Tympanum
In classical architecture, the tympanum is the triangular or segmental area enclosed by a pediment on the exterior of a building. The area of a triangular pediment is defined by the horizontal cornice along the bottom and the raking cornice that slopes along the sides. The area of a segmental pediment is defined by the segmental cornices along the sides. It is usual for the tympanum to be decorated with religious imagery or intricate bas-relief sculpture.
Tympana (plural) developed in Roman architecture as the semi-circular shape between the lintel of a doorway and the arch constructed above.
In European Gothic architecture, tympana were included over church portals and had a more vertical shape, meeting at a point at the top.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Architecture considered somewhere between 'sublime and beautiful'.
BREEAM Case Study: CALISIA ONE
Polish piano factory revived through an energy-oriented tune up.
Dynamic architectural approach sets out to restore and improve the environment.
Entries accepted from 1 December 2020 to 14 April 2021.
Procedure discontinued for sale or re-mortgage of buildings without cladding.
The art of negotiation.
APPGI considers key issues for economic recovery.
International Fire Safety Standard - Common Principles
Progress made on global fire safety standard.
Why did it take 111 years to build this Victorian engineering marvel?
Fantastic cities from above but flawed on the ground.
ECA plans to Get Zero Carbon Done
Organisation unveils supporting tools and initiatives.
How some Victorians created insulated floor foundations.
Ventilation and infection control
Practical methods to tackle airborne particle transmission.