Water Element as an Aesthetic Aspect of Landscape Design

Abstract

Researchers have considered and landscape architects have employed the aquatic element as a differentiating aesthetic aspect. Its meaning and perception in Both physical (visual and nonvisual) landscapes and virtual landscapes are affected by the idiosyncrasy and the observer\'s perceptual filter. Methodologies both theoretical and empirical have been presented on the role of water, whether lentic or lotic, to a great or small extent, sweet or sour. Seawater, whether turbulent or calm. In general, the aquatic element serves as a link between scenery, literature, or other arts, as well as a way to alleviate the monotony imposed by architects or artists uses solid materials. Water serves as a foundation for literary and artistic perceptions of landscape, as well as a neutral architectural element that cannot be properly classified as \"natural\" or \"built.\" The diversity of its usage and perception, as well as its diachronic and extensive application and resonance, show the universality of the aquatic element as an aesthetic aspect and architectural means.

Introduction

I. INTRODUCTION

Water is a multidimensional research object that appears in a variety of fields: environmentally, it is a natural resource essential for living (drinkable water, river, lake, etc.), socially, it appears as a sensitive foundation for developing human activities, financially, it influences tourism, agriculture, fishery, etc., culturally, it is related to folklore, mythology, arts, or religion, and aesthetically, it is represented as a beauty element of nature.

The goal of this research is to provide specific reflections of water as they are represented in the domains indicated above, with a historical perspective. Water has always been associated with the idea of discovery and conquest due to its agility, expansion, and ecological stability.

II. HISTORICAL REVIEW

A. Images Form Antiquity

Thales saw water as the primary source of origin. He witnessed how fertile the land was following the Nile flood when he travelled to Egypt. According to Herodot, the Persians demanded "land and water" from the cities that had been subjugated. This requirement meant that the citizens waived any claim to their land and its goods.

Fountains were changed from a hole drilled near to the water point into spectacularly designed temples in ancient Greece, where they were regarded sacred. In ancient Rome, there were public fountains. They were often a rectangular stone tank on a tiny pedestal with a sculptured human or animal head (e.g., lion) from which the water flowed.

Each traditional fountain's name is chosen by its location, shape, or local tradition. There were two types of manufacturing:

a) the "open" (which was the most common) and

b) the "closed" where the water flowed from a sculpture.

B. The water in Byzantium

Water, as a symbol of life, health, and civilization, played an important role in Byzantine daily life. Water was seen as essential by the inhabitants. Paradise, which they saw as a blossoming garden with four rivers. Many rural homes had fountains and cisterns, and sculptured fountains were common. (formed like birds or crawling) might be found in many upper-class homes. Fountains were installed. Travellers' requirements are met even on rural or woodland roads. Aghilaos and Pithia were medicinal areas with hot water fountains that were believed to heal pain. These fountains provided a natural infrastructure for the development of magnificent bath towns. The baths were a social setting for gatherings, conversations, and displays of femaleness. The water was thought to have supernatural power and was used in a variety of beliefs and purposes (forecasting, exorcism). The water held significant real or symbolic value.

III. THE ROLE OF WATER IN THE LANDSCAPE AESTHETICS

A. Water-related landscape values

The following values can be assigned to the landscape as a result of the presence of water elements (Spitalas 2000, Eleftheriadis 2006):

1. Water sounds or water birds
2. The movement of rivers, waterfalls, and waves, for example.
3. The hues of water and coastlines
4. The surface reflections of the water
5. The possibility of enlarging certain species' biotopes
6. Opportunities to highlight structural materials and lighting
7. Environmental education opportunities

B. The Water as Landscape Design Element

Water's significant design characteristics are its movement, sound, and reflection. It is claimed that water stimulates all senses and offers several recreational activities such as swimming, angling, rowing, and so on. Furthermore, it has been empirically discovered that visitors spend approximately four hours each day in the beach zone (Eleftheriadis 2006).

C. Image And Sound Stimulation Of The Senses

Water awakens the senses (Eleftheriadis 2006). The landscape designer can intervene on the bottom of a lake, for example, to intensify this stimulation. With its peaceful and sensitive capabilities, water has memorial and emotional effects (Gombrich 1950, Spitalas 2000, Eleftheriadis 2006). The movement of water has a dynamic and appealing nature that can produce thunderous sounds or overpower city sounds. Arnheim (2003) defines lotic water as "instability or movement against the balance."

D. An Expert's Perspective On The Aesthetic Function Of Water In The Landscape

Litton et al. (1974) developed a comprehensive expert method to landscape perception. They focused on the aesthetics of fresh water in the landscape. Expert groups are investigating the contributions of water to recreational and everyday surroundings. Classification patterns for native traits have been offered, and these are being studied alongside man-made alterations. These visual patterns are made up of landscape units, setting units, and waterscape units. This scope includes comparative assessments and recommendations for scenarios in which water can contribute to environmental quality. Expert methodologies are typically used to make policy recommendations.

IV. SELECTING WATER FEATURE MATERIALS

When selecting and planning a water feature, make sure that it complements the overall style of your garden, perhaps by incorporating materials that appear elsewhere in the design. The following are some examples (Choosing water feature materials, 2-4-2012):

Conclusion

Water is one of the most significant aesthetic resources. Its presence (natural or artificial) significantly increases the visual impression. Water has always been associated with life and beauty. The aquatic element is critical for the quality of life, the sustainability of ecosystems, and the attractiveness of landscapes that feature water elements.

References

[1] Choosing water feature materials. Last visit 2-4-2012. (http://www.hgtv.com/landscaping/choosing-water-feature-materials/index.html) [2] Eleftheriadis ?. 2006: Landscape Aesthetics (orig. Greek). Landscape Architecture.Dept. Drama [3] Koskina ?. 2008: Music and Landscape Ecology. Proceedings “Modern Tendencies of Research in Ecology”. University of Thessalia. Volos [4] Spitalas ?. 2000: Environmental Aesthetics – Architecture (orig. Greek). Christodoulidi. Thessaloniki [5] http://revcad.uab.ro/upload/33_318_Paper4_RevCAD14_2013.

Copyright

Copyright © 2023 Rupali Gawde, Suman Sharma. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.