Kopfbauarten

Kopfbauarten refers to a group of medieval European fortification techniques that originated in the 14th century. These buildings were designed with a strong emphasis on the tower or "kopf" at the center, which was typically the highest point of the structure. The remaining walls were often lower and provided support to the taller tower.

The Kopfbauarten was a response to the changed warfare tactics of the time. With the introduction of cannons, fortifications had to be adapted to withstand their impact. The low walls provided protection from cannonballs by breaking them up, while the higher tower allowed for a clear range of fire.

There are several subtypes of Kopfbauarten, each with its unique characteristics. One of the earliest and most prominent types was the free-standing tower. This type consisted of a single, self-supporting tower with low walls around it. The gates in these buildings were often located on the side of the tower or using a separate gatehouse.

Another popular subtype was the Flankenturm, which was a type of tower that was integrated into a larger building such as a castle wall. These towers could be as small as a few stories or as large as the main tower in a castle complex. Kopfbauarten were then gradually phased out in the 16th century as newer and more effective fortification techniques were developed. Their influence can still be seen in buildings of this time, and they remain an important part of European architectural history.