Falszerkezet

Falszerkezet is a term used in Hungarian to describe an element of a construction or set that mimics the appearance of a real, load‑bearing structure but is not itself designed to bear loads. It is commonly encountered in theatre and film set design, interior architecture, and exterior façades where decorative or temporary features are needed to suggest architectural form without the weight or complexity of a true structural member.

Materials and design: Falszerkezet elements are typically lightweight and made from timber, metal tubing, plywood, foam, plaster, or composite panels. They are engineered to resist the specific loads they are meant to handle, which are usually cosmetic or temporary. They must be distinguished from genuine structural components and are often non‑load‑bearing or removable.

Safety and regulation: In construction, any element designated as falszerkezet should be clearly separated from load‑bearing elements and identified on drawings. Temporary false structures used during construction (falsework) comply with safety standards and are removed after their purpose is fulfilled. In theatre, proper installation and, where relevant, certification are needed to ensure stage safety, especially when rigging or lighting equipment is mounted on non‑structural elements.

Examples: A decorative stone façade applied to a non‑load‑bearing frame; a theatre set with columns that visually resemble stone but are hollow and lightweight.

Etymology and scope: The term combines fals- (false) and szerkezet (structure). Its use varies by discipline, and in non‑technical language it may refer to any superficial or misleading structural appearance as well as to decorative elements.

See also: falsework, decorative façade, non‑load‑bearing structure.