In each era, there was a different approach to decorating buildings. The architectural elements used by architects emphasized style and culture. These traditions have survived to the present day. The facades of modern buildings are also decorated with various forms of decor, observing the style direction.
A bit of history
Palace buildings and temples erected in Ancient Egypt and Sumer had columns with stucco and mural elements. Their task was to maintain the roof of the structure. Architectural elements were also used in ancient Asia. In the process of expanding the borders of Ancient Greece , a unification of various nationalities took place, each of which had its own view of architecture. Over time, certain European styles began to be developed. Elements of different directions changed their forms, supplemented with new features, without losing the sign of the main architectural style. In antiquity, the facade decor was carved mainly from marble. Granite and sandstone were less commonly used. South Asia has well-known structures that have architectural elements made of durable wood. It is currently fashionable to decorate building facades with stucco decoration.
Types of decor in the design of the facade
Buildings using various elements acquire individual features. Architects, using decor in the facades, have the opportunity to correct the shortcomings of the building, create a unique and vivid image of the building. In the manufacture of elements, various materials are used to emphasize the lines and geometry of the shapes. Most often in modern buildings there are such architectural elements of the building’s facade, the names of which have come to us since ancient times - these are bas-reliefs, cornices, columns, balusters and pediments, arches, balustrades, pilasters and many other decorative types. Consider what these elements are.
Designations
- Bas-reliefs. Architectural elements in the form of sculptures, images, paintings, decorating the facade of the building and protruding from the walls to half its volume.
- Cornices A protruding building element whose task is to separate the roof from a vertical wall.
- The columns. Support under the eaves, located in an upright position. The design resembles a barrel of circular cross section with an extension at the top.
- Balusters. Architectural elements of the facade of the building, such as balusters, are small columns with carved decor. Used by the group in the design of fences, such as balcony and stair railings and other structures.
- Pediments. A triangular element with two slopes on each side, located above the cornice and completing the facade of the building.
- Arches. The arcuate overlap of the opening in the wall, resting on columns. There are false arches adorning the blind span.
- Balustrades. Fences, consisting of groups of balusters, passing along the promenade, bridge, along the edge of the balcony, roof. It has pedestals for the installation of decorative statues.
- Pilasters A decorative ledge located at the top of a column or wall and having a bas-relief pattern.
Material for the manufacture of building decor
The architectural elements of the facades today are made of gypsum, polymer concrete and many other materials.
Plaster moldings are used to recreate an architectural style such as Empire, Rococo or Art Nouveau. Gypsum is obedient and easy to sculpt, acquiring unique forms that individualize each building that has stucco molding in the facade. Plaster is used to create figures and bas-reliefs that adorn the building. This material is available for sale, and with the help of templates you can create a unique decor element by yourself. It is important to know that the figures made of gypsum are quite heavy and installed on the roof of the building give an impressive load on its base.
A material such as polymer concrete consists of crushed granite, sand and silica flour. For fastening the material, special resins are used. The advantage of polymer concrete is its lightness and strength. Most often, this material is used to simulate natural stone.
Also, fiberglass concrete is resistant to natural phenomena and mechanical damage. Due to its lightness and simplicity, it became possible to replace elements performed in the old way with new ones without significant changes.
Artificial materials have simplified the creation of complex components of the decor. Modern architectural elements are simple and easy to install, which speeds up the work and reduces their cost.