A vertical support in a building, usually made up of a base, circular shaft, and spreading capital, and designed to carry an entablature or arch. It is also used as an aesthetic device to add ornament or to divide a space. Occasionally it is built in total isolation as a free-standing object.
A column in architecture and structural engineering is a vertical structural element that transmits, through compression, the weight of the structure above to other structural elements below. Columns are frequently used to support beams or arches on which the upper parts of walls or ceilings rest. Column in architecture refers specifically to such a structural element that also has certain proportional and decorative features.
History
In the architecture of ancient Egypt as early as 2600 BC the architect Imhotep made use of stone columns whose surface was carved to reflect the organic form of bundled reeds;
Some of the most elaborate columns in the ancient world were those of Persia especially the massive stone columns erected in Persepolis.
The impost (or pier) is the topmost member of a column.
Structure of columns
Columns vary in design. Single-piece columns are among the heaviest stones used in architecture. Other columns are created out of multiple sections of stone, mortared or dry-fit together. In many classical sites, sectioned columns were carved with a center hole or depression so that they could be pegged together, using stone or metal pins.
The design of most columns incorporates entasis; a planned reduction in diameter along the height of the column, so that the top is as little as 83% of the bottom diameter.
The Classical orders
The Roman author Vitruvius, relying on the writings (now lost) of Greek authors, tells us that the ancient Greeks believed that their Doric order developed from techniques for building in wood in which the earlier smoothed tree trunk was replaced by a stone cylinder.
Doric order
The Doric order is the oldest and simplest of the classical orders. The shaft of a Doric Column is almost always fluted.
Tuscan order
The Tuscan order, also known as Roman Doric, is also a simple design, the base and capital both being series of cylindrical disks of alternating diameter. The proportions vary, but are generally similar to Doric columns.
Ionic order
The Ionic column is considerably more complex than the Doric or Tuscan. Due to the more refined proportions and scroll capitals, the Ionic column is sometimes associated with academic buildings.
Corinthian order
The Corinthian order is named for the Greek city-state of Corinth, to which it was connected in the period.
Composite order
The Composite order draws its name from the capital being a composite of the Ionic and Corinthian capitals. The acanthus of the Corinthian column already has a scroll-like element, so the distinction is sometimes subtle.
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