What is a pilaster in the context of architecture?

In architecture, a pilaster is an architectural element that can function either as a load-bearing section of a thickened wall or column integrated into a wall, or as a purely decorative element in classical architecture that gives the appearance of a supporting column and articulates an extent of wall.

How does a pilaster function as a decorative architectural element?

When used ornamentally in classical architecture, a pilaster is defined as a flattened column that has lost its three-dimensional and tactile value, typically consisting of a flat surface raised from the main wall surface, usually treated as though it were a column with a capital at the top and a plinth at the bottom.

What is the key difference between a pilaster and an engaged column or buttress?

While a pilaster primarily serves as a decorative element or a thickened wall section, an engaged column or a buttress is capable of actively supporting the structure of a wall and the roof load above it.

According to Rudolf Wittkower, what is the significance of the pilaster in architectural history?

Rudolf Wittkower noted that Leon Battista Alberti, who reintroduced pilasters into wall-architecture, viewed the pilaster as the logical transformation of the column specifically adapted for the decoration of a wall.

What are the typical components of a classical pilaster?

A classical pilaster generally includes a capital at the top and a plinth (base) at the bottom, similar to a column. It also typically features an entablature and is presented in low relief or flattened against the wall.

Does a pilaster usually exhibit entasis, unlike a classical column?

Generally, a pilaster is usually devoid of entasis, which is the slight outward curve found in the shaft of a classical column to correct optical illusions. Pilasters typically maintain a straight profile.

In what common locations are pilasters found on a building's facade?

Pilasters frequently appear on the sides of door frames or window openings on a building's facade. They can also be used to support structures like porticos or recessed archivolts around doorways.

What is a 'canton' in the context of pilaster terminology?

A canton is the term used when a pilaster is situated at the corner intersection of two walls.

Can pilasters have different surface treatments, similar to columns?

Yes, similar to columns, a pilaster can have a plain or fluted surface, allowing for variations in its appearance and style.

Which architectural periods and styles have prominently featured pilasters?

Pilasters have been used across various architectural styles. Renaissance and Baroque architects employed a range of pilaster forms, and they are also characteristic of the giant order, where they span multiple stories. The fashion for pilasters was adopted from ancient Greek and Roman architecture and later gained popularity in styles like Greek Revival.

From which ancient architectural traditions did the use of pilasters originate?

The practice of using pilasters as a decorative architectural element originated from ancient Greek and Roman architecture.

How did the popularity of pilasters evolve through subsequent architectural movements?

After their origins in ancient Greece and Rome, the use of pilasters was adopted during the Italian Renaissance, experienced a resurgence with Greek Revival architecture, and continues to be seen in some forms of modern architecture.

What does the introductory image depict regarding pilasters?

The introductory image shows two decorative Corinthian pilasters located within the Church of Saint-Sulpice in Paris.

What are the pilaster fragments shown in the first gallery image?

The first gallery image displays two fragments of French pilasters, crafted from oak, which are part of the collection at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City.

What do the illustrations in the second gallery image represent?

The second gallery image features illustrations of Ionic pilasters from Germany, notable for their capitals adorned with festoons, and these are also housed in the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum.

What type of pilasters are illustrated in the third gallery image?

The third gallery image presents illustrations of Corinthian pilasters originating from Germany, also held within the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum.

What does the fourth gallery image showcase?

The fourth gallery image depicts a portion of a Renaissance Corinthian pilaster that belongs to the Hôtel du Vieux-Raisin in Toulouse, France.

Where is the pilaster shown in the fifth gallery image located, and what styles does it represent?

The pilaster featured in the fifth gallery image is located in Strasbourg, France, and it exemplifies both Renaissance and Louis XIV architectural styles concurrently.

What architectural feature is depicted in the sixth gallery image, and where is it found?

The sixth gallery image illustrates a pair of pilasters that flank a doorway in Lyon, France.

What does the seventh gallery image show regarding pilasters?

The seventh gallery image displays two pilasters located in Lviv, Ukraine.

What specific part of a Doric pilaster is highlighted in the eighth gallery image?

The eighth gallery image focuses on the capital of a Doric pilaster that can be found in Lviv.

What is depicted in the ninth gallery image, and where is it from?

The ninth gallery image shows the Corinthianesque capital of a pilaster originating from Grottaferrata, Italy.

What architectural order and style are represented by the pilasters in the tenth gallery image?

The tenth gallery image features a colossal order composed of Composite pilasters, which adorn the first and second floors of a 19th-century building at 8 avenue de l'Opéra in Paris.

What type of pilasters are shown flanking a door in the eleventh gallery image, and where is this located?

The eleventh gallery image displays two pairs of Ionic pilasters positioned on either side of a door in Paris.

What is depicted in the twelfth gallery image, and where is it located?

The twelfth gallery image shows a pair of Doric pilasters flanking a door in Montpellier, France.

What does the thirteenth gallery image showcase, and where is it situated?

The thirteenth gallery image presents a pair of Doric pilasters flanking a door in Enkhuizen, located in the Netherlands.

What architectural style and element are featured in the fourteenth gallery image, and where is it located?

The fourteenth gallery image highlights Corinthian pilasters that decorate a house built in 1663 in Workum, the Netherlands.

What type of pilasters are visible on the Jesuit Church in Sibiu, Romania, as shown in the fifteenth gallery image?

The fifteenth gallery image shows Doric pilasters adorning the Jesuit Church in Sibiu, which is situated in Transylvania, Romania.

What unique style of pilaster is featured in the sixteenth gallery image, and where is it located?

The sixteenth gallery image displays an Egyptian Revival hathoric pilaster located on the Foire du Caire building in Paris.

What is a 'pilaster strip' in architectural terms?

A pilaster strip is a term used to describe a section of pilaster that lacks a capital but retains its fluting, which helps visually connect it to the concept of a column.

What is the primary distinction of a pilaster strip compared to a standard pilaster?

The main difference is that a pilaster strip specifically refers to a pilaster that is missing its capital, whereas a typical pilaster includes a capital as part of its design.

What related architectural terms are listed in the 'See also' section?

The 'See also' section lists related architectural concepts such as Glossary of architecture, Classical order, Lesene, and Post and lintel.

What information is typically found in the 'Notes' section of this article?

The 'Notes' section contains citations and references that support the information presented in the article, including specific definitions or details from cited sources.

What is the purpose of the 'Sources' section?

The 'Sources' section provides bibliographic details for the books and articles consulted in the creation of the article, offering avenues for further research.

What external resources are linked from the article on pilasters?

The article includes links to Wiktionary for a definition of 'pilaster' and to Wikimedia Commons for related media files concerning pilasters.

What is the function of the Navbox included at the end of the article?

The Navbox serves as a navigational aid, listing various classical orders of architecture (like Doric, Ionic, Corinthian) and other related architectural elements and concepts such as Caryatids, Colonnades, and Engaged columns.

How did Leon Battista Alberti contribute to the use of pilasters in architecture?

Leon Battista Alberti is credited with reintroducing pilasters into wall-architecture, adapting the classical column form for decorative purposes on walls.

What is meant by the 'giant order' in relation to pilasters?

In the context of the 'giant order,' pilasters are designed to be exceptionally tall, often spanning two or more stories of a building, thereby unifying the facade vertically.

Can pilasters be used in conjunction with other architectural elements to support structures?

Yes, pilasters can be paired with columns or pillars that stand in front of them to support roof structures, such as those found in a portico.

What role can pilasters play in supporting arched structures?

Pilasters can be employed to support a recessed archivolt, which is the curved structure forming the inner face of an arch or vault.

What alternative element might replace a pilaster in supporting an entablature or balcony?

Ornamental brackets can sometimes be used in place of pilasters to support an entablature or a balcony situated above a doorway.

How has the application of pilasters evolved from ancient times to modern architecture?

The use of pilasters, originating in ancient Greek and Roman architecture, was adopted during the Italian Renaissance, gained prominence again with Greek Revival architecture, and continues to be incorporated into contemporary building designs.

What is the definition of a pilaster when it serves as a load-bearing element?

When functioning as a load-bearing element, a pilaster is a structural component utilized where a thickened section of wall or a column integrated into the wall is required to carry a structural load.

What does the term 'Classical architecture' imply about the function of a pilaster?

In Classical architecture, a pilaster is often employed as a decorative feature that simulates the appearance of a supporting column, serving to define and articulate sections of the wall surface.

What is the purpose of the 'Authority control databases' section in the article?

The 'Authority control databases' section provides standardized identifiers, such as the GND identifier, linking to external library and database catalogs to help uniquely identify and categorize the subject of the article, which is 'Pilaster'.

What specific style of pilaster is mentioned in relation to the Foire du Caire building in Paris?

The Foire du Caire building in Paris features an Egyptian Revival hathoric pilaster, which is inspired by ancient Egyptian architectural motifs.

How does a pilaster differ from a freestanding column in its integration with a wall?

A pilaster is integrated into or flattened against a wall, projecting only slightly, whereas a freestanding column is a separate, three-dimensional structure.

What does it mean for a pilaster to 'articulate an extent of wall'?

When a pilaster articulates an extent of wall, it means it visually breaks up or defines a particular section of the wall surface, often through its projection or decorative features, thereby emphasizing that part of the building's facade.

What are the two primary roles a pilaster can fulfill in architecture?

A pilaster can serve two primary roles: it can be a load-bearing structural element integrated into a wall, or it can be a purely decorative feature that mimics the appearance of a column.

What is the relationship between a pilaster's capital and its overall appearance?

The capital is the topmost decorative element of a pilaster, similar to that of a column, and it contributes significantly to the pilaster's classical appearance and style.

How did the Renaissance architects utilize pilasters?

Renaissance architects employed a variety of pilaster forms, integrating them into their designs as decorative elements that referenced classical antiquity while adapting them for wall decoration.

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Definition

Structural Element

In architecture, a pilaster serves as a load-bearing architectural element. It is characterized by a thickened section of wall or a column that is integrated directly into the wall structure. This design allows it to carry structural loads, contributing to the overall stability of the building.

Decorative Feature

Beyond its structural capacity, the pilaster is also a prominent decorative element, particularly in classical architecture. It is designed to give the visual impression of a supporting column, articulating and enhancing the surface of a wall. As an ornament, it presents a flattened profile, often retaining the visual characteristics of a column without its full three-dimensional form.

Distinction from Columns

While resembling a column, a pilaster is fundamentally integrated into the wall. Unlike an engaged column or a buttress, which can project significantly and bear substantial structural loads independently, a pilaster's primary role can be aesthetic, enhancing the wall's visual rhythm and classical proportions. Its flattened nature distinguishes it from a fully projecting column.

Classical Architecture

Alberti and Wittkower

Architectural historian Rudolf Wittkower noted that Leon Battista Alberti reintroduced the pilaster into wall architecture, describing it as "the logical transformation of the column for the decoration of a wall." This highlights the pilaster's role in adapting classical column forms for surface articulation.

Components and Proportions

In classical contexts, a pilaster typically features a capital at the top and a plinth or base at the bottom, mirroring the components of a column. It often adheres to the proportions of a specific architectural order (e.g., Doric, Ionic, Corinthian). However, unlike a true column, a pilaster usually lacks entasis (the slight outward curve in the shaft).

Architectural Applications

Pilasters are frequently employed to frame openings such as doorways and windows, providing visual emphasis. They can also be used in conjunction with columns, appearing set back from freestanding columns that support overhead structures like porticos. Additionally, pilasters can support recessed elements like archivolts or serve as a base for decorative brackets.

The Canton

Corner Element

When a pilaster is positioned at the intersection of two walls, specifically at a corner, it is referred to as a canton. This architectural term denotes a pilaster that integrates into the corner structure, providing both visual definition and potential structural reinforcement at this critical junction.

Styles and Evolution

Renaissance and Baroque

During the Renaissance and Baroque periods, architects extensively utilized pilasters, often adapting them with varied forms and ornamentation. They were employed to create visual continuity across multiple stories, particularly in the concept of the "giant order," where pilasters span two or more levels.

Historical Adoption

The use of pilasters, drawing inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman architecture, saw a resurgence during the Italian Renaissance. This trend continued through subsequent architectural movements, including the Greek Revival, and remains a feature in various forms of modern architecture, demonstrating its enduring aesthetic appeal.

Surface Treatment

Similar to columns, pilasters can feature plain or fluted surfaces, reflecting different architectural styles and preferences. The decorative treatment of the pilaster's shaft and capital allows for significant stylistic variation, adapting classical principles to diverse design contexts.

Illustrative Examples

France

Church of Saint-Sulpice, Paris: Features decorative Corinthian pilasters.

Hôtel du Vieux-Raisin, Toulouse: Displays a Renaissance Corinthian pilaster.

Strasbourg: Examples exhibit Renaissance and Louis XIV styles.

Lyon: Pairs of pilasters flanking doorways.

Paris (8 avenue de l'Opéra): Colossal order Composite pilasters spanning multiple floors.

Paris (1 Rue St. Dominique): Pairs of Ionic pilasters framing a door.

Montpellier (Hôtel de Castries): Doric pilasters flanking a doorway.

United Kingdom

Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum (New York City): Houses fragments of French pilasters made of oak.

Netherlands

Enkhuizen: Doric pilasters adorn a doorway.

Workum: A house from 1663 features Corinthian pilasters.

Romania

Sibiu (Jesuit Church): Doric pilasters are visible.

Ukraine

Lviv: Examples include Doric pilaster capitals and general pilaster forms.

Germany

Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum: Contains illustrations of Ionic pilasters with festoons and Corinthian pilasters.

Italy

Grottaferrata: Features a Corinthianesque capital of a pilaster.

Egypt (Revival)

Paris (2 Place du Caire): An Egyptian Revival hathoric pilaster is present on the Foire du Caire building.

Related Concepts

Architectural Terminology

Understanding pilasters involves familiarity with related architectural terms and elements:

Glossary of Architecture: Comprehensive definitions of architectural terms.
Classical Order: The system of proportions and styles (Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, etc.).
Lesene: A similar, often simpler, vertical architectural element, sometimes considered a precursor or variant.
Post and Lintel: The fundamental structural system of vertical supports (posts) and horizontal beams (lintels).
Capital: The uppermost part of a column or pilaster.
Plinth: The base or platform upon which a column or pilaster rests.
Entablature: The horizontal structure above columns or pilasters, comprising the architrave, frieze, and cornice.

Notes

Scholarly References

Detailed citations and discussions regarding pilasters are found in architectural scholarship:

A pilaster strip is a term used for a pilaster section lacking a capital, identified solely by its fluting.
Drysdale & Hamid (2005) discuss columns and pilasters within the context of masonry structures.
Rudolf Wittkower's analysis in the Journal of the Warburg and Courtauld Institutes explores Alberti's architectural theories concerning pilasters.
Francis D. K. Ching's "A Visual Dictionary of Architecture" provides definitions for terms like 'canton'.
Mark Jarzombek's article "Pilaster Play" in Thresholds examines the architectural use and evolution of pilasters.

Sources

Primary References

Lewis, Philippa, and Gillian Darley (1986). Dictionary of Ornament. New York: Pantheon.
Drysdale, Robert G.; Hamid, Ahmad A. (2005). "Columns and Pilasters". In Masonry Structures Behaviour and Design. pp. 429–452. ISBN 978-0-9737209-0-7.
Wittkower, Rudolf (1940). "Alberti's Approach to Antiquity in Architecture". Journal of the Warburg and Courtauld Institutes. 4 (1/2): 3.
Ching, Francis D. K. (1995). A Visual Dictionary of Architecture. Van Nostrand Reinhold Company. ISBN 0-442-02462-2.
Jarzombek, Mark. "Pilaster Play". Thresholds, 28 (Winter 2005): 34–41.

External Resources

Wiktionary

For definitions and etymology, consult the Wiktionary entry for 'pilaster'.

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Wikimedia Commons

Explore a collection of images and media related to pilasters.

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References

A useful phrase to identify a section of pilaster without a capital, with only its fluting to identify its relation to a column, is "pilaster strip".

A full list of references for this article are available at the Pilaster Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data, primarily the Wikipedia article on Pilasters, and may not be exhaustive or reflect the most current academic discourse.

This is not architectural advice. The information provided herein is not a substitute for professional architectural consultation, design services, or structural analysis. Always consult with qualified architects, engineers, and preservation specialists for specific projects or concerns related to architectural elements and historical structures.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided.

The Pilaster

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Definition 🏛️

🧱 Structural Element

🎨 Decorative Feature

⚖️ Distinction from Columns

Classical Architecture 🏛️

📜 Alberti and Wittkower

📐 Components and Proportions

🚪 Architectural Applications

The Canton 📐

📍 Corner Element

Styles and Evolution 📜

🏛️ Renaissance and Baroque

🌍 Historical Adoption

🎨 Surface Treatment

Illustrative Examples 🖼️

🇫🇷 France

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

🇳🇱 Netherlands

🇷🇴 Romania

🇺🇦 Ukraine

🇩🇪 Germany

🇮🇹 Italy

🇪🇬 Egypt (Revival)

Related Concepts 🔗

📚 Architectural Terminology

Notes 📝

📌 Scholarly References

Sources 📚

📖 Primary References

External Resources 🌐

📖 Wiktionary

🖼️ Wikimedia Commons

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Definition

Structural Element

Decorative Feature

Distinction from Columns

Classical Architecture

Alberti and Wittkower

Components and Proportions

Architectural Applications

The Canton

Corner Element

Styles and Evolution

Renaissance and Baroque

Historical Adoption

Surface Treatment

Illustrative Examples

France

United Kingdom

Netherlands

Romania

Ukraine

Germany

Italy

Egypt (Revival)

Related Concepts

Architectural Terminology

Notes

Scholarly References

Sources

Primary References

External Resources

Wiktionary

Wikimedia Commons

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice