Introduction to Fountains
The shimmer, the sounding and graceful water arch in motion. Fountains were more than just an ornamental feature – they were sacred, socially, symbolic and lately, cooled places in swarming cities. From the ancient Minoic dishes and Persian gardens to Roman aqueducts and modern places, fountains have a rich history that spans almost five millennia.
From Practicality to the Divine
With a story of almost five millennia, wells first served practical needs. Around 2,000 BC, these were not only for washing – they were integrated into religious sites to clean rituals. In ancient Egypt, fountains often showed lion skewers, a motif that continued through Greek-Roman and Islamic traditions. The Court of Lion in the Moorish Alhambra Palace from the 14th century shows a fountain in Granada, Spain, which consists of 12 lion figures that bubble. Löwen symbolized the protective force with strength and divine guardianship.
Symbolism and Service
In traditional Islamic gardens, fountains and water trains played a central role, which reflected the Koranian vision of paradise and symbolized purity, life and divine beauty. These gardens were influenced by the Moors of the Nasridian dynasty and the Persian of the Sasan Empire and were designed in such a way that they were causing spiritual bliss and harmony by integrating them into their layout, among other things. In Europe, the Renaissance and the Baroque period transformed fountains into vehicles with spectacle and political symbolism. The leading of the pack are Rome’s famous fountains: Bernini’s fountain of the four rivers in Piazza Navona represents the four large rivers known during the Renaissance.
Modern Fountains
Fast forward to the 20th and 21st centuries, and some fountains have even become iconic "actors". The Wet Design based in California has created two such examples. The Bellagio Fountains in Las Vegas, which were opened in 1998, have more than 1,000 fountains that fluctuate on music and are improved by light. The Dubai fountain at the Burj Khalifa is reportedly the world’s largest fountain in the world. The waters are almost 275 meters wide and shoot water around 150 meters high.
Wasteful or Wise?
Critics have argued that fountains waste water, especially in drought-stricken regions. During drought conditions, some cities switch off their decorative fountains to maintain water resources, as was the case in Milan in 2022. With this problem, modern constructions often use recycled water and solar-powered pumps. Studies have shown that fountains can have localized cooling effects – especially if they contain fine sprays or fog that increase the evaporation contact with air.
Old Currents, Timeless Purpose
According to the world meteorological organization, cities, as the fastest warming, have adapted their existing water features to modern needs under punishing heat waves. In Paris, the Wallace fountain of the 19th century, which were scattered in the city and originally created to issue free drinking water, were retrofitted in 2021 with foggy nozzles that take action during the strong heat. Vienna has fog arches, interactive fountains and playful water zones for children and adults who want to cool off. Berlin extends its network of contactless drinking fountains and combines hygiene and fluid intake. The fact that urbanites are often put on by fountains in their living rooms – whether they immerse themselves in the cool water or breastfeed their thirst about those who offer drinking water that fountains not only relics of gold-plated epochs. Their calming relevance could see a renaissance if we are exposed to a hotter future.
