CREDITS
Chief Editor
STORIES OF ERNE
@storiesoferne
Contributing Authors
LITTLEBEE4
@littlebee4
DANNY GREEN
@danny.green
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STORIES OF ERNE
@storiesoferne
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A TIMELESS Water Fountain
By STORIES OF ERNE
@storiesoferne
Chief Editor
Published: May 26, 2022
The Fuente Osmeña Circle, Cebu City, Philippines. Photo: © Pompe Junior on Flickr | Source
What's so special about the architecture of fountains? Aside from being sources of rejuvenating energy, visual therapy, or playful atmospheres, there are plenty of interesting stories about why people have been magnetically drawn to these majestic water features.
If you happen to be in my home city of Cebu in the Philippines, it's impossible to miss this emblematic rotunda, also popularly recognized as the Fuente Osmeña Circle, sandwiched in the central uptown area among tall skyscrapers of the metropolis. In the middle of this strategic site stands a spectacular water fountain.
The entire neighborhood appears modern to first-time visitors yet, don't be deceived. Do you know that this specific landmark is over 110 years old?
The Spanish-inspired architecture of the Fuente Osmeña water fountain and park was inaugurated in 1912 as an outstanding tribute to the late Sergio Osmeña, serving as the fourth President of the Philippines. As a true-bloodied Cebuano himself, this historical monument is a highly celebrated symbol for the locals, an exemplary masterpiece representing the region's culture, tourism, and national pride. On the contrary, it wasn't smooth-sailing when it was initially conceived.
William E. Parsons, the original Architect for Cebu City's development, presented an urban masterplan that would reshape the Cebu Burnt Area, a vast expanse of real estate that was severely devastated during the war.
The Fuente Osmeña Fountain (Circa 1912), Cebu City, Philippines. Photo: © Cebuano Studies Center, University of San Carlos, Cebu City | Source
Parson's original plan consisted of 6 diagonal avenues converging into a centralized hub, the Fuente Rotunda. His original design intent was to emulate the road networks surrounding the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France. Unfortunately, this proposal wasn't realized and only a few lanes for vehicles like Maxilom Avenue, B. Rodriquez Street, and the main artery of Osmeña Boulevard were later completed.
The Fuente Osmeña Fountain (Circa 2015), Cebu City, Philippines. Photo: © Eye in the Sky | Source
For the current generation, Fuente Osmeña has evolved into a bustling hub of assorted activities. During the day, this urban park becomes a favorite place for jogging, meditative exercises, strolling, or simply basking in nature. At night, its romantic ambiance awakens where couples, friends, families, and loved ones spend time together. Events, stage plays, and public programs like the Sinulog have also been held here.
On certain occasions, while the water on the fountain dances, it's accompanied by its installed lighting system where colorful light shows are illuminated. Many years ago, the fountain's circular floor used to be a skating rink where people from all walks of life take delight in this leisure sport. Over the years, the Fuente Osmeña has become one of the most recognizable faces of Cebu City.
I rarely come here nowadays. But most importantly, if there's absolutely one thing that would not erase my affectionate connection with the Fuente Osmeña, that would be the unforgettably historic legacy of my ancestors. Nevertheless, the Fuente Osmeña, particularly its gorgeous water fountain, will forever remain a significant hallmark of my family heritage.
In today's issue of A+DPOST™, the official magazine of the Architecture+Design Community on the Hive Blockchain, we are generously treated to a few fabulous fountains around the world.
Our Contributing Authors are truly eager, excited, and delighted to share their personal experiences, insights, and perspectives about the architecture of these remarkable water features.
Have fun!
Sincerely,
ERNE
Architect | Environmentalist | Lifehacker | Adventurer
Creator of Architecture+Design Community
on the Hive Blockchain
SPANISH WATER FOUNTAINS: A Necessity or for Fun?
By LITTLEBEE4
@littlebee4
Contributing Author
Published: May 26, 2022
Water Fountains around the country of Spain. Photo: © LITTLEBEE4 @littlebee4
Water fountains can come in many different forms and shapes. Let me show you a small selection from my country of residence at the moment: SPAIN
I will give you also a little bit more information about the origins.
As some of you may know, water fountains started their life as being very functional items.
Many people were reliant on them. It brought the people drinking water, in a very innovative way. In the beginning, they were operated by gravity with springs connected to them.
Later this was done through pumps and has changed tremendously over the years.
In the 19th century, they became more decorative.
Nowadays we see them as beautiful ornaments. More decorative than useful,
but if you ever have visited Spain, you have seen that there are still many functional water fountains. Did you?
As it becomes rather warm in the summer months in Spain, the presence of the little functional water fountains splattered around in villages and cities is a necessity.
They provide drinking water for all the residents and visitors alike. For free.
This I have not seen before when I was living in other countries. I do like using them for a quick cool-off, on a hot summer day.
It is fun too!
The most beautiful water fountains can be found in most big cities, mainly in parks and on roundabouts.
They often tower high above the traffic and can be seen from afar.
"Fuente de las Tres Gracias/Ninfas” in Málaga on Plaza del General Torrijos. Photo: © LITTLEBEE4 @littlebee4
It was created by an engineer - sculptor J. Vasque and Antoine Durenne. It depicts 3 female figures dressed in Roman/Greek attire. Bought in 1879 to be installed in Málaga. Architect José Maria Sanchez remodeled the location.
Another example of a decorative water fountain is located on a roundabout in Gran Canaria, one of Spain’s Islands.
This one has no functional aspect, besides keeping the traffic flow where roads cross.
A Decorative Water Fountain in a roundabout in Gran Canaria, Spain. Photo: © LITTLEBEE4 @littlebee4
Do I mind the decorative fountains? Not at all, as they are beautiful and add to the surroundings. Should we see more functional fountains around places?
Yes, why not?
Do you have them where you live? Let me know in the comments ;)
250 STEPS and 27 METERS: Unique Cascade Fountain of Belarus
By DANNY GREEN
@danny.green
Contributing Author
Published: May 26, 2022
The Cascade Fountain in Mogilev, Belarus. Photo: © DANNY GREEN @danny.green
Fountains are magnificent decorations of urban architecture. Peace and serenity are the main features of the cascade fountain in the Belarusian Mogilev.
In order to appreciate the scale of the great cascading fountain, I will start with its parameters. Water rolls down the hill through a 27-meter (27 meters is 29.5 yards) cascade fountain with 250 steps for pedestrians.
By the way, the height of the fountain is equal to the height of a seven-story residential building. Impressive isn't it? Going down or going up the steps you will hear the sound of flowing water and a light breeze of freshwater.
The Cascade Fountain in Mogilev, Belarus. Photo: © DANNY GREEN @danny.green
I noticed that there is a favorable atmosphere in the areas and yards where fountains are installed. I like to see the joyful faces of children and their parents watching the "decorative eruptions" of the fountains.
People need water not only as a source of life but also as a source of visual peace. Two small but beautiful fountains complete the composition of the Mogilev cascade fountain.
The Cascade Fountain in Mogilev, Belarus. Photo: © DANNY GREEN @danny.green
They are a place of attraction for children. In hot weather, these fountains become the most popular place in the big city. Dozens of engineers, designers and hundreds of builders were involved in the construction of the cascade fountain in Mogilev.
They were required to create an architectural masterpiece that would become the hallmark of the city. Looking at the result of their work, I am convinced that they did their job 100 percent.
Smaller Fountains at the Cascade Fountain in Mogilev, Belarus. Photo: © DANNY GREEN @danny.green
The cascade fountain was able to be built thanks to the hilly relief of Mogilev. Some confuse this building with an artificial waterfall, but this is a mistake. By the way, the fountains are artificial and natural, and the Mogilev cascade fountain is combined.
Engineers used groundwater pressure and thanks to them they made an artificial water supply system. So many people and ideas were involved in order to give visual and mental joy to the residents and guests of the city. Was it worth it? Yes!
The term "Architecture" originates from the Greek word "Arkhitekton" which interestingly translates to the English language as "Chief Builder".
The Hoover Dam located in Boulder City, Nevada was primarily constructed to last 2,000 years. It is said that the concrete mix used to develop its massive curved structure won't be completely cured for another 500 years.
There is an ancient bridge in Lima, Peru constructed in 1610, and its mortar was mixed with 10,000 egg whites instead of water. Remarkably, it's known as the "Bridge of Eggs" and is still standing today!
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