Column: Difference between revisions

[[File:Riskdagen Eduskunta Helsingfors (2).jpg|thumb|right|upright=1|Columns of the [[Parliament House, Helsinki|Parliament House]] in [[Helsinki]], [[Finland]]]]

[[File:Monument Gordon 02.JPG|thumb|right|upright=1|Column of the [[Gordon Monument]] in [[Waterloo, Belgium|Waterloo]].]]

A '''column''' or '''pillar''' in [[architecture]] and [[structural engineering]] is a structural element that transmits, through [[compression (physical)|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 (architecture)|capital]] and a base or [[pedestal]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/column?show=0&t=1355360075 |title=Column - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary |publisher=Merriam-webster.com |date=2012-08-31 |access-date=2013-07-04 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004235839/http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/column?show=0&t=1355360075 |archive-date=2013-10-04 }}</ref> which is made of stone, or appearing to be so. A small wooden or metal support is typically called a ''[[Post (structural)|post]]''. Supports with a rectangular or other non-round section are usually called ''[[pier (architecture)|piers]]''.

For the purpose of [[wind engineering|wind]] or [[earthquake engineering]], columns may be designed to resist lateral forces. Other compression members are often termed "columns" because of the similar stress conditions. Columns are frequently used to support [[Beam (structure)|beam]]s or [[arch]]es 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. These beautiful columns are available in a broad selection of styles and designs in round tapered, round straight, or square shaft styles.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-01-19 |title=Architectural Columns by Melton Classics {{!}} Call 800-963-3060 |url=https://meltonclassics.com/products/columns/ |access-date=2024-06-11 |website=Melton Classics Incorporated {{!}} Hand Crafted, Classically Inspired Architectural Columns, Balustrades & Details |language=en}}</ref> A column might also be a decorative element not needed for structural purposes; many columns are [[Engaged column|engaged]], that is to say form part of a wall. A long sequence of columns joined by an [[entablature]] is known as a [[colonnade]].

The [[Minoans]] used whole tree-trunks, usually turned upside down in order to prevent re-growth{{Dubious|date=January 2024}}, stood on a base set in the stylobate (floor base) and topped by a simple round capital. These were then painted as in the most famous [[Minoan palace]] of [[Knossos]]. The Minoans employed columns to create large open-plan spaces, light-wells and as a focal point for religious rituals.

These traditions were continued by the later [[Mycenaean civilization]], particularly in the megaron or hall at the heart of their palaces. The importance of columns and their reference to palaces and therefore authority is evidenced in their use in heraldic motifs such as the famous lion-gate of [[Mycenae]] where two lions stand each side of a column. Being made of wood these early columns have not survived, but their stone bases have and through these we may see their use and arrangement in these palace buildings.

The Egyptians, Persians and other civilizations mostly used columns for the practical purpose of holding up the roof inside a building, preferring outside walls to be decorated with [[relief]]s or painting, but the Ancient Greeks, followed by the Romans, loved to use them on the outside as well, and the extensive use of columns on the interior and exterior of buildings is one of the most characteristic features of classical architecture, in buildings like the [[Parthenon]].  The Greeks developed the [[#Classical orders|classical orders]] of architecture, which are most easily distinguished by the form of the column and its various elements.  Their [[Doric order|Doric]], [[Ionic order|Ionic]], and [[Corinthian order|Corinthian]] orders were expanded by the Romans to include the [[Tuscan order|Tuscan]] and [[Composite order|Composite]] orders.

Some of the most elaborate columns in the ancient world were those of the [[Persia]]ns, especially the massive stone columns erected in [[Persepolis]]. They included double-bull structures in their [[Capital (architecture)|capitals]]. [[Apadana|The Hall of Hundred Columns]] at Persepolis, measuring 70&nbsp;× 70 metres, was built by the [[Achaemenid]] king [[Darius the Great of Persia|Darius I]] (524–486 BC). Many of the ancient [[Persian column]]s are standing, some being more than 30 metres tall.{{citation needed|date=July 2010}} Tall columns with bull's head capitals were used for porticoes and to support the roofs of the hypostyle hall, partly inspired by the ancient Egyptian precedent. Since the columns carried timber beams rather than stone, they could be taller, slimmer and more widely spaced than Egyptian ones.

The Corinthian order is named for the Greek [[city-state]] of [[Corinth, Greece|Corinth]], to which it was connected in the period.  However, according to the architectural historian [[Vitruvius]], the column was created by the sculptor [[Callimachus (sculptor)|Callimachus]], probably an [[Athens|Athenian]], who drew [[Acanthus (genus)|acanthus]] leaves growing around a votive basket. In fact, the oldest known Corinthian capital was found in [[Bassae]], dated at 427 BC. It is sometimes called the feminine order because it is on the top level of the Colosseum and holding up the least weight, and also has the slenderest ratio of thickness to height. Height to width ratio is about 10:1.

File:Construction of Sigismund Column.JPG|Construction of [[Sigismund's Column]] in [[Warsaw]], detail of the 1646 engraving.