Kroonstelsels

Kroonstelsels, a Dutch term, translates to "crown systems." In historical and architectural contexts, it refers to systems of supporting structures, often found in fortifications or elaborate buildings, that bear a resemblance to a crown's shape. These systems were designed to distribute weight or provide strategic points of defense. They are not a single, universally defined architectural element but rather a descriptive term applied to various structural formations that exhibit a crenellated or tiered appearance.

The term might appear in discussions of medieval castles, where projecting battlements and machicolations could be collectively described as forming a kroonstelsel on the upper reaches of a defensive structure. Similarly, in some ecclesiastical or civic architecture, decorative elements or supporting arches might be arranged in a way that evokes a crown, leading to the application of this descriptive label. The specific form and function of a kroonstelsel would vary greatly depending on the period, the culture of the builders, and the intended purpose of the structure. It implies a complex arrangement of parts that, when viewed as a whole, presents a distinctive, crown-like silhouette or structural integrity.