Historic Crete & The Minoans: Outdoor Fountains

Historic Crete & The Minoans: Outdoor Fountains A variety of types and designs of conduits have been found through archaeological digs on the island of Crete, the birthplace of Minoan civilization. They not solely aided with the water supplies, they extracted rainwater and wastewater as well. Stone and clay were the materials of choice for these channels. Anytime terracotta was utilized, it was usually for canals as well as pipes which came in rectangle-shaped or round forms. These consisted of cone-like and U-shaped terracotta conduits that were unique to the Minoans. Knossos Palace had an sophisticated plumbing system made of clay pipes which ran up to three meters under ground. Along with disbursing water, the terracotta pipes of the Minoans were also used to accumulate water and store it. Hence, these pipes had to be effective to: Below ground Water Transportation: This particular system’s hidden nature might suggest that it was actually planned for some type of ritual or to distribute water to restricted groups.Historic Crete & Minoans: Outdoor Fountains 20871116623.jpg Quality Water Transportation: Bearing in mind the proof, several historians propose that these pipelines were not connected to the popular water allocation system, offering the castle with water from a different source.

How Fountains can be Ideal for the Environment

How Fountains can be Ideal for the Environment Are you seeking that perfect piece to complement your home? Solar water features might be the answer - they are a perfect add-on to any home because they embellish the layout and raise the price of your home. They are the same as electric fountains in that they help with one's overall health but they also offer monetary benefits. In spite of the high initial price, costs associated with these water features are worthwhile.Fountains can Ideal Environment 26207677191092873685.jpg Because your fountain will not be fueled by electrical energy, there will be no need to worry about any power outages.

Your monthly electric bill will most likely increase with running water fountains. The short-term benefits may not be noticeable, but keep in mind that the increased worth of your home will be later on.

Spending more money on our electric bills is not the only downside - the environment is highly affected too. Solar powered water fountains are fueled straight from the sun thus making them the ideal “green” fountain. The environment can only benefit from the use of solar powered homes and water fountains.

This kind of water fountain doesn't need as much maintenance as others.

These water features require less maintenance than other kinds. Since these do not run using an electric generator that could clog up with clutter, they need little cleaning. Which ultimately means more time to relax in your yard.

The Major Characteristics of Ancient Greek Statuary

The Major Characteristics of Ancient Greek Statuary Archaic Greeks were renowned for creating the first freestanding statuary; up till then, most carvings were constructed out of walls and pillars as reliefs.Major Characteristics Ancient Greek Statuary 585363603233.jpg For the most part the statues, or kouros figures, were of young and desirable male or female (kore) Greeks. The kouroi, viewed by the Greeks to portray beauty, had one foot extended out of a rigid forward-facing posture and the male figurines were regularly unclothed, with a strong, powerful build. Life-sized versions of the kouroi appeared beginning in 650 BC. During the Archaic time, a big time of change, the Greeks were evolving new forms of government, expressions of art, and a larger awareness of people and cultures outside Greece. But in spite of the issues, the Greek civilization went on to progress, unabated.

Contemporary Garden Decor: Fountains and their Roots

Contemporary Garden Decor: Fountains and their RootsContemporary Garden Decor: Fountains Roots 075726538583196987.jpg 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.

The central purpose of a fountain was originally strictly functional. People in cities, towns and villages received their drinking water, as well as water to bathe and wash, from aqueducts or springs in the area. Until the late 19th, century most water fountains functioned using the force of 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. Fountains were not only utilized as a water source for drinking water, but also to decorate homes and celebrate the artist who created it. The main materials used by the Romans to build their fountains were bronze or stone masks, mostly depicting animals or heroes. To illustrate the gardens of paradise, Muslim and Moorish garden planners of the Middle Ages added fountains to their designs. Fountains played a considerable role in the Gardens of Versailles, all part of French King Louis XIV’s desire to exert his power over nature. Seventeen and 18 century Popes sought to laud their positions by adding beautiful baroque-style fountains at the point where restored Roman aqueducts arrived into the city.

Urban fountains made at the end of the nineteenth served only as decorative and celebratory ornaments since indoor plumbing provided the necessary drinking water. Fountains using mechanical pumps instead of gravity enabled fountains to bring recycled water into living spaces as well as create special water effects.

Nowadays, fountains adorn public spaces and are used to honor individuals or events and fill recreational and entertainment needs.

The Dissemination of Outdoor Fountain Design Knowledge

The Dissemination of Outdoor Fountain Design Knowledge The circulated papers and illustrated publications of the time contributed to the advancements of scientific technology, and were the primary methods of transmitting useful hydraulic facts and water fountain suggestions all through Europe. 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 incorporated and ingenious water features, he started off his profession in Italy by earning Royal commissions in Brussels, London and Germany. He penned a book entitled “The Principles of Moving Forces” toward the conclusion of his lifetime while in France which became the fundamental text on hydraulic mechanics and engineering. The book modified important hydraulic breakthroughs since classical antiquity as well as detailing modern day hydraulic technologies. Archimedes, the inventor of the water screw, had his work showcased and these integrated a mechanized means to move water. Two hidden vessels heated by sunlight in a area adjacent to the decorative fountain were presented in an illustration. Actuating the water feature is heated water that expands and ascends to close up the pipes.Dissemination Outdoor Fountain Design Knowledge 651619201965817.jpg The book also covers garden ponds, water wheels, water feature designs.

Garden Fountain Designers Through History

Garden Fountain Designers Through History Often working as architects, sculptors, artists, engineers and cultivated scholars all in one, from the 16th to the late 18th century, fountain designers were multi-faceted people,Garden Fountain Designers History 3565903433343349.jpg Leonardo da Vinci as a imaginative genius, inventor and scientific expert exemplified this Renaissance artist. With his immense curiosity regarding the forces of nature, he examined the properties and motion of water and also systematically annotated his observations in his now famed notebooks. Brilliant water displays complete of symbolic meaning and natural grace changed private villa settings when early Italian water fountain creators fused resourcefulness with hydraulic and gardening expertise. Known for his virtuosity in archeology, architecture and garden creations, Pirro Ligorio, the humanist, delivered the vision behind the splendors in Tivoli. Well versed in humanist subject areas as well as established scientific readings, some other water feature designers were masterminding the extraordinary water marbles, water attributes and water pranks for the numerous lands around Florence.
Anglo-Saxon Grounds During the Norman Conquest The Anglo-Saxon way of life was significantly changed by the introduction of the Normans in the later eleventh century.At the time of the conquest, the Normans surpassed the Anglo-Saxons in building design and cultivation.... read more


What Are Large Outdoor Fountains Crafted From? Although they come in various materials, today’s garden fountains tend to be made of metal.Those made from metals have clean lines and attractive sculptural elements, and are flexible enough to fit any budget and decor.... read more


The Godfather Of Roman Garden Water Fountains There are many renowned fountains in the city center of Rome.Gian Lorenzo Bernini, one of the most brilliant sculptors and artists of the 17th century designed, conceived and produced nearly all of them.... read more


Taking Care Of Outdoor Wall Fountains A very important first step is to think about the dimensions of the outdoor wall fountain with regards to the area you have available for it.A solid wall is definitely necessary to hold up its total weight.... read more