Fountain Design Essentials – Welcome to Fountain Lights
Fountain Design Essentials – Welcome to Fountain Lights
As a self-proclaimed fountain enthusiast, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the captivating dance of water and light at some of the most iconic fountains around the world. From the grand jets of the Bellagio Fountains in Las Vegas to the mesmerizing synchronized performances of the Longwood Gardens Fountains, these luminous displays have always left me in awe. But perhaps the fountain that holds a special place in my heart is the Mulholland Memorial Fountain in Los Angeles.
I’ll never forget the first time I stumbled upon the Mulholland Fountain. It was a balmy summer day, and I was stuck in the notorious LA traffic, singing along to the radio and trying to ignore the honking horns around me. That’s when I noticed the vibrant, candy apple red and slime green hues reflecting off the surrounding buildings. Curiosity piqued, I decided to park and explore this enigmatic fountain up close.
As I approached the circular 90-foot reflecting pool, I was immediately struck by its brilliant turquoise tiles and the crystal-clear water that seemed to beckon me. The soothing sound of the approximately 2,250 gallons of water cascading over the art-deco tiers every minute quickly drowned out the chaos of the nearby intersection. I found myself mesmerized by the intricate patterns and graceful dance of the water, sometimes shooting up like a geyser 50 feet in the air, and other times weaving a child’s game of cat’s cradle.
It was as if I had stumbled upon a hidden oasis, a moment of tranquility amidst the smoggy, cracked concrete of the city. And as I stood there, gazing up at the towering cedars and pines of Griffith Park on the horizon, I couldn’t help but wonder about the rich history and luminous legacy that this fountain represented.
The Mulholland Memorial Fountain was built in 1940 to commemorate the life and work of William Mulholland, the pioneering engineer responsible for the 233-mile-long Los Angeles Aqueduct. Completed in 1913, this engineering marvel brought much-needed water from the Owens River Valley in eastern California to the growing metropolis of Los Angeles, transforming the city into the vibrant, water-abundant urban center it is today.
However, Mulholland’s legacy is not without its complexities. The diversion of this precious natural resource was not without controversy, as it led to court battles with farmers in the suddenly parched Owens Valley and even outright warfare during the “water wars” of the 1920s. Mulholland was also accused of using fear tactics to convince Angelenos of the aqueduct’s necessity and dubious land deals in the San Fernando Valley.
Yet, as is often the case with public figures, the nuances of Mulholland’s story were quickly forgotten after his death in 1935. A citizen committee composed of his associates and friends set out to erect a grand memorial that would enshrine his memory and the water legacy he had left behind.
The committee decided that an illuminated water fountain would be the perfect way to honor Mulholland’s legacy, combining the ideas of water and power in an artistic way. They enlisted the help of Walter S. Claberg, a veteran designer for the Department of Water and Power, to bring their vision to life.
The dedication of the Mulholland Memorial Fountain on August 1, 1940, was a jingoistic and unabashed celebration of civic pride. With 4,000 seats filled and even more spectators lining the surrounding hills, the event was a true spectacle. The Los Angeles Police Band played, dignitaries speechified, and Mulholland’s nine-year-old granddaughter, Patricia, pressed the button that sent colored water shooting into the air in sprays, mists, and streams.
But the fountain’s significance extended beyond just a grand ceremony. It became a beloved Eastside landmark, with the city even employing a full-time fountain watcher to ensure its safety and upkeep. Angelenos quickly embraced the fountain as their own, transforming it into an unofficial wading pool on hot summer days, with children, adults, and even dogs splashing in the cool waters.
However, the Mulholland Memorial Fountain has not been without its challenges. During the severe drought of 1973-74, the fountain was turned off to conserve water, and the colored lights were not restored until later. In the 1970s and 1980s, the fountain faced a barrage of vandalism and homelessness, leading to a renovation and rededication in 1996.
Even more recently, the fountain has undergone a series of renovations and restorations, with the latest project completed in 2013. This comprehensive overhaul not only upgraded the fountain’s mechanical systems but also dramatically improved accessibility for all visitors, converting the reflecting pool into a 14-inch deep scrim pool that is welcoming to people of all abilities.
Interestingly, the shades of grey in Mulholland’s legacy have not been entirely erased. At the groundbreaking ceremony for the Aqueduct Centennial Garden in 2013, Councilmember Tom LaBonge acknowledged that while Mulholland was a remarkable man who helped build a world-class city, the complex history surrounding the Owens Valley water grab is something that should not be forgotten.
As I stand here in the glow of the Mulholland Memorial Fountain, I can’t help but marvel at the enduring allure of these luminous displays. Whether it’s the synchronized ballet of the Longwood Gardens Fountains, the towering jets of the Bellagio, or the vibrant colors of the Mulholland Fountain, there’s something deeply captivating about the interplay of water and light.
Perhaps it’s the way these fountains can transform a public space, turning it into a gathering place, a stage for celebration, and a respite from the urban chaos. Or maybe it’s the sheer engineering prowess required to orchestrate such intricate water choreography, harnessing the power of gravity and hydraulics to create something truly mesmerizing.
Whatever the reason, I know that the Mulholland Memorial Fountain, and fountains like it, will continue to captivate and inspire us for generations to come. And thanks to the tireless efforts of preservationists, engineers, and designers, these luminous legacies will endure, reminding us of the rich histories and the boundless possibilities of fountain lighting design.
If you’re ever in Los Angeles, I encourage you to visit the Mulholland Memorial Fountain and experience its mesmerizing display of light and water for yourself. Who knows, you might just find yourself as captivated by its luminous legacy as I am.
Share to :
