Gewände

Gewände is an architectural term in German that denotes the frame surrounding an opening in a wall, most commonly a door or window. It refers to the surrounding casing and the bordering mouldings that enclose the opening, and may extend to include the jambs and architrave as part of the surrounding surround of the opening.

In practice, Gewände comprises both structural and decorative elements. It defines the size and proportion of the opening and often bears stylistic details such as carving, mouldings, and inscriptions. In historic buildings, the Gewände is a visible feature that contributes to the overall façade or interior ornamentation, and it can vary significantly across periods and regions.

The terminology is frequently used in German-speaking architectural documentation, conservation, and restoration. Specific forms such as Türgewände (door frame) and Fenstergewände (window frame) are standard compounds that describe the exact placement of the frame within the building fabric. The concept of Gewände instrumentalizes the understanding of how openings relate to walls, floors, and ceilings, and it helps in dating, identifying workshop traditions, and planning restoration work.

In summary, Gewände refers to the framed surround of an opening in a wall, with particular emphasis on the door and window frames and their decorative and structural components. It is a common term in architectural description and historical analysis in German-speaking contexts.