Pilaster
In classical architecture, a pilaster is a rectangular support that resembles a flat column. It includes the usual features of a classical column; a capital at the top, the shaft of the column itself, a base and a plinth, but it usually only projects a third of its width or less from the wall.
Pilasters are traditionally used for decorative rather than structural purposes, often as a means of breaking up an otherwise empty expanse of wall. As with columns, different classical orders can be represented, and the surface of a pilaster can be left plain or can be fluted.
The term ‘canton’ refers to a pilaster that appears at the corner intersection of two walls.
Roman architecture made common use of pilasters, as did Renaissance Europe where they became popular on both interior and exterior walls, and as a feature of the Greek Revival style.
NB Short Guide, Scottish traditional shopfronts, published, on 18 April 2017 by Historic Environment Scotland, suggests that a pilaster is : ‘A column, shaft and base which projects slightly from the wall but is generally not structural in nature. Used for shopfront design particularly from the 1850s onwards. May be decorated or plain, often with fluting or reeding.’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Anta.
- Arcade.
- Architrave.
- Barrel vault.
- Bas-relief.
- Classical orders in architecture.
- Colonnade.
- Corbel.
- Cornice.
- Cornice coving and architrave definitions.
- Crocket.
- Elements of classical columns.
- Entablature.
- Fillet.
- Fluting.
- Frieze.
- Italian Renaissance revival style.
- Moulding.
- Pedestal.
- Pediment.
- Soffit.
- Trompe l’oeil.
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Where its at podcast (and video) - The role of the Architectural Technologist as an Expert Witness.
More than 200 remarkable buildings added to SAVE’s Buildings at Risk register.
Government scraps pre-application consultation for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.
Historic England and infrastructure
New projects offer opportunities for the historic environment and local communities.
Construction Management, 2 July
Construction deaths halve in two years.
Green Book changes to drive investment in all parts of UK.
Minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES)
CIAT briefing on response to consultations for privately rented non-domestic properties.
Connect, collaborate, shape the future
Registration now live for UK Construction Week Birmingham.
CIOB announces Saul Humphrey FCIOB as new President for 26/27 term.
A quick, simple, and zero-bills solution to prevent overheating.
The adaptive reuse of large industrial structures.
Promoting the circular economy by extending the life of buildings.
CIAT responds to Climate Change Committee report
An urgent wake-up call for both government and the built environment.