Water Fountains

The first recorded use of garden fountains, and wall fountains in the historical record comes from the ancient middle east. In Egyptian tombs paintings from 3000 BC, and ancient diagrams were found on the walls showing garden fountains within the enclosed courtyards of elaborate homes. The diagrams show that these fountains would be a rectangular shaped fish ponds, with other decor, fruit trees and other plants surrounding its edges. The Mesopotamians have used fountains to enhance their formal gardens, bringing a lush landscape to there harsh highlands environment. The origination of some of the great water fountains in the world, like the world famous Trevi water fountain in Rome, Italy. This water fountain was built about 1762, and can trace it’s history that go’s back to the ancient Persian, and Roman days. The Persian Influence in the high temperature desert climate of the middle east desert oasis, has provided the inspiration for the ancient Persian paradise gardens and landscapes. In the highlands of Mesopotamia, the Assyrians and Persians planned rectangular walled formal gardens, irrigated by pools and canals and shaded by trees, usually set in vast plains. Many of these garden designs are found on carpets and Persian rugs.

The Medieval, and Renaissance era in medieval Europe at the middle ages Swiss abbey of St. Gall, the large garden was divided into four equal areas, for herbs, vegetables, fruits, and flowers. The gardens of most monasteries were surrounded by lavish walk ways, and had a well or fountain at the center as a focal point, that may have been inspired by Persian gardens, which was intended to enhance meditation piece, and tranquility. During the Renaissance in Italy, castles gave way to palaces, and villas with extensive grounds landscaped in the Roman tradition style. Borders of tall, dark cypresses and clipped yew hedges, geometric flower beds, stone balustrades, water fountains, and sculptures conformed strictly to the overall layout plan. Examples from the middle ages include the gardens of the Medici, Palmieri, and La Pietra villas by, or in Florence. Among increasingly formal and elaborate villa complexes in the middle ages are the Villa Lante in Bagnaia, and the Villa Farnese in Caprarola. Others are the Villa Madama and the Villa Medici in Rome and the Villa d’Este in Tivoli. Italian gardens of the middle ages had became even more complex in the dramatic baroque style. They were distinguished by lavish use of serpentine lines, groups of sculptured allegorical figures in violent movement, and a multiplicity of spouting water fountains and waterfalls. Examples are the Villa Aldobrandini in Frascati, Villa Garzoni in Collodi, Villa Giovio in Como, and the gardens on the Isola Bella in Lake Maggiore.

Modified versions of Italian Renaissance and baroque style gardens appeared throughout Europe. In Spain, Moorish and Renaissance elements were combined in the gardens of the Alcázar in Seville. In France the great châteaus of the Loire valley, such as Chambord, and Chenonceaux, were laid out with formal gardens, and with extensive forested areas, and parks. In the middle ages , France replaced Italy as the primary inspiration of architectural and landscape design. The vast building programs of Louis XIV included miles of symmetrically arranged gardens, and landscapes which, like royal architecture of the period, were designed to give an impression of limitless grandeur. The grounds were regularly intersected by radiating alleys, and walk ways lined with trees, hedges and also embellished with water fountains, pavilions, and statuary. Versailles and its immense gardens inspired splendid imitations in dozens of kingdoms, and principalities throughout Europe.

In China, palaces, temples, and houses were built around a series of courtyards, and pools which have include trees, and plants that were often in pots that could be changed with the changes of the seasons. The Imperial City of Beijing contained elaborate pleasure gardens with trees, man made lakes and hillocks, pavilions, and bridges. Japan also has a long tradition of gardens inspired by those of China, and Korea. Kyoto was especially famous for its gardens which included pools, waterfalls, rocks, stone, sand, trees, and evergreens. Every element of a garden was carefully planned and layed out, sometimes by the Zen monks, and painters, to create an effect of restraint, harmony, and peace for there people.Water fountains major purposes is to fulfill both practical and aesthetic purposes. Back in the past, public water fountains were social gathering points, and also people fetched water for drinking and bathing. Water fountains were also spectacular focal points designed for enthusiasm as they refreshed clean water. In the past up to today, water fountains embody symbolic, artistic and social ideas as they enhance places, and they also reinvigorate people.

While water is a common element, but understanding its unique qualities, and how utilize water requires the observation of nature, knowledge of technical hydraulics, and artistic designs to please the eye. The wonderful soothing sounds that fountains make is attributed to the ability of the designers to transform a solid monument into a vibrant, wet work of art, often featuring decorative lighting, and water features.Romantic Period in the late middle ages the rise of romanticism, with its emphasis on untamed nature, the picturesque, the past, and the exotic, led to important changes in landscape architecture as well as other arts. At such great houses as Blenheim Palace, and Chats worth, English architects replaced the symmetrically arranged flower beds and straight walks with sweeping lawns, sloping hills with curving paths, rivers and ponds outlined by informally planted groups of trees and shrubbs, to achieve the effect of a wilderness. The English romantic style spread to the rest of Europe by way of France, where a notable example of the style was created at Ermenonville. It was introduced in North America at Monticello, Jefferson’s Virginia estate. The most important example of this design style is Central Park, New York City, designed in the year 1857. Nature itself provides the most dramatic features of rising and falling water.

In Wyoming’s Yellowstone National Parks Old Faithful geyser in shoots huge columns of hot spring water and shoots up to about 180 feet into the air. The Niagara Falls majestic beauty and power never ceases to leave those who witness it in total magnatude of it’s remarkable size, beauty,and sound of flowing water. Water fountain designers use the power of nature to exploit the unique liquid properties of flowing water, and these technical details fade when you see a well designed, fully functional water fountain, or water feature. The simple peace and visual joy of the flowing water seems to sooth our minds, body, and soul.

The Roman influence intricately tied to the bathing ritual, that they particularly enjoyed there water fountains in there gardens that was connected with the public baths. Going back at Ancient Roman days, you will find many accounts of beautiful temples, gardens, and architecture decorated with majestic water fountains, and Garden Statuary’s, including planters, and bird baths. Many of today’s modern outdoor garden, and indoor water fountain designs have their themes based on ancient Roman society, and design styles. Domestic architecture in the first half of the middle ages attempted to achieve a closer integration of the house with its surroundings. In areas with mild climates, such as California, a garden might be continued within the house. With today’s apartment-style living, many architects seek to incorporate natural elements into their interior designs. Indoor pools and water fountains are enjoying great popularity in shopping malls, offices, and homes. They offer an oasis of cool tranquility in an otherwise hectic world.

Today fountains are constructed from all kinds of materials and appear in many shapes and forms, from a small decorative tabletop fountains, free standing floor fountains, and wall fountains. Today water fountains are made from slate, copper, steel, high tensile resin, hand crafted ceramic, concrete, and stone. Myths, legends, symbols, poetry, music, and art all extol the power of water through it’s numerous water fountains. Water has influenced the political and economic course of history, and major cities throughout the known world are often situated near rivers, lakes, and ports by the sea.

Water the natural phenomenon in our planet consists mainly of water, about two thirds, and only a small amount is fresh water, suitable for man kind, and wild life to drink. Water constitutes 95 percent of our actual bodies. We need water to survive. The peaceful sound of running water makes us feel calm, and relaxed with our world and our environment. We can enjoy water fountains whether it’s a indoor fountain, or outdoor garden fountain.