Pilasterit

Pilasterit are a type of architectural element that resembles a column but is embedded within a wall. Unlike freestanding columns, pilasters are a flat, rectangular projection from a wall surface, featuring a base, shaft, and capital, similar to a classical column. They are decorative rather than structural, serving to provide a visual sense of order and rhythm to the facade of a building.

Historically, pilasters were widely used in ancient Roman architecture and experienced a significant revival during the Renaissance and Neoclassical periods. They are often employed to divide large wall surfaces into smaller, more manageable sections or to accentuate doorways, windows, and corners. The style of a pilaster, particularly its capital, can indicate the architectural order it is intended to represent, such as Doric, Ionic, or Corinthian.

The shaft of a pilaster can be smooth, fluted, or decorated with other ornamentation. The depth of a pilaster from the wall can vary, but it is generally shallow, emphasizing its decorative nature. In modern architecture, pilasters may still be used for aesthetic purposes, but their original classical proportions and ornamentation are not always strictly adhered to. They offer a way to introduce architectural detail and a sense of classical influence without the space requirements of full columns.