Columns

Definition

Columns are vertical structural elements that help support buildings and are often decorative features in architecture. They serve both functional and aesthetic purposes, providing stability while also contributing to the overall style of a structure. Columns can be found in various architectural orders, each with distinct characteristics, and they play a crucial role in defining the space and proportions of different architectural styles.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Columns can be categorized into several architectural orders, including Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian, each with unique design elements and proportions.
2. In ancient Egypt, columns were often used in temples and tombs, featuring elaborate carvings and hieroglyphics that conveyed cultural and religious significance.
3. Greek Revival architecture prominently featured columns as a symbol of democracy and ancient Greek culture, emphasizing their role in public buildings.
4. Neoclassical government buildings adopted classical column designs to evoke feelings of stability and tradition, aligning with Enlightenment ideals.
5. Columns not only provide structural support but also influence the visual perception of a building's height and grandeur through their scale and placement.

Review Questions

• How do different architectural orders influence the design of columns in historical contexts?
  • Different architectural orders such as Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian significantly influence column design by providing distinct styles that reflect cultural values and aesthetics. The Doric Order's simplicity symbolizes strength and functionality, while the more ornate Ionic and Corinthian styles add elegance and decoration. Each order serves specific purposes in historical contexts, from religious buildings to civic structures, emphasizing the role of columns in expressing cultural identity.
• Discuss the impact of column design on the aesthetics of Neoclassical government buildings.
  • Column design plays a crucial role in the aesthetics of Neoclassical government buildings by evoking classical ideals of beauty, order, and democracy. The use of grand columns creates an imposing façade that communicates authority and stability. Architects strategically incorporated elements like symmetry and proportion associated with classical architecture to instill civic pride and reflect Enlightenment principles in these structures.
• Evaluate how the use of columns in hypostyle halls influenced later architectural developments in Greek Revival and Neoclassical styles.
  • The use of columns in hypostyle halls laid the groundwork for later architectural developments in Greek Revival and Neoclassical styles by establishing a framework for large open spaces supported by columnar structures. This approach allowed for grand interior volumes that influenced the design of public buildings in these movements. As architects drew inspiration from ancient examples, they adapted column designs to create monumental spaces that conveyed power and unity within civic architecture.

Related terms

Doric Order: The Doric Order is the oldest of the classical orders of architecture, characterized by its sturdy columns with simple, rounded capitals and no base.

Column Capital: The top part of a column that serves as a transition from the column shaft to the structure above; capitals can vary widely in design and style.

Entablature: An entablature is a horizontal structure supported by columns, consisting of three main sections: architrave, frieze, and cornice.