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.

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[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

• Architrave.
• Bas-relief.
• Classical orders in architecture.
• Corbel.
• Cornice.
• Entablature.
• Frieze.
• Mantel.
• Parthenon.
• Pediment.