Column

National Capitol Columns - Washington, D.C.

Riskdagen Eduskunta Helsingfors (2)

Monument Gordon 02

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Persepolis Colonne flandin

Column refers to a structural element that transmits, through compression, the weight of the structure above to other structural elements below. In other words, a column is a compression member. The term column applies especially to a large round support (the shaft of the column) with a capital and a base or pedestal, which is made of stone, or appearing to be so. A small wooden or metal support is typically called a post, and supports with a rectangular or other non-round section are usually called pillars. However, many references interchangeably use these terms.

Design and Structure

Columns are frequently used to support beams or arches on which the upper parts of walls or ceilings rest. In architecture, "column" refers to such a structural element that also has certain proportional and decorative features. A column might also be a decorative element not needed for structural purposes; many columns are "engaged", that is, part of a wall.

Types of Columns

Columns can be classified according to their structural type, materials, or decorative styles:

• Doric Columns: One of the simplest and earliest types, characterized by a plain capital and a fluted shaft.
• Ionic Columns: Recognizable by the scroll-shaped ornaments at the capital, with a taller and more slender shaft than the Doric style.
• Corinthian Columns: Known for their ornate capitals, decorated with acanthus leaves and scrolls.
• Composite Columns: A combination of Ionic and Corinthian styles, with a capital that includes both scrolls and acanthus leaves.
• Tuscan Columns: A variant of the Doric column, but with an unfluted shaft and a simpler base and capital.
• Solomonic Columns: A twisted shaft that expands in a helical manner, often used in Baroque architecture.

Materials

Columns have been constructed out of a wide variety of materials throughout history, including stone (marble, granite), wood, metal (bronze, steel), and concrete. The choice of material depends on both the aesthetic desired and the structural requirements.

Construction and Engineering

In modern construction, columns are often used to support beams or floors and are designed according to the principles of structural engineering. The strength of a column is determined by its height, material, and cross-sectional area. Engineers use various formulas to calculate the load-bearing capacity of columns, taking into account factors such as buckling, which is the sudden failure of a column under load.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Columns have played a significant role in the architecture of many cultures, including Ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman civilizations. They not only serve a practical purpose but are also imbued with symbolic meanings, often representing strength, stability, and sometimes the divine.

See Also

• Architecture
• Structural Engineering
• Classical Order
• Pillar
• Post (structural)

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