Water Fountain: Aesthetics and Zen
Water has always been associated with calm. As a source of life, nourishment and cleanliness, flowing water has been apart of every great civilization. Ancient cities have risen beside the great rivers of the world; from the Nile, to the Yang Tze and the Ghanges, people have learned that water is something they must always have close by.
These same civilizations not only lived along side these great rivers, they learned to harness them. They mastered irrigation, sewage systems, plumbing and currents to suit their needs. They learned that water was not only essential, they learned it was, with a little effort, adjustable to their needs. They also learned that it could turn the necessary flow of water into an art form. Water fountains and floor fountains became icons of city squares and castle courtyards all over the world.
In the most modern of times, a water fountain or floor fountain has become a sign of both opulence; as building lobby centerpieces and city square icons, hotel attractions and mall fixtures of amusement. It has also become elements of natural tranquility; in the man-made waterfall fountains and springs of Jacuzzis and the grottoes of private pools and bathroom. Having a little table top fountain in ones home is something that is both eye-catching and therapeutically practical.
Some still like to use the classic angels and fish spitting water founts, but more engineers and interior designers and using expensive machines to create airs of tranquility. Accompanied with synchronized lights and music, water shows have become as much a tourist attraction as ‘Old Faithful’ and geysers like it. Entertainment centers have replaced fireworks displays and parades with more sustainable and cost effective water shows.
Water fountains also have practical uses. They come in a variety of pet related shapes: birdbaths, bird feeders, aquarium attachments, reptile habitat fixtures. Where once they might have been only for Zen gardens or miniature novelty sets, modern water fountains have even more practical uses such as humidifiers and aroma therapy diffusers.
Most would ask if such devices were difficult to set up, operate or maintain, but they probably confuse these ideas with the ancient and admittedly complex means of farm irrigation or the large “wedding cake” pieces of city squares. But most fountains use simple, easily adjustable functions that are both low cost and low-maintenance. Some are instructions are as simple as: Just add water.
Great civilizations have risen and fallen around great rivers like the Nile and the Ghanges. Most ancient sewer systems have outlasted the cities they were built on. Medieval cities mastered irrigation and great rivers to build lasting and sustainable settlements. Modern civilizations combined similar sciences and systems to give us architectural attractions. Now, a modern water fountain, floor fountain or waterfall fountains can be found in almost every hotel lobby, mall or amusement park world wide.
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