Pilastojen

Pilastojen is a term with origins in the Finnish language, primarily referring to pillars or columns, especially those that are embedded in or project from a wall. These architectural elements serve both structural and decorative purposes. In historical architecture, pilastojen were often used to emphasize the verticality of a building and to add visual interest to facades. They can range in style from simple, unadorned forms to more elaborate designs featuring capitals and bases.

While the term is Finnish, the concept of pilasters is found in classical architecture worldwide, dating back to ancient Greece and Rome. They are essentially flattened columns that have a projected shape but lack the full cylindrical form of a freestanding column. The function can be to provide some degree of structural support, to articulate a wall surface, or to create a sense of rhythm and order in a design. In modern architecture, pilastojen, or pilasters, continue to be employed, sometimes for their traditional aesthetic appeal and at other times as a design feature that integrates with contemporary building materials and styles. The specific appearance and context of pilastojen can vary greatly depending on the architectural period and regional influences.