What is a capital in architecture? What are the types of capitals?
Few people are interested in the eras of the past today, but in architecture there are many reminders of the heyday of ancient Greece and the centuries of the Renaissance, in particular - different kinds capitals used in columns and pilasters.
What types of capitals are there?
Modern planning does not exclude such architectural delights as columns, semi-columns and pilasters. It is quite possible to replace the partition first, especially if these supporting elements are placed in pairs, and between them there is a place for a beautiful screen. As for half-columns, they are installed only near walls and can be used as buttresses, significantly increasing the reliability of the building. Pilasters are only decoration and are mounted on walls for decorative purposes.
Moreover, any of the listed architectural elements is equipped with a capital, that is, a top, the shape of which depends on the style. Based on the type of pattern, there are Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, Tuscan and complex capital designs. They all look completely different, with the first three orders listed being Ancient Greece. The Ionic version has symmetrically arranged spiral volutes, as the elements of the ornament are called. Dorics are distinguished by their simplicity; they usually have virtually no ornament, only symmetrically located protrusions and grooves.
The Corinthian style, on the contrary, is usually oversaturated with sculptural images of acanthus leaves and flowers. Tuscan style belongs Ancient Rome and in severity it is very reminiscent of Doric. Complex types of column capitals, as the name implies, have a very complex ornament; as a rule, there are up to 16 leaves. In the past, columns were hewn out of stone entirely or assembled from three parts (base, trunk and capital) without any fastening mortars.
Today, the fust or, in other words, the body of the column combines several parts. And since the supporting elements are produced, for the most part, in the form of castings, each segment is made up of two vertical halves. At the same time, very often during assembly, reinforcement of the capitals of columns is used, especially at the junction with the fust and abacus. If the capital is fractured to increase stability under high loads, reinforcement of the structure is not required. 10 mm rods are used as reinforcing elements, located in the corners and middle of the sides of the capitals.
How to install a pilaster with a capital?
Modern industry produces a variety of polymer columns and pilasters intended for home decoration. They consist of several parts that are assembled according to a certain pattern, and, it would seem, there is nothing complicated in installation. However, it is very important to know how to properly attach each part of the pilaster, as well as the capital, to the wall. Next you can familiarize yourself with detailed diagram assemblies.
Installation of a pilaster with a capital - step-by-step diagram
Step 1: Adjusting the pilaster to the height of the wall
It was already mentioned earlier that pilasters today are produced in the form of several separate segments, which can number two or more. Based on the height of the wall, taking into account the fact that the top may be finished with a ceiling border, and there is a plinth below, we determine the total length of the pilaster with the capital, after which we assemble the fust from the required number of parts. Each part must be processed along the end, giving it an angle of 90 degrees to the decorative surface.
Step 2: Marking for installation of pilasters
Having chosen the place where the pilaster will be located, we draw a vertical line to fit along it the edges of all parts of the decorative wall stand. We determine the order of the parts, after which we take the lowest one, smear its back side with glue and apply it to the wall according to the markings made earlier.
For fixation, it is best to use liquid nails.
Step 3: Assembling the pilaster parts end-to-end
Next, take the next part, cover its back and lower end plane with glue, which can be applied with a winding dotted line, covering as much as possible large area. We attach the next part to the previous one tightly end-to-end so that the flutes, as the vertical grooves on the body of the pilaster are called, coincide at the point of connection of the two parts. We apply a rule to ensure that the parts are located on the same plane.
Step 4: Installation of the capital and safety fixation of the pilaster parts
If the ceilings are high, if necessary, we glue another part of the fust, after which we attach the capital in the described way.
After making sure that the assembly is smooth, we fix all the parts to the wall with screws to prevent the pilaster from moving away from the wall until the glue dries completely.
Step 5: Processing the Joints
After the glue has completely set, you can remove the screws from the pilaster. It is advisable to cover the holes from the screws, as well as the joints, with putty.
If the joints are almost invisible, it is better to first hide them under a layer, which should match the tone of the pilaster.
Step 6: Installation of ornamental overlays
If there are smooth areas on the surface of the pilaster, they can be decorated with decorative panels.
Ornamental elements, which are often included in the kit, are smeared on the back with glue and applied to areas previously marked for them.
Step 7: Installation over the capital of the ceiling plinths
Pilasters are usually installed at the stage of finishing work when the ceiling borders have not yet been installed. This allows you to place the capital directly under the ceiling, or leave room for a plinth. Therefore, if borders along the top of the wall are still planned, the strictly required distance should be left under them. When the pilaster is firmly fixed with glue, you can begin installation, securing it with an adhesive solution to the upper end of the capital or its edge.
Coat the parts with acrylic
When the liquid acrylic has hardened, we begin painting the entire pilaster, while the decorative overlays can be highlighted in color, for example, gold or bronze.
How are pilasters and capitals used in the interior?
Despite the fact that pilasters and columns are not suitable for every style of room decoration, they can find a place in almost any house, and not necessarily inside, but, for example, to decorate the pediment and porch. For the most part, pilasters are used if the rooms are decorated in a classical or antique style. Also, the columns harmonize perfectly with the Gothic surroundings.
With the help of pilasters you can beautifully highlight openings between rooms; such decorative elements are also suitable for zoning a large space.
Columns and pilasters are made from travertine and marble, as well as from granite and artificial acrylic stone. However, polymer models are more popular, they are much lighter, which simplifies their transportation and installation. Pilasters can have different shapes, round or angular, and the visual change in the proportions of the room with the help of these decorative elements depends on the width of the product. Narrow models make the room visually taller, while wide ones give the interior a monumental feel.
Name "capital" comes from Latin "head, top", which corresponds to the actual location of this part. The capitals were not just a decoration for the column, but also took on the weight of the beams or ceilings, which increased the strength of the structure as a whole.
The capital consists of:
- echina - round profile pillow,
- abacus - the upper square plate.
Having appeared in ancient times, columnar orders formed into styles, which in turn provided the basis for the development modern features appearance of capitals and other details of the column.
The undoubted classics are Greek orders, including:
- Tuscany,
- Doric,
- ionic,
- Corinthian.
Doric order differs from others in its simplicity and conciseness; as a rule, Doric capitals consist of two parts - a rounded echinus and a rectangular abacus.
Ionic capital had specific decorative curls on the sides - volutes, and also its feature was a strip with an ornament - cymatium. Relief ornament - characteristic feature Ionic capitals, as well as scrollwork. This order embodies elegance and sophistication, lightness of form.
Bright line Corinthian order- capital in the form of a fruit or flower basket. The plant ornament repeated the features of burdock and acanthus leaves, and not only with front side, which can be considered a sign of the Corinthian order. We will not exaggerate if we say that this order is the brightest and most luxuriously decorated.
Tuscany- An ancient Roman version of the Greek Dorin order. The peculiarity of capitals of the Tuscan order is massiveness, visual heaviness of elements, and a minimum of decor.
The Romans also created composite order, taking as a basis the features of Ionic and Corinthian. Volutes of the Ionic order appeared on the Corinthian capital, as well as additional sculptural details.
Byzantine capital characterized by clear edges, integrity, and small size. From the point of view of aesthetics and technology, Byzantine capitals have no analogues. In Byzantium it was believed that creating a capital was like giving birth to a work of art. That is why Byzantine capitals are particularly luxurious.
Gothic capital was usually built on the territory Western Europe in the Middle Ages. The Gothic capital is easy to recognize - its upper part is decorated with rounded patterns and leaves. The overall tandem resembles a natural form on which ornamental plants are placed.
Modern capitals
Modern architectural art in no way denies classical columns with expressive capitals and reliable bases. Luxurious mansions are decorated with aristocratic columns, which emphasizes the taste and status of the inhabitants of the house.
Modern architects and designers often introduce such an element as a capital when building houses and designing interiors for them. Capitals usually decorate rooms and facades where there are columns. But there are also more interesting incarnations - for example, lighting fixtures in the form of capitals. In this case, they fulfill an exclusively aesthetic mission, giving the interior a touch of majesty and luxury.
ON THE Internet, sometimes you can come across the question - what is a capital in a door? Indeed, now many manufacturers have begun to decorate columns with this element (cash-in). It looks really very impressive, but the price is appropriate...
Definition
Capital – (architectural, in “Latin – caput”, translated as “head”), this is the upper part of the column, which is located on top and extends beyond its limits. In architecture, it had not only a decorative and purely practical meaning; its use increased the load that the support could withstand. Such solutions are applied with ancient egypt and Antiquity to this day.
In the door
Of course, guys, we are not in ancient Egypt. Nowadays there is a fashion for these capitals; in the modern world they have begun to decorate door trims. Thus, imitating columns or pilasters on which this part is attached on top. It looks very cool and rich.
Personally, I couldn’t resist and succumbed to this fashion trend. My doors are wooden; on the sides I installed exactly the same trim with columns, and an upper protruding part. Look at my photos.
Classic style, look great, especially on a white wall.
Material
Such columns are made from different materials. Often made of pressed paper, rarely made of wood. Again here is a photo, a small crop.
The capital itself is almost always made of wood, of course, cheap manufacturers also make it from pressed paper, but its processing will be difficult, it will not be given the same shape as a wooden one, therefore, as a rule, it will be flat and not very beautiful.
How to attach
The column itself is either nailed to a wooden box using small furniture nails, like mine.
Or inserted into a special phase. However, this is really rare; as a rule, such decorative cash is nailed or glued in 80% of cases.
The capital itself is firmly glued to the top part, it sits very firmly, I tried to tear it off, but it didn’t work.
Price
It should be noted that this pleasure is not cheap, one column costs from 2500 to 7000 rubles, at least I have never seen anything more expensive. Therefore, such a portal will cost you 2500 X 2 = 5000 rubles + the upper part (some call it “balcony”), another 3000 rubles for a total of 8000 rubles, per side. And if there are two sides, then cash only - 16,000 rubles, not including the door, frame, hinges and handle. These prices are at a minimum.
Now let's watch a short video of my doors.
Capitals in antiquity
The order is appearance column capitals. Types of orders - Ionic, Doric, Corinthian. Ionic is a symbol of a woman, Doric is a symbol of a man.
Classic capitals
Indo-Corinthian capitals
Byzantine and Gothic capitals
Renaissance and modern capitals
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See what “Capital (architecture)” is in other dictionaries:
capital (in architecture)- capital The upper expressive part of a column or pilaster, usually artistically processed in the form of a classical order or using national motifs [Terminological dictionary of construction in 12 languages (VNIIIS Gosstroy USSR)] ... ... Technical Translator's Guide
The word architecture is Latin in form (architectura), although it comes from the Greek roots αρχι and τεκτονική, which means the highest art of carpentry or construction. In this sense, the word architecture was given a very broad meaning; So,… …
This article or section needs revision. Please improve the article in accordance with the rules for writing articles... Wikipedia
Capital- (from Late Lat. capitellum head) in architecture, the plastically distinguished crowning part of a vertical support (pillar or column), transferring to it the load from the architrave and the parts of the building located above (or figuratively expressing this function, like, ... ... Architectural Dictionary
From its very foundation in the 1730s, Barnaul was built according to a single “regular” plan: the parallel, perpendicular arrangement of the streets gave rise to calling them lines, as in St. Petersburg. Professional architects... ... Wikipedia
- (architectural term) the upper, one way or another ornamented part of a column, pillar or pilaster, lying directly on the fust and serving as a transition from it to the architrave. The forms and ornamentation of stones are different in different architectural styles. Details... encyclopedic Dictionary F. Brockhaus and I.A. Efron
Contents 1 Ancient Greek temples 2 Column styles 3 Main periods of Greek architecture ... Wikipedia
The first great style of domed architecture in history, which existed throughout the vast territory under the rule of the Byzantine Empire, as well as in the sphere of its political and cultural influence. The period of active development of Byzantine architecture... Collier's Encyclopedia
Order (architecture)- Architectural orders: A Doric; B Ionic; In Corinthian; 1 cornice; 2 frieze; 3 architraves; 4 capital; 5 column trunk; 6 base. Architectural ORDER, a certain ratio of load-bearing (column with a capital, base, sometimes with a pedestal) and carried... ... Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary
This term has other meanings, see Column. Iron column in Delhi (IV-V centuries AD) Column (Greek ... Wikipedia
Capital in architectural orders
Used in many architectural styles dating back to ancient Egypt and antiquity. The capitals of Egyptian columns were usually decorated with stylized flowers or papyrus buds. There were also lotus-shaped capitals and columns with capitals in the shape of stylized palm leaves.
The capitals of the three classical orders have a characteristic, easily recognizable shape. The Doric capital (1 in the picture) is a simple round cushion-echin; at the Ionic capital (2) - two scroll-volutes are sculpted on the echinus; the Corinthian capital (3) is a tall bell-shaped piece decorated with scrolls of acanthus leaves. The composite capital is a synthesis of Ionic and Corinthian.
Capital in modern construction
In modern architecture, a capital is also a part of a monolithic, prefabricated or prefabricated-monolithic frame, resting on the body of a column and designed to absorb supporting moments from the overlying ceiling and reduce the risk of its destruction as a result of punching.
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Murat moved towards the translator and ordered to ask where the Russian troops were. One of the Russian people understood what was being asked of him, and several voices suddenly began to answer the translator. A French officer from the advance detachment rode up to Murat and reported that the gates to the fortress were sealed and that there was probably an ambush there.“Okay,” said Murat and, turning to one of the gentlemen of his retinue, he ordered four light guns to be brought forward and fired at the gate.
The artillery came out at a trot from behind the column following Murat and rode along the Arbat. Having descended to the end of Vzdvizhenka, the artillery stopped and lined up in the square. Several French officers controlled the cannons, positioning them, and looked into the Kremlin through a telescope.
The bell for Vespers was heard in the Kremlin, and this ringing confused the French. They assumed it was a call to arms. Several infantry soldiers ran to the Kutafyevsky Gate. There were logs and planks at the gate. Two rifle shots rang out from under the gate as soon as the officer and his team began to run up to them. The general standing at the cannons shouted command words to the officer, and the officer and the soldiers ran back.
Three more shots were heard from the gate.
One shot hit a French soldier in the leg, and a strange cry of a few voices was heard from behind the shields. On the faces of the French general, officers and soldiers at the same time, as if on command, the previous expression of gaiety and calm was replaced by a stubborn, concentrated expression of readiness to fight and suffer. For all of them, from the marshal to the last soldier, this place was not Vzdvizhenka, Mokhovaya, Kutafya and Trinity Gate, but this was a new area of a new field, probably a bloody battle. And everyone prepared for this battle. The screams from the gate died down. The guns were deployed. The artillerymen blew off the burnt blazers. The officer commanded “feu!” [fallen!], and two whistling sounds of tins were heard one after another. Buckshot bullets the stones of the gate, logs and shields crackled; and two clouds of smoke wavered in the square.
