A Concise History of the First Water Fountains
A Concise History of the First Water Fountains The water from rivers and other sources was originally provided to the residents of nearby towns and municipalities by way of water fountains, whose design was primarily practical, not aesthetic. Gravity was the power source of water fountains up until the close of the 19th century, using the potent power of water traveling down hill from a spring or creek to force the water through valves or other outlets.
Striking and spectacular, large water fountains have been crafted as memorials in many societies. If you saw the very first fountains, you probably would not recognize them as fountains. Created for drinking water and ceremonial purposes, the 1st fountains were basic carved stone basins. Rock basins are thought to have been first used around 2000 BC. The jet of water emerging from small spouts was pressured by gravity, the only power source builders had in those days. Drinking water was supplied by public fountains, long before fountains became decorative public statues, as pretty as they are functional. Fountains with decorative Gods, mythological beasts, and animals began to appear in Rome in about 6 BC, made from natural stone and bronze. The Romans had an elaborate system of aqueducts that provided the water for the numerous fountains that were situated throughout the urban center.
Select from Countless Exterior Wall Fountain Styles
Select from Countless Exterior Wall Fountain Styles Wall fountains are well suited to small patios or gardens because they do not require too much space while also adding a bit of flair and providing a great place to find peace and quiet.
Whatever style of outdoor wall fountain you are looking for whether it be traditional, modern, classic, or Asian you will undoubtedly find the one you like most. Your preferences determine the type you buy so while there may not be a prefabricated fountain to suit you, you do have the option of having a custom made one. There are two specific styles of fountains you can buy: mounted and stand-alone. Small, self-contained mounted wall fountains can be installed on any surface. Wall fountains made of resin (resembling stone) or fiberglass are typically lightweight so they can be easily hung. Floor fountains are freestanding, big, and also have a basin on the ground as well as a flat side against the wall. There are no weight limits on these sorts of cast stone water features.
Many skilled landscapers favor custom-built fountains which can be incorporated into a brand-new wall or an existing one. A expert mason is necessary to install the water basin against the wall and correctly install all the plumbing inside or behind the wall. The wall will need to have a spout or fountain mask built into it. A custom-built wall fountain blends into the landscape instead of standing out because it was a later addition, which adds to a unified appearance.
The City Of Rome, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, And Water Fountains
The City Of Rome, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, And Water Fountains There are countless popular water fountains in the city center of Rome. One of the most distinguished sculptors and designers of the 17th century, Gian Lorenzo Bernini fashioned, created and built nearly all of them. His skills as a water fountain developer and also as a city architect, are visible throughout the streets of Rome.
A famous Florentine sculptor, Bernini's father guided his young son, and they eventually went to Rome to totally express their art, primarily in the form of public water features and water fountains. An excellent worker, the young Bernini acquired compliments and patronage of various popes and influential designers. At the start he was recognized for his sculptural expertise. An authority in ancient Greek architecture, he used this knowledge as a starting point and melded it gracefully with Roman marble, most remarkably in the Vatican. Though he was influenced by many, Michelangelo had the most serious effect on him, both personally and professionally.
The Dissemination of Fountain Design Knowledge
The Dissemination of Fountain Design Knowledge Throughout the European countries, the chief means of dissiminating practical hydraulic information and fountain design ideas were the circulated papers and illustrated books of the day, which contributed to the development of scientific technology. A globally renowned innovator in hydraulics in the late 1500's was a French water fountain designer, whose name has been lost to history. With Royal commissions in Brussels, London and Germany, he began his work in Italy, building know-how in garden design and grottoes with built-in and imaginative water features. In France, near the closure of his lifetime, he published “The Principle of Moving Forces”, a publication which became the primary text on hydraulic mechanics and engineering. Describing modern hydraulic technologies, the publication also modified critical hydraulic advancements of classical antiquity. Prominent among these works were those of Archimedes, the creator of the water screw, a mechanical way of transferring water. Sunlight heated the water in a pair of undetectable vessels next to the decorative water feature were displayed in an illustration. The heated liquid expands and subsequently ascends and closes the water pipes thereby triggering the water feature. Pumps, water wheels, water features and garden pond styles are mentioned in the text.