Functional Water Fountains

All throughout history, water fountains have provided many an open area or plaza a magnificent work of art for all to experience and enjoy. In the olden times, water fountains were initially located at the center of the community as it contained an important resource that all can share in. Since water is a must in every household, the water fountain was initially a place of utility where everyone in the community would have access to water for drinking or washing or even storage. These outdoor water collection areas did not have ornate pieces as the ones seen today; it was mainly a large vat that accumulated water that comes from a spring or brook and collected in the basin. From this basin, the members of the community would come in to collect water for their needs. It is also in this area that townsfolk meet and greet one another before heading off to their individual abodes. Thus, outdoor fountains were initially objects of necessity and utility.

As time marched on and indoor plumbing had been installed in many homes, the utility of the outdoor fountain had become a thing of the past. But since it was located in the central area of the community, some artistically inclined folk would use the area to show their aesthetic inclinations. Thus, artisans would use the fountain as a showcase of their masterpieces. It was during the periods of peace that many water fountains in many communities were transformed to drab watering holes to intricate carvings made of stone and the water was not only directed downwards but was redirected into flowing masterpieces for all to enjoy. And these water fountains became objects d'art for all to appreciate. The carvings on these outdoor fountains depicted stories with water as their general theme and usually influenced by the prevailing art movement of the time.

But fountains are not always for general consumption. Many individuals, usually royalty or of the elite, had their private indoor fountains made in their own homes. In the Roman era, these indoor fountains served multiple purposes; not only were they water receptacles they also ensured that the indoor wastes would flow out of the house and into aqueducts. The water fountain also became the masterpiece of the home since it not only served the utilitarian purpose; it was also used as a recreational area and a water collection vestibule. From then on, indoor fountains became status symbols for the elite circle in societies that have come and gone. In the recent times, water fountains have generally lost the waste disposal function and the recreational purposes it originally had. Nowadays, the indoor fountain is most often located in a large area inside the home. It serves only aesthetic purposes in the home as fountains usually use the same water it was initially fed with. But the cost of maintaining an indoor fountain, from construction to maintenance, makes this an elitist feature within one's home.

With the knowledge of its humble beginnings and to its now current grandiose character, what would be the purpose of a water fountain, be it an indoor fountain or outdoor one in a home? The answer gushes from its flowing qualities. The water fountain provides a soothing atmosphere as the gentle water flowing complemented by the art work depicted not only calms one's nerves but also helps in making one relax when gazing upon it. The gentle flowing sounds produced by the fountain in operation helps calm the weary and provide solace to those who are troubled. In many cultures, especially in Asia, having flowing water with a fountain in the home would mean the continuous flow of life and energy into the home and its inhabitants. The water fountain also provides a great respite from the stress of everyday living. It has been proven that the calming effect of flowing water through a fountain makes the brain produce mood-altering chemicals to calm the person. And in many of the famous fountains throughout the world have become repositories of hope. Many believe that when in front of a water fountain, by making a wish and then throwing a coin into the fountain, the wish would be granted. This has even been immortalized in many songs and movies in the last half-century or so. And so far, many wishes have been granted in this simple act of piety towards fountains.

All in all, fountains have provided not only a life giving resource nearer to homes but as provided an almost infinite number of joyful memories for all who have been within its vicinity. Water fountains have also become places where people meet to socialize, much like the outdoor fountains of the olden times. It is in this purpose that fountains have provided both aesthetic and social improvement for all in the community.