Water Fountains: A Background
Water fountains exudes a distinct element that makes them truly different from other water features. Fountains are often acknowledged for their ability to induce serenity in the surroundings where they are situated. They can simply serve as interior or exterior decors, or simply as bird hang outs in the form of a flowing birdbaths. Regardless of their varying functions and structures, the only thing that matters the most is that they would be used and innovated for more years to come.
From as far back as 3000 BC fountains have frequently appeared throughout history. In ancient Egypt, the use of these water features were documented through their tomb paintings, while in early Persian history they were utilized to symbolically represent paradise. Romans and Greeks on the other hand used both wall fountain and floor fountain as public bath areas and drinking stations and in China, where extensive courtyards were built, fountain sculptures were assigned as decorations. In this regard, it cannot be denied that fountains play a significant role in the development of ancient civilizations as they become the most important sources of water to cultivate their lands and where people usually get their fill of drinking water.
Water fountains work through the power of gravity and the activity of a fountain is performed by three important parts, the reservoir, pump and fountain head. All fountains contain a reservoir from which they draw water and to which water flows back, creating a circulation. The pump is the one responsible for moving the water through its spinning impeller, which at accelerated speed of spinning causes a centrifugal force that forces the water out of the pump. The water forced from the pump eventually goes out into the fountain head where it is sprinkled through a nozzle towards the outside structure of this water feature and is then drained back into the reservoir.
Fountains come in differing forms and sizes; some of which could be used indoor or outdoors, while some are utilized for residential or commercial areas. The smallest of them all are designed for tabletops. A floor fountain is a freestanding fountain type designed as statement feature used both for indoor and outdoor spaces. Wall fountains, as their name implies, are used as wall-mounted features. On the other hand, garden fountains are usually large water features used as focal designs of wide outdoor spaces like piazzas and courtyards that may come in the forms of sculpted topiary or series of connected pools.
Placing a fountain actually provides many benefits especially in terms of health and well being. A simple indoor wall fountain could actually become a decorative feature and a source of pleasure at the same time. The soothing sound of cascading water could induce relaxation, stress reduction and comfort that are not easily achievable especially in urban areas. These water features could humidify and add moisture to a dry room, thereby cleaning the air you breathe and serve as drinking sources for pets.
Generally, water fountains are legendary pieces that are continuously innovated through the years. Since the ancient times until today they prevail as one of the most extraordinary man-made water features. Nevertheless, their many purposes enabled these pieces to arise as one of the most important multifunctional decorative features today. It is not at all surprising that these water features are often used both in commercial and residential spaces.
If you want decorative pieces that are multipurpose and could provide various health benefits, then water fountains are suitable choices. These water features have long been used because of their ability to accentuate their surroundings and their ability to provide tranquility, comfort and relaxation. They may come as a floor fountain, indoor wall fountain, or tabletop fountain depending on the preference of the user.
Published July 29th, 2010
Filed in Home
