The Circulation of Garden Water Fountains Industrial Knowledge in Europe
The Circulation of Garden Water Fountains Industrial Knowledge in Europe Spreading useful hydraulic facts and water fountain design ideas all through Europe was accomplished with the written documents and illustrated books of the time. A globally renowned innovator in hydraulics in the later part of the 1500's was a French fountain engineer, whose name has been lost to history. By designing gardens and grottoes with built-in and clever water features, he began his profession in Italy by getting Royal commissions in Brussels, London and Germany. The publication, “The Principles of Moving Forces,” written towards the end of his life in France, became the definitive text on hydraulic mechanics and engineering. Modernizing principal hydraulic findings of classical antiquity, the publication also explains modern hydraulic technologies. The water screw, a mechanical way to move water, and invented by Archimedes, was featured in the book. Sunlight warming water in two containers unseen in a room adjacent to an ornamental water fountain was shown in one illustration. The hot water expands and subsequently ascends and shuts the water pipes thereby activating the water fountain.
Pumps, water wheels, water features and backyard pond concepts are documented in the book.
The Origins Of Wall Fountains
The Origins Of Wall Fountains A fountain, an incredible piece of engineering, not only supplies drinking water as it pours into a basin, it can also launch water high into the air for a noteworthy effect.The main purpose of a fountain was originally strictly practical. Water fountains were connected to a spring or aqueduct to supply potable 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 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 an optimal source of water, and also served to adorn living areas and memorialize the artist. Roman fountains often depicted images of animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks. To replicate the gardens of paradise, Muslim and Moorish garden planners of the Middle Ages added fountains to their designs. Fountains enjoyed a considerable role in the Gardens of Versailles, all part of French King Louis XIV’s desire to exercise his power over nature.
The Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were extolled with baroque style fountains built to mark the arrival points of Roman aqueducts.
The end of the nineteenth century saw the increase in usage of indoor plumbing to provide drinking water, so urban fountains were relegated to strictly decorative elements. Fountains using mechanical pumps instead of gravity helped fountains to provide recycled water into living spaces as well as create special water effects.
Modern fountains are used to embellish community spaces, honor individuals or events, and enhance recreational and entertainment events.