Gardens Fountains, Water Fountains: Ancient history

Garden Fountains: The first recorded use of garden fountains and wall fountains in the historical record comes from the ancient middle east. Diagrams on the walls of ancient Egyptian tombs shows the use of garden fountains within the enclosed courtyards of dramatic homes. Typically, they would take the form of a rectangular fish pond, with an impressive row of decorative and fruit-bearing trees lining the edges. The Mesopotanians used fountains extensively in their formal gardens, bringing a lush landscape to the harsh highlands, highligted with garden fountains. Shade trees irrigated by the fountains provided respite from the hot summer sun.

Water Fountains: The Persian Influence

Water Fountains: The Persian influence was felt by the enclosure of the gardens and pools, and the architecture of these gardens was meant to simulate the heavens. Many of these gardens inspired the famous Persian carpet designs that have persisted to this day. Roman society was intricately tied to the bathing ritual, and particularly enjoyed water features in the gardens intertwined with the public baths. In the hot deserts of the middle east, the desert oasis provided the inspiration for the ancient Persian-inspired paradise gardens.

Water in the Natural World

Water permeates the natural world in every aspect of our being, from the cells of our body to the specactual water fountains of the world. Water covers about two thirds of the earth's surface, but only a small percentage is available as fresh water, suitable for human consumption. It's seemingly random presence in the earth's atmosphere is the major force in our daily weather. It constitutes a major ingredient in the cells of our bodies. We physically need the existence of water to live. We crave seeing fountains, hearing running or cascading water, or touching it for sensual pleasure, spiritual satisfaction or experiences of reflection and wonder. Myths, legends, symbols, poetry, music and art all extol the power of water through it's numerous water fountains. Civilizations control the forces of water for both simple (decorative fountains) and complex purposes (trade and commerce). It has affected the political and economic course of history; villages and cities first developed near sources of water, and trade and exploration dependend on natural waterways.

The Historic Purpose of Fountains

Fountains harmonize water and are designed to fulfill both practical and aesthetic purposes. In the past, public fountains served places to meet while fetching water for drinking or washing, but there were also landmark fountains designed to impress as they refreshed. Then, as now, fountains embody symbolic, artistic and social ideas as they enliven places and reinvigorate people. As an structures of stone, metal or concrete, the success of a fountain design is ultimately determined by its aesthetic mastery of water and it's interplay with light and the surrounding environment. While water is a common substance, understanding its unique qualities and how best to use them and fountains require sustained observation of nature, knowledge of technical hydraulics and artistic sensibilities. Many water fountain sounds attest to the ingenious ability of designers to transform a dry, solid monument into a vibrantly wet and changeable work of art. The existence of fountains as amenities for peoples use in pleasure, however, depends upon the expert irrigation of rising and falling water, design elements and hydraulic technology.

Nature’s Fountains

Nature herself provides the most dramatic spectacles of rising and falling water. The Old Faithful geyser in Wyoming's Yellowstone National Park shoots huge columns of hot spring water and steam skyward and periodic eruptions occur almost hourly. Reaching heights ranging from 100 to 180 feet, each dazzling display lasts only a few minutes. The majestic beauty and unceasing power of the mighty waterfalls of Niagara Falls, one of the most celebrated natural landmarks in North America, impress all who visit hold them. No two waterjets and no two waterfalls are exactly alike since moving water produces an almost endless range of changing forms and sounds. Fountain designers deliberately exploit the unique liquid properties of flowing water. For instance, water can separate into variously sized drops like sparkling diamonds; conversely, drops can seamlessly join together as they flow and fall to form undulating shapes. Because of the viscosity of water, smaller, individual drops disappear completely when they merge with larger volumes. But these technical details fade when you are faced with a well designed, fully functional water fountain. The simple peace and visual joy of the flowing water seems to touch us deeply, in an ancient part of our soul. For more, visit page two of the history of fountains….

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