them very popular.
Arguably the most cutting-edge of all metals is stainless steel. For an instantaneous increase in the value and peacefulness of your garden, get one of the contemporary steel designs. As with most fountains, they are available in numerous sizes.
Fiberglass is a widely used material for fountains because you can get the look and feel of metal at a much lower price, and it is lighter and easier to move than metal. Caring for a fiberglass water fountain is fairly easy, another benefit that consumers love.