Coffering
This example of Renaissance coffering comes from the ceiling of the Sala dell'Udienza, in the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence. |
The Penguin Dictionary of Architecture (third edition) was published in 1980. It was created for Penguin Reference and compiled by John Fleming, Hugh Honour and Nikolaus Pevsner.
It defines coffering as: ‘Decoration of a ceiling, a vault, or an arch soffit, consisting of sunken square or polygonal ornamental panels’.
The spaces or openings in a coffered ceiling may be referred to as lancunaria.
Some of the earliest forms of coffering are stone examples found in ancient Greek, Islamic, Chinese and Roman structures. One of the most famous examples of Roman coffers is the ceiling of the Pantheon. Coffers were also used in Renaissance architecture.
The word 'coffer' can refer to a strongbox or small chest for holding valuables.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
From Chaucer to Fawlty Towers.
Electrotechnical excellence, now open for entries.
Net zero electricity grids BSRIA guide NZG 5/2024
Outlining the changes needed to transition to net zero.
CIOB Global Student Challenge 2024
Universitas Indonesia wins for second year running.
New project and cultural district described in detail.
The nature of EPCs, crticism and inaccuracies.
History, issues and redesign.
From waste recycling to energy performance the hierchy.
An introduction to WERCS and WEEE responsibilities
Dealing with 2 million tonnes of waste equipment a year.
Global BACS Market: analytics and optimisation
A BSRIA glance at building automation and control systems.
What it is and how to use it.
Types of insulating plaster by binder and insulant.
Investors in People: CIOB achieves gold
Reflecting a commitment to employees and members.
Scratching beneath the surface; a guide to selection.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.
UK gov apprenticeship funding from April 2024
Brief summary the policy paper updated in March.