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] Find out more
[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.
- Moulding.
- Pedestal.
- Pendentive dome.
- Pilaster.
- Pinnacle.
- Soffit.
- Trompe l’oeil.
- Tympanum.
[edit] External references
IHBC NewsBlog
IHBC London Branch Conference launched and open for booking
‘Creative Conservation: Partnerships and Public Value’ - 4 Oct, Royal College of Physicians - leading speakers, unequalled debate - a CPD opportunity not to be missed!
IHBC latest Jobs etc skills review
Specialist areas and skills in demand, from design and project management to regulation and more featured in our celebrated – and very cost-effective - IHBC Jobs etc service.
Ideas bear fruit, as early career members ‘reverse mentor’, generating fresh perspectives on the institute’s future plans and structures!
IHBC Scotland at Listed Property Show in Edinburgh
IHBC Scotland will host a CPD session at the Show on 27 October, while an IHBC stand will offer more informal access and conservation advocacy to visitors.
IHBC Heritage from the doorstep
A traditional building in the Appleby Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) is filming its ‘work in progress’ as part of work grant aided by Historic England as reported by Cumbria Crack!
English Heritage celebrates the Cooper Car with a blue plaque.
A blue plaque has been placed at the home of the former Cooper Car Company, marking its motoring heritage.
Community Tree Planting Grants and £1.5million woodland fund look to make London the world’s first National Park City.
‘What if mothers or teenagers designed our cities?’ An opinion piece in the invites us to consider what our cities would look like if cities reflected their diverse populations.
V&A Dundee opens Saturday 15 Sept
IHBC NewsBlogs reports on some building construction and collection highlights, including spectacular drone footage of work in progress and to completion.
IHBC supports LPOC petition on VAT reductions for Listed Buildings
LPOC notes ‘...it is perverse that repairs should be subject to VAT when new development is not'.
Loyd Grossman recently appeared on a BBC radio programme to discuss NIMBYism in heritage and development, the programme is currently available on BBC iPlayer.
Call to share land value with communities
England’s SoS for Housing, Communities and Local Government is sent an open letter by leading campaign organisations calling for land value to be shared.
Redrock Stockport wins 2018 Carbuncle Cup
The 2018 winner of the Carbuncle Cup is Redrock Stockport, a £45m leisure complex and car park designed by BDP for the local council.