Once, many, many years ago, cornices, pilasters and keystones were an integral part of almost all cultural buildings. However, over the years, architectural styles have significantly changed their direction. But, as you know, fashion eventually returns. And so it happened. At the moment, the pilaster is one of the most presentable and beautiful decorations in the facade design of buildings. What is he? Let's find out.
Back to basics
A pilaster is a vertical protrusion of the wall of a house, which often has a capital and a base, thereby conventionally depicting the appearance of a column that stretches from the very bottom to the top of the building. Blades differ from pilasters just by the presence of a vertical protrusion, which, as a rule, has a flat shape. And such architectural structures (blades) have neither a base nor a capital.
Pilasters in the interior and facade design of premises have appeared since the time of Ancient Greece, after which they began to be widely used in almost all European countries. And even in the era of technological progress, along with hi-tech, this classic retains its leading position. However, there was a time when the popularity of pilasters fell, again they were revived on buildings only during the early Renaissance. And they were brought back into fashion by Leon Battista Alberti, one of the most famous art theorists of the Renaissance.
Shape
By their design, corner pilasters can have a wide variety of shapes. It can be a flat design, and a rectangular one, and a column without thickening downwards. It is also worth noting that the pilaster is one of the few architectural protrusions that have an indefinite length. They can stretch along the entire height of the building, whether it is a one-story building or a multi-story building.
Functional focus
The main function that the pilaster performs is decorative, since it does not bring any significant changes in the technical part.
Applications
It is worth noting that pilasters can have several options for shapes and designs, as a result of which they are used in a wide variety of buildings and premises. It can be an architectural decoration between the floors of the facade or some kind of dividing strip with beautiful patterns. In addition, the pilaster can be seen on many old houses from the side of the front doors (especially on the sides). They also perfectly complement and complete the interior of the building in the corners, thus making the edges of the walls more voluminous.