Skeuomorphism
Skeuomorphism is a Greek term that refers to a design or structural element that is used ornamentally where it previously served a functional purpose.
Skeuomorphs can be deliberately used or may be the result of subtle cultural influences on design. A common example is the use of an envelope icon to represent emails. In terms of construction, common skeuomorphs include the use of plastic to resemble timber, and the use of vinyl sheets that are designed to resemble timber or stone flooring.
One of the earliest examples comes from Greek architecture, when construction made the transition from timber to masonry. Many Greek timber buildings featured ceiling rafters which would protrude from the top of the exterior. When starting to build with stone, the architects carved details that were intended to mimic the protruding rafters. Instead of serving a functional purpose, the intention was purely to provide a familiar aesthetic. In later years, Roman architects adopted the stone protrusions and called them dentils which can still be found in contemporary buildings.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.
The place for vitrified clay pipes in modern infrastructure
Why vitrified clay pipes are reclaiming their role in built projects.
Research by construction PR consultancy LMC published.
Roles and responsibilities of domestic clients
ACA Safety in Construction guide for domestic clients.
Fire door compliance in UK commercial buildings
Architect and manufacturer gives their low down.
Plumbing and heating for sustainability in new properties
Technical Engineer runs through changes in regulations, innovations in materials, and product systems.
Awareness of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
What CBAM is and what to do about it.
The new towns and strategic environmental assessments
12 locations of the New Towns Taskforce reduced to 7 within the new towns draft programme and open consultation.
Buildings that changed the future of architecture. Book review.
The Sustainability Pathfinder© Handbook
Built environment agency launches free Pathfinder© tool to help businesses progress sustainability strategies.
Government outcome to the late payment consultation, ECA reacts.
IHBC 2025 Gus Astley Student Award winners
Work on the role of hewing in UK historic conservation a win for Jack Parker of Oxford Brookes University.
Future Homes Building Standards and plug-in solar
Parts F and L amendments, the availability of solar panels and industry responses.
How later living housing can help solve the housing crisis
Unlocking homes, unlocking lives.
Preparing safety case reports for HRBs under the BSA
A new practical guide to preparing structural inputs for safety cases and safety case reports published by IStructE.
Male construction workers and prostate cancer
CIOB and Prostate Cancer UK encourage awareness of prostate cancer risks, and what to do about it.