The development of architecture and building technologies leads to the fact that the meaning of certain terms changes over time. This happened with the word stylobate. What is it - an archaic concept from ancient Greek architecture or one of the popular tools of modern architects?
Stereo upper level
The ancient order system is one of the peaks in the history of architecture. Having the essence of the rack-and-beam scheme, the orders had a clearly defined system of proportions and structural elements. Each of the elements has its own size, determined by a single module (lower radius or diameter of the column). Each has its own location and name. The structure and appearance of the antique buildings of the warrant system were largely determined by the building material of the time - stone blocks.
The upper - beam - part of the order is called entablature. It rests on racks - columns of variable section. The base is a three-stage stereo beat placed on the foundation. The upper stage of this base is called stylobate. That this is a support perceiving the main structural load is evident from the general architectonics (constructive-visual relationship) of the order. Sometimes the support did not have the form of steps, and then the stylobate was called the upper surface of the stereobath, on which the columns rest.
The new meaning of the old term
The study and practical application of Greek warrants began in the Renaissance. The palaces of classical architecture adorned many cities of the planet. They were built using new materials and technologies, but retained the proportions and articulations inherent in orders, especially for facades. And the big role of a solid, reliable foundation for the building is always visible. This is no longer just a pedestal for installing columns - it is sometimes several floors of a basement type. Stylobate stands out from the upstream building elements by the nature of the finish or materials used, but retains the original meaning of the base for the entire building.
Compositional technique
The purely architectural meaning of the term has changed. Stylobate in modern construction has a great compositional, visual function. In fact, it has not changed since ancient times. Acting as a support, pedestal, base, stylobate gives the building visual stability, completeness. Heavier visual horizons emphasize the upward trend of the main volumes. Visually significant stylobate will help to distinguish an object from the general building or natural environment, to give it new imaginative properties. That this is the most suitable way to get rid of the impression of a building that has sunk into the ground, many architects know.
Especially useful is the use of stylobate in difficult terrain. It can compensate for irregularities, increase usable volume, and help to fit the building in the best way in terms of expressiveness of the architectural appearance.
Variety of functions
Using as much as possible each meter of the building site, the stylobate of a building can have the most diverse functional purpose. In multi-storey residential and commercial buildings in the built-in lower floor, parking lots, shopping and entertainment facilities are often located. If several building volumes are located on one base, then communication lines are laid through the common floor.
After the waterproofing device, the stylobate roof is also used. Landscaping is carried out on the surface, it is used for recreation areas, children's and sports grounds, etc. Around residential buildings, this is, in fact, a raised house territory. The use of stairs and ramps gives this environment a special expression.
There are many examples of successful use of this architectural technique. Stylobate - what is it from the point of view of the builder-constructor? First of all, this is a way to more evenly distribute the vertical load on the base. The pressure from tall buildings ceases to be point, which allows you to find more economical solutions for foundations. This is especially important for soft soils, large elevations in the area. Expanding engineering capabilities during construction, stylobate affects the overall strength of the building.
Of course, the construction of the stylobate part increases the cost. The volume of one of the most expensive and critical types of work is increasing: hydro and thermal insulation. If it is assumed that the stylobate roof is to be operated , additional mechanical loads on the floors must be taken into account. But the possibility of increasing the efficiency of use of the construction area to the maximum pays for such expenses.
Erection on a pedestal
Stylobate has changed from the foot for the colonnade in the ancient Greek and Roman warrants to a full-fledged exploited volume in large multifunctional complexes. What is stylobate in construction and architecture now? This is one of the most popular constructive and compositional techniques in the practice of architects around the world.