Pediment
In classical, neoclassical and baroque architecture, a pediment is the triangular gable that forms the end of a pitched roof. It is placed above the horizontal entablature which is typically supported by columns. It is also sometimes seen as the top element of a portico.
In classical Greek temples, the pediment was the crowning feature of the front elevation, with the tympanum (the area within the pediment) being decorated with relief sculptures depicting mythological figures and scenes.
The Romans later adapted the pediment as a decorative finish for doors, windows and niches.
There are a number of variations of the traditional pediment:
- The segmental or arch form in which the angular slopes of the cornice are replaced by a circle segment.
- The broken pediment in which the raking cornice is left open at the apex.
- The open pediment in Georgian architecture, in which the pediment is open along the base.
- The ‘swan-necked pediment’, where the raking cornice takes the form of two S-shaped brackets facing one another.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Architectural styles.
- Architrave.
- Barrel vault.
- Bas-relief.
- Classical orders in architecture.
- Cornice.
- Cornice coving and architrave definitions.
- Elements of classical columns.
- Entablature.
- Flying buttress.
- Frieze.
- Gable.
- Moulding.
- Pedestal.
- Pendentive dome.
- Pilaster.
- Pinnacle.
- Soffit.
- Trompe l’oeil.
- Tympanum.
[edit] External references
IHBC NewsBlog
IHBC offers sympathies to Paris on Notre Dame fire, as scale of damage under review
With the assessment of the scale of the fire damage to Notre Dame and its causes still ongoing, the IHBC offers its sympathies to the people of France, Europe and to the world.
Planning approval for restoration of historic border bridge, writes The Berwick Advertiser
Plans to ‘take apart and rebuild’ a historic bridge linking England and Scotland have been approved by Northumberland County Council and its Scottish counterpart.
New House of Commons Library Note on VAT and Churches: from reforms to grants
The House of Commons Library has issued a new Briefing Note that examines how construction work for churches is treated for VAT in the UK.
Norwich Anglia Square: Government calls in tower block plan
An inquiry will decide on a £250m redevelopment of a shopping complex, including 1,250 new homes, after plans were called in by the government.
Dudley council to undertake Unite’s pioneering construction charter
Dudley Council signing up to Unite’s construction charter, a pioneering agreement to ensure that working conditions and building standards on construction projects under the control of the council meet the highest standards.
Historic England’s new guidance on piling reported to engineers
Ground Engineering News has updated readers on Historic England’s (HE) publication of its guidance on piling.
Big Ben's iconic clock face restored to original blue colour
Big Ben's famous clock face has been unveiled in its new blue colour following more than a year of restoration.
Heads of Planning Scotland (HOPS): ‘Planning Bill Could Break the System’
Heads of Planning Scotland (HOPS), who represent officials running planning authorities across the country, has warned that the scale of new responsibilities to be introduced in the Planning Bill could break the back of an already under-resourced system.
Historic England launches new heritage apprenticeships
Historic England (HE) has launched new apprenticeships intended to meet the demand for skilled professionals around the country.
IHBC Tech Panel lead Prof John Edwards has made the case to members of the CIOB that Conservation is driving quality in construction.
Prince Charles: Future of built heritage could be endangered by traditional skills shortage
The Prince of Wales stated that the future of Britain’s built heritage could be endangered by the threat to traditional building craft skills, so a programme within the Prince’s Foundation was aimed at supporting them.
The Iron Bridge reopens to the public following £3.6 Million Project
English Heritage's £3.6 million conservation project to repair and restore the Iron Bridge in Shropshire has been completed and it is now open to the public.