The First Contemporary Outdoor Wall Fountains
The First 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 texts into Latin. Embellishing Rome and making it the worthy capital of the Christian world was at the center of his ambitions.
Starting 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 repair at the behest of the Pope. A mostra, a monumental dedicatory fountain constructed by ancient Romans to mark the point of arrival of an aqueduct, was a tradition which was revived by Nicholas V. The architect Leon Battista Alberti was commissioned by the Pope to build a wall fountain where we now find the Trevi Fountain. Changes and extensions, included in the restored aqueduct, eventually provided the Trevi Fountain and the well-known baroque fountains in the Piazza del Popolo and Piazza Navona with the necessary water supply.
Where did Garden Water Fountains Begin?
Where did Garden Water 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 provide drinking water, as well as for decorative purposes.Pure practicality was the original purpose of fountains. Inhabitants of cities, townships and small towns used them as a source of drinking water and a place to wash, which meant that fountains had to be linked to nearby aqueduct or spring.
Until the late 19th, century most water fountains functioned using gravity to allow water to flow or jet into the air, therefore, they needed a supply of water such as a reservoir or aqueduct located higher than the fountain. Designers thought of fountains as amazing additions to a living space, however, the fountains also served to provide clean water and celebrate the artist responsible for creating it. Animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks were often times utilized by Romans to beautify their fountains. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden designers included fountains in their designs to re-create the gardens of paradise. King Louis XIV of France wanted to demonstrate his dominion over nature by including fountains in the Gardens of Versailles. The Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were extolled with baroque style fountains made to mark the arrival points of Roman aqueducts.
Since indoor plumbing became the standard 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. The creation of unique water effects and the recycling of water were two things made possible by swapping gravity with mechanical pumps.
These days, fountains adorn public areas and are used to pay tribute to individuals or events and fill recreational and entertainment needs.
Installation and Maintenance of Garden Fountains
Installation and Maintenance of Garden Fountains A vital first step before installing any outdoor wall fountain is to think about the area you have available. It will need a very strong wall to support its overall weight.
So spaces or walls which are smaller will most probably require something light. An electric socket close to the fountain is required to power the fountain. Whatever the style of outdoor wall fountain you choose, they typically come with simple to follow, step-by-step instructions. Generally, when you purchase an outdoor wall fountain, it will come in an easy-to-use kit that will include all the needed information to install it correctly. A submersible pump, hoses and basin, or reservoir, are provided in the kit. The basin, if it's not too large, can easily be concealedin your garden among the plants. Once fitted, wall fountains typically only require some light upkeep and regular cleaning.
Replace the water regularly so it is always clean. Leaves, branches or dirt are examples of debris which should be cleared away quickly. Extremely cold temperatures can affect your outdoor wall fountain so be sure to protect it during wintertime. If kept outdoors, your pump could split as a result of freezing water, so bring it inside during the winter. Simply put, your outdoor fountain will be a part of your life for many years to come with the proper care and maintenance.
Keep Your Large Garden Fountains Tidy
Keep Your Large Garden Fountains Tidy Proper care and regular upkeep are important to the longevity of water fountains. A common issue with fountains is that they tend to gather dirt and debris, so it is essential that you keep it free from this. Additionally, anywhere light from the sun comes in contact with still water, algae can appear.
Either sea salt, hydrogen peroxide, or vinegar can be dissolved into the water to prevent this problem. Another option is to stir bleach into the water, but this action can sicken wild animals and so should really be avoided. No more than 3-4 months should really go by without an extensive maintaining of a fountain. The first step is to empty out all of the water. Then use a soft cloth and gentle cleanser to scrub the inside. If there are any tiny grooves, use a toothbrush to get every spot. Be sure to completely rinse the interior of the fountain to make sure all the soap is gone.
Some organisms and calcium deposits can get inside the pump, so it is best to take it apart and clean it completely. Soaking it in vinegar for a while will make it easier to wash. Build-up can be a big hassle, so use mineral or rain water over tap water, when possible, to eliminate this dilemma.
And finally, make sure the water level is continuously full in order to keep your fountain working smoothly. Allowing the water to drop below the pump’s intake level, can cause severe damage and even make the pump burn out - an undesired outcome!
The Circulation of Garden Water Fountains Engineering Knowledge in Europe
The Circulation of Garden Water Fountains Engineering Knowledge in Europe Instrumental to the development of scientific technology were the published papers and illustrated publications of the time. They were also the principal method of transferring useful hydraulic facts and fountain design ideas all through Europe.
A globally celebrated leader in hydraulics in the later part of the 1500's was a French fountain designer, whose name has been lost to history. By creating landscapes and grottoes with integrated and clever water features, he began his career in Italy by getting imperial mandates in Brussels, London and Germany. The text, “The Principles of Moving Forces,” penned near the end of his lifetime in France, turned into the definitive writing on hydraulic mechanics and engineering. Detailing modern hydraulic systems, the publication furthermore modified key hydraulic developments of classical antiquity. As a mechanized means to shift water, Archimedes invented the water screw, chief among vital hydraulic innovations. Two concealed containers warmed by sunlight in a area adjacent to the ornamental water feature were presented in an illustration. The hot liquid expands and subsequently ascends and closes the pipes thereby activating the water fountain. Pumps, water wheels, water features and backyard pond concepts are covered in the book.