Introduction
In the past, fountains tended to serve different purposes than they do now, such as being “refreshing oases” and supporting a particular ideology, Longfellow states. However, nowadays, fountains are popular elements of the modern urban landscape and are used to increase the attractiveness of the recreational areas while adding pleasure to everyday activities and leisure time. It remains apparent that fountains are tricky constructions, and their modeling requires sufficient planning as it includes complex mechanisms and design.
In this case, the primary goal of this paper is to describe the means and functions of the fountain and basin as well as the principles of water circulation while using the aspects of design and orifice to make it eye-catching. In this case, the primary idea of the research is to address the question “How do we make a fountain pleasing?”
Circulation of Water: Means and Functions
Firstly, it is critical to describe the movement of water, its means, and the features of the fountain as these determine the overall process. In this case, the stationary and floating types of fountains exist, and they tend to have different designs and diverse effects on the atmosphere in the area, Sauter states. In turn, Sauter depicts that the stationary fountains ensure the circulation of the water by having the pump located in the basin, using electricity connection to ensure water flow, while the pool fountains are placed on the surface of the water and float.
In this case, the fountains are presented in the form of the architectural structure, while the circulation defines the overall silhouette with the assistance of the water streams. Meanwhile, different kinds of pumps produce various types of streams depending on their strength and frequencies, and these determine diverse experiences of the fountain, as Sauter highlights. Based on the factors provided above, it could be stated that the water circulation has a vehement correlation with the attractiveness of the cascade as it defines the particular patterns of water movement while making a fountain a unique piece of architecture.
Basin
Furthermore, it is essential to choose the shape of the basin as it forms the look of the fountain while also determining its purposes and functions. It remains apparent that the basin should be designed to include all the space required for the efficient maintenance and functioning of the fountain, Hopper emphasizes. According to Hopper, depending on the foundation of the fountain, the different water forms can be created, such as jets, static, and falling.
This aspect will define the overall pattern of the water circulation while selecting the most appropriate share for the required effect. In this case, the smooth and oval forms with basins at different levels can make the flow of the water melodic and increase the pleasing nature of the fountain.
Attractiveness
Lastly, it is essential to address the issue of attractiveness as the new trends of design have a tendency to affect the outlook of the fountain. The development of technology allowed the designer to use various attributes, such as light, music, interactivity, and animation, Hopper portrays. These aspects bring the nature of the fountains to a new level and allow them to be considered as performances and art objects. Meanwhile, many landscape designers use rocks and orifices to make the look of the fountain more dramatic and pleasing. It could be said that the features mentioned above have to be used as a combination to deliver a particular pattern and atmosphere to the viewers. Nonetheless, the harmonic nature has to be prioritized to increase the impact of the fountain on the emotional state of an individual.
References
- B. Longfellow. Roman Imperialism and Civic Patronage: Form, Meaning, and Ideology in Monumental Fountain Complexes. New York, NY: Cambridge University Press, 2011, pp. 208-210.
- D. Sauter. Landscape Construction. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar Cengage Learning, 2011, pp. 497-498.
- L. Hopper. Landscape Architectural Guiding Standards. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, 2012, pp. 250-300.