Grotesque
In architecture, a grotesque, also known as a chimera, or boss, is a fantastical or mythical figure used for ornamental purposes. Regional variations of the term include 'hunky punk' and 'onigawara'.
In common parlance, they are referred to as gargoyles, although the strict architectural usage of that term refers to those features that also serve as a waterspout.
The word is derived from grotteschi, the Italian term for the Roman grottoes that contained such decorations. They were revived as an ornamental feature in the Renaissance and became popular throughout Europe, being used most frequently in the decoration of frescoes.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
IHBC NewsBlog
IHBC South Branch Conference - Yearning for Timelessness
The conference on October 26 will look at ‘Modern architecture in historic settings’ with expert talks and site visits offering top-notch CPD with exceptional settings.
Don’t forget your free IHBC CPD & more for members and colleagues: 27 Oct, Edinburgh (Book ahead for free entry) with IHBC Scotland.
Topical CPD focusing on curtilage
IHBC East Midlands branch will be hosting an afternoon with Charles Mynors, the leading authority on heritage law, on Friday 9 November in the Lincoln City Council Chamber.
IHBC Belfast School Context now out
‘Our shared heritage’, with thanks to all, including Main School Sponsor and HESPR member ‘Heritage Collective’.
Lincolnshire local authority’s ‘national first’ offers a new approach to Conservation Area controls – two Article 4 Directions with a Local Development Order (LDO).
IHBC’s Policy Chair Roy Lewis notes the award of costs against Lambeth Council in a recent appeal which emphasises the importance of doing site visits!
IHBC - VAT reminder - LPOC Campaign 10K target signatures
Sign the LPOC’s petition to the Chancellor if you agree with the IHBC, that ‘…it is perverse that repairs should be subject to VAT when new development is not’.
IHBC HESPR top pick from £205K+ costed work this week
Braintree DC seeks Conservation Area Appraisals – closing 26/10, valued £10-25,000.
COTAC, the Council on Training in Architectural Conservation, seeks trustees with notes of interest by 15 November.
FMB says MAC recommendations would cripple construction
The Migration Advisory Committee’s recommendations for new immigration policy post-Brexit, would cripple the construction industry, says Federation of Master Builders.
New government investment aimed at overcoming barriers to building in England
Government has established investment to tackle issues on potential housing sites and get homes built in parts of England where they may be most needed.
IHBC Heritage from the doorstep
The Evening Standard has reported that an architect has been ordered to tear down award winning £4.65m home in Clerkenwell.
HE National Capacity Building Programme launched – closing 4/11
Historic England has launched the programme for projects running for 1 year max with a deadline for submitting grant applications 4/11/18 and funding to begin from 1/04/19.
Planning (Scotland) Bill – Briefing by BEFS
Built Environment Forum Scotland (BEFS) has issued a briefing on the Planning (Scotland) Bill.
England’s youngest Civic Society chair elected to Birmingham Civic Society
26 year old Amelia Ladbrooke has been elected as the chair of Birmingham Civic Society, and is the youngest ever Civic Society chair in England.
Ulster Architectural Heritage (UAH) and Food NI invite you to BAKE A BUILDING for the Big Building Bake Off at St. George’s Market, 29 October 12-3pm.