What is a Column?

In architecture, a column is a vertical structural element that is used to support a load. It typically consists of a cylindrical or polygonal shaft, a base, and a capital or decorative top.

Columns are used in a variety of architectural styles, including classical, Gothic, and modernist, and they can be made from a variety of materials such as stone, brick, concrete, and metal. In classical architecture, columns are often used to support the entablature and roof of a building, and they are typically decorated with elaborate capitals and other ornamentation.

Columns can also be used for decorative purposes, such as in interior design or landscaping. In these cases, the column may not be load-bearing but is used to create a visual focal point or to enhance the overall aesthetic of a space.

Columns are an important architectural element that have been used for thousands of years and continue to be a defining feature of many buildings and structures today.