Pillars and columns are both structural elements used in architecture. Both are vertical supports that can be found in different types of buildings. However, the two have distinct characteristics to differentiate them.
Pillars are typically wider than columns and can be found in a variety of shapes, such as circular or polygonal. Pillars are made from stone, brick, concrete, steel, or wood and have traditionally been used in entryways to create an impressive entrance to a building. In comparison to columns which often have aesthetic purposes, pillars are more often used for their structural stability and strength.
Columns are usually taller and narrower than pillars. They often have a column base, shaft, and capital at the top. Columns come in a variety of shapes, such as round or square, and can be made from materials like stone, brick, concrete, steel, or wood. Columns are primarily used to support structures above them and are a very important element in the stability of a building. Unlike pillars, columns also have an aesthetic purpose and can be used to create interesting designs.
Pillar VS Column
What Is A Pillar?
A pillar is a vertical structural element that is used to support a building. It can be made from materials such as stone, brick, concrete, steel, or wood and typically has an impressive entrance design. Pillars are usually wider than columns and come in different shapes like circular or polygonal. They provide stability and strength as well as aesthetic purposes.
What Is A Column?
A column is a vertical structural element that is used to support structures above it. It is usually taller and narrower than pillars, with a column base, shaft, and capital at the top. They are available in many shapes such as round or square and can be made from materials like stone, brick, concrete, steel or wood. Columns provide stability and strength as well as aesthetic purposes.
What Are Some Examples Of Pillars?
Examples of pillars include the Washington Monument, Stonehenge, the Colosseum in Rome, and the Great Wall of China.
What Are Some Examples Of Column?
Examples of columns include the Pillars of Hercules, the temple columns at Luxor in Egypt, and the pillars on the U.S. Capitol Building.
Uses:
Pillar:
- used for decorative purposes.
- used in religious places and monuments.
- used in architecture.
Column:
- used to support floors, ceilings, and roofs in buildings.
- used as a structural element in bridges and dams.
- added for aesthetic purposes.
- used as a decorative element while providing stability to the structure it supports.
- also used in furniture and sculptures.
Are Pillar And Column the Same Thing?
No, pillars and columns are different structural elements. Pillars are typically wider than columns and used primarily for their stability and strength while columns have an aesthetic purpose as well. They also differ in terms of materials used, shapes available, and the way they are used to support a building.
Difference Between Pillar And Column
| PROPEERTY | Pillar | Column |
| Meaning: | A Pillar is a vertical structural element that supports a building. | A column is a vertical structural element that supports structures above it. |
| Shape: | Pillars are usually wider than columns and come in different shapes like circular or polygonal. | Columns are usually taller and narrower than pillars and come in various shapes such as round or square. |
| Materials: | Pillars can be made from materials like stone, brick, concrete, steel, or wood. | Columns are made from similar materials such as stone, brick, concrete, steel or wood. |
| Architecture | Pillars are often used in entryways to create an impressive entrance to a building. | Columns are primarily used to support structures above them |
| Nomenclature: | Pillars are also known as columns, piers, and posts. | Columns can also be referred to as pillars, piers, and posts. |
| thickness: | Pillars are usually wider than columns. | Columns are usually narrower and taller than pillars. |
FAQs
Are Pillars Columns?
No, pillars and columns are different structural elements. Pillars are usually wider than columns and used primarily for their stability and strength while columns have an aesthetic purpose as well. They also differ in terms of materials used, shapes available, and the way they are used to support a building.
Can Pillars Be Made From Wood?
Yes, pillars can be made from materials such as stone, brick, concrete, steel, or wood. They provide stability and strength as well as aesthetic purposes.
What Are The 3 Types Of Columns?
- Doric columns
- Ionic columns
- Corinthian columns
Are Pillars Load Bearing?
Yes, pillars are structural elements used to bear the load of a structure. They provide stability and strength as well as aesthetic purposes.
Can Columns Be Made From Stone?
Yes, columns can be made from materials such as stone, brick, concrete, steel or wood. They are available in many shapes such as round or square. They are mainly used for aesthetic purposes and to support structures above them.
What Are The Three Types Of Pillars?
The three types of pillars are:
- Tuscan pillar- a simple column with a circular base and an unadorned shaft.
- Doric pillar- has a fluted shaft and is topped by a carved capital in the shape of an inverted bell.
- Ionic pillar- has spiral-shaped carvings in the shaft and a capital featuring two spirals.
The shapes of pillars can vary, but these three are the most common.
What Is The Top Of A Column Called?
The top of a column is called capital. It is usually ornately carved and can feature designs such as spirals or inverted bells. The shape of the capital varies depending on the type of column, such as Doric, Ionic, or Corinthian.
What Is The Space Between Columns Called?
The space between columns is called an intercolumniation. This space can vary based on the style of architecture and aesthetic purposes. It can range from a few inches to several feet in width, depending on the design.
Is A Pillar Stronger Than A Column?
Pillars are usually wider than columns and provide stability and strength. However, columns can also provide support to a structure and can be designed with ornamental detailing. Therefore, they both have their own strengths and weaknesses depending on the application.
Are Columns Load-Bearing?
Yes, columns are used to bear the load of a structure above them. They are typically narrower than pillars but can also provide stability and strength. Columns are also commonly used for aesthetic purposes as well, adding an ornamental element to a building.
Synopsis
Pillars and columns are two distinct structural elements used for supporting buildings. Pillars are usually wider than columns, have an impressive entrance design, and come in different shapes such as circular or polygonal. On the other hand, columns are usually narrower and taller than pillars, have a column base, shaft, and capital at the top, and come in various shapes such as round or square. Pillars are primarily used for their stability and strength while columns have an aesthetic purpose in addition to being a structural element. Both pillars and columns can be made from materials like stone, brick, concrete, steel, or wood.
