Bollard
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Bollard
Bollard is a short, vertical post or pillar, typically made of metal, stone, or concrete, used in urban and landscape design to control or direct traffic, protect pedestrians, define boundaries, or serve as a security barrier. Originating from the nautical term for a post used to moor ships, bollards have evolved to serve various functions in the built environment. They are commonly installed along sidewalks, in parking lots, around buildings, and in public spaces to prevent vehicles from encroaching on pedestrian areas or causing damage to structures. Bollards can be fixed or removable, and their design can range from simple and utilitarian to decorative and ornamental, often reflecting the architectural style or aesthetic of the surrounding environment. In addition to their practical applications, bollards can also serve as visual cues to delineate spaces, guide pedestrian flow, or enhance the overall landscape design. The use of bollards has become increasingly important in urban planning and design, particularly in the context of creating safer, more walkable cities and protecting public spaces from potential vehicle-based threats. As such, the design and placement of bollards require careful consideration of factors such as traffic patterns, pedestrian behavior, accessibility, and emergency vehicle access, among others.
urban design, landscape architecture, traffic control, pedestrian safety, security barriers, walkability, public spaces, streetscape, urban planning
Bollard
A bollard is a short, sturdy post that is typically made of steel or concrete and is used to control or direct traffic, prevent vehicle collisions, and provide security. Bollards can be either fixed or removable, with removable bollards allowing for greater flexibility in controlling access. They are often used in public spaces, such as parks, streets, and government buildings, to protect pedestrians and buildings from accidental vehicle collisions. Bollards can also be used to create secure access points, such as in banks and other security-sensitive locations. In addition, bollards are commonly used in ports and harbors to moor vessels. One aspect of bollards that is often overlooked is their aesthetic value. Bollards can be designed to blend in with their surroundings or to stand out as a decorative element. Some bollards are even designed to incorporate lighting or other features that enhance their functionality and visual appeal. Another important aspect of bollards is their role in promoting sustainability. Bollards can be made from recycled materials, such as scrap metal or concrete, and can be designed to be energy-efficient. For example, some bollards incorporate solar panels to power lighting or other features. Overall, bollards are an important element of urban design and infrastructure, serving a variety of functions from traffic control to security to sustainability. Their versatility and durability make them a valuable asset in any public space.
traffic control, vehicle collisions, security, access control, sustainability
Bollard
The word Bollard is a noun, defined as a post, usually found in ports and harbours, used to moor vessels or as a road obstruction. Its synonyms include bitt, mooring post, and dolphin, while its antonyms are those words that are physically opposite, such as pulley, anchor, and buoy. Cognates for bollard come from the French verb bouler, which means to sledge, from which the verb Boulée and the nouns Boulet (meaning sledgehammer) and Boulier (meaning hoop) are derived. Variants of the word include bolder, bolard, and bowler.
Etymology Morphology Bollard, Semantic Derivation, Syntax, Historical Development, Morphosyntactic Changes.
Bollard
The word bollard is believed to have originated in the Old French word boulard, which referred to a post supporting a cannon and ultimately comes from the Latin word bullarium meaning a roll of papal bulls. This early usage has had a significant impact on the modern-day understanding of the meaning and use of the word bollard. The linguistic evolution of the word has seen boulard being adapted into Middle English as bo(u)lard or bullard and has only recently been reborrowed or been adapted in French as boule or parole. Morphologically and pragmatically speaking, bollards are typically short and stumpy posts that are used to regulate traffic and to prevent unauthorized access, usually in public spaces and are usually made of metal or concrete. The word has also been adopted by the maritime industry to refer to a mooring post or a type of post used to secure boats.
Etymology, Morphology, Pragmatics, Historical, Linguistic
Bollard
A bollard is a short post, typically made of steel or concrete, that is used to provide a physical barrier and to prevent vehicles from entering a designated area. Bollards are often used to protect buildings, pedestrians, and cyclists from traffic, and they can also be used to provide security for public spaces, such as parks and streets. Bollards can be either fixed or removable, and they are often installed in rows to create a more secure barrier. Bollards are also used to create designated areas for pedestrians, cyclists, and cars, as well as to provide additional safety for public events.
Bollard, security, barrier, steel, concrete, post, protection, public, safety, traffic, pedestrian, cyclist, removable, fixed, rows, designated, area, event.
CITATION : "Robert Johnson. 'Bollard.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=180852 (Accessed on August 02, 2025)"
Bollard
A bollard is a short post typically made of steel or concrete, used to control or direct road traffic, or to provide a mooring point for ships. They are often used to protect pedestrians and buildings from accidental vehicle collisions. Bollards are also used to create secure access points, such as in banks, government buildings, and other security-sensitive locations. Bollards can be either fixed or removable, with removable bollards allowing for greater flexibility in controlling access.
Bollard security, traffic control, mooring point, pedestrian safety, vehicle collisions.
Bollard on Design+Encyclopedia
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