Modern architectural elements that have come from ancient times

In every era there was an approach to decorating buildings. Architectural elements used by architects emphasized style and belonging to a particular culture. These traditions have come down to our days. 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 elements of stucco and painting. Their task was to maintain the roof of the structure. Architectural elements were also used in ancient Asia. In the process of expanding the boundaries of ancient Greece, there was a union of different nationalities, 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, complemented by new features, without losing at the same time the main architectural style. At the time of antiquity, the decor of the facade was made of marble. Granite and sandstone were used less often. South Asia has known structures with architectural elements made of solid wood. It is now fashionable to decorate facades of buildings with stucco decor.

Types of decoration in the decoration of the facade

Buildings using different elements acquire individual features. Architects, using the decor in the facades, have the opportunity to correct the shortcomings of the building, create a unique and vivid image of the building. At manufacturing of elements the various material is used, allowing to emphasize lines and geometry of forms. Most often in modern buildings there are such architectural elements of the facade of the building, the names of which came to us from ancient times: bas-reliefs, cornices, columns, balusters and pediments, arches, balustrades, pilasters and many other decorative species. Consider what these elements represent.

Notation

• Bas-reliefs. Architectural elements in the form of sculptures, images, paintings, decorating the facade of the building and protruding from the walls to half of its volume.
• Cornices. The protruding element of the building, whose task is to separate the roof from the vertical wall.
• Columns. Support under the cornice, which is in an upright position. The construction resembles a barrel of circular cross section, having an expansion at the top.
• Balusters. The 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.
• Fronts. Triangular element with two slopes on the sides, located above the cornice and finishing the facade of the building.
• Arches. Arc-shaped overlapping of an aperture in a wall, leaning against columns. There are false arches that adorn a blind passage.

• Balustrades. Fences consisting of groups of balusters, passing along the embankment, bridge, along the edge of the balcony, the roof. Has pedestals for installation of decorative statues.
• Pilasters. Decorative ledge, located at the top of the column or wall and having a bas-relief pattern.

Material for making the decor of the building

The architectural elements of the facades today are made of gypsum, polymer concrete and many other materials.

Stucco molding is used to recreate an architectural style, such as Empire, Rococo or Art Nouveau. The gypsum is obedient and easily lends itself to molding, acquiring unique forms that individualize each building, which has stucco molding in the decoration of the facade. Gypsum 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 yourself. It is important to know that the figures from gypsum are quite heavy and, mounted on the roof of the building, give an impressive load on its foundation.

Such material, as polymer concrete, consists of crushed granite, sand and quartz flour. Special materials are used to bond the material. The advantage of polymer concrete is its lightness and strength. Most often this material is used to imitate natural stone.

Also, a strong material is glass fiber reinforced concrete, resistant to natural phenomena and mechanical damage. Due to its lightness and simplicity, it became possible to replace the 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.