wojciech odrobina (wojciechodrobina)
wojciech odrobina : Architectural element is each of the functional, structural or decorative parts of an architectural work, so that each of them would function as a word of the architectural language of which the architecture would be the text.
The different types of architectural elements configure the different architectural styles. A Solomonic column is an architectural element of Baroque architecture, while a reinforced concrete pile is a constructive element.
Functional architectural elements
The object of the architecture is the creation of architectural spaces through the compartmentalization, covering and articulation of the space, establishing adequate relationships to facilitate its function and use.
By their function, they are compartmentalizing constructive elements with respect to the external environment: the perimeter bearing walls, the glazed curtain walls, the roofs, etc.
They are elements of compartmentalization of interior spaces: partitions, interior supporting walls, floors, etc. Corridors, stairs, etc. are elements of relationship between various architectural spaces. Also the courtyards usually articulate and relate different architectural spaces.
There are elements with compartmentalization and relationship functions, such as doors, windows, sliding partitions, lattices, etc.
We also find elements that relate and compartmentalize interior architectural spaces with urban spaces, or with nature, such as porches, balconies, viewpoints, windows, doors, stairs, etc.
Structural architectural elements
Structural architectural elements can be classified as: * Sustained elements: essentially the lintel and the arch.
The adintelada architecture possesses flat roofs, constructed by means of aggregation of lintels. Geometrically, they are generated by 'linear displacement' of the lintel architectural element. The domed roofs, constructed by means of the aggregation of arched segments. Geometrically, generated by 'linear displacement' of the arch architectural element.
The domes, built with the arc locked aggregation. Geometrically, generated by 'rotation' of the arch architectural element. The various forms of beams and roofs, or each of its parts, are also architectural elements; for example: the architrave, the frieze and the cornice of the classic adintelada architecture.
* Supporting elements: the pillar, the column and the load-bearing walls.
Columns, porches and hypostyle rooms are formed by grouping columns. The various parts of the column, such as the base, the shaft and the capital of the classical architecture, are also architectural elements. The walls, according to their regularity or materials are classified as: cyclopean wall, masonry, ashlar, ashlar, brick, adobe, tapial etc. Some structural architectural elements are both supportive and sustained, such as the tubes or scallops of the domes, or the arbotantes.
Decorative architectural elements They are those elements that fulfill decorative functions. They can be part of the previous ones but their main function is aesthetic. They are the different types of elements that make up the different architectural styles. In classical architecture: metopes, triglyphs, moldings, grooves, etc. The false arches and medieval cinnamon, the Moorish, the Mudejar or neoclassical coffered ceilings, various historicist elements or the curtain walls (glazed facades) of current architecture.
