Where did Large Outdoor Fountains Originate from?
Where did Large Outdoor Fountains Originate from? A fountain, an incredible piece of engineering, not only supplies drinking water as it pours into a basin, it can also propel water high into the air for a noteworthy effect. From the onset, outdoor fountains were simply there to serve as functional elements. Water fountains were connected to a spring or aqueduct to provide potable water as well as bathing water for cities, townships and villages. Up to the late 19th century, water fountains had to be near an aqueduct or reservoir and more elevated than the fountain so that gravity could make the water move down or shoot high into the air. Fountains were not only utilized as a water source for drinking water, but also to decorate homes and celebrate the designer who created it. The main materials used by the Romans to build their fountains were bronze or stone masks, mostly illustrating animals or heroes. Throughout the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden planners incorporated fountains to create mini depictions of the gardens of paradise. The fountains seen in the Gardens of Versailles were intended to show the power over nature held by King Louis XIV of France. The Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were glorified with baroque style fountains made to mark the arrival points of Roman aqueducts.
The end of the nineteenth century saw the increase in usage of indoor plumbing to supply drinking water, so urban fountains were relegated to strictly decorative elements. Impressive water effects and recycled water were made possible by replacing the power of gravity with mechanical pumps.
Modern-day fountains function mostly as decoration for open spaces, to honor individuals or events, and enhance entertainment and recreational gatherings.
Did You Know How Technical Designs of Fountains Became Known?
Did You Know How Technical Designs of Fountains Became Known? Dissiminating pragmatic hydraulic information and fountain design ideas throughout Europe was accomplished with the written documents and illustrated books of the time. An un-named French fountain engineer was an internationally celebrated hydraulic pioneer in the late 1500's. By designing landscapes and grottoes with incorporated and ingenious water attributes, he began his career in Italy by receiving imperial mandates in Brussels, London and Germany. “The Principles of Moving Forces”, a publication which became the essential book on hydraulic technology and engineering, was composed by him toward the end of his life in France. Describing modern hydraulic technologies, the publication also modernized critical hydraulic discoveries of classical antiquity. Archimedes, the developer of the water screw, had his work highlighted and these included a mechanical way to move water. An decorative fountain with sunlight heating up the water in two vessels concealed in a nearby room was shown in one illustration. The end result: the fountain is stimulated by the hot liquid expanding and ascending up the pipelines. Pumps, water wheels, water attributes and garden pond designs are mentioned in the text.