Cornice is an architectural element that serves as a decorative horizontal molding or projection that crowns or completes the top of a wall, door, window, or other architectural feature. This classical design element, originating from ancient Greek and Roman architecture, has evolved through various historical periods to become a fundamental component of both exterior and interior architectural ornamentation. In traditional architecture, cornices serve both functional and aesthetic purposes: they direct rainwater away from building walls while creating visual harmony through their proportional relationship to other architectural elements. The design of cornices can range from simple geometric forms to elaborate compositions featuring multiple molding profiles, dentils, brackets, and other decorative details. In interior design, cornices are frequently employed to create elegant transitions between walls and ceilings, often incorporating intricate plasterwork or wooden craftsmanship that reflects period-specific artistic styles. Contemporary applications of cornices have expanded beyond their traditional role, with designers utilizing modern materials and manufacturing techniques to create innovative interpretations that maintain the classical principle of visual termination while introducing fresh aesthetic possibilities. These architectural elements continue to be recognized in design competitions, including the A' Design Award's architecture and interior design categories, where their integration into modern architectural projects demonstrates their enduring relevance in contemporary design practice. The technical execution of cornices requires precise consideration of scale, proportion, and material properties to ensure both visual appeal and structural integrity, making them a testament to the intersection of architectural craft and artistic expression.
architectural molding, classical ornamentation, wall crown, decorative projection, building detail, architectural element, interior trim
Cornice is a decorative architectural element that serves as a crowning or projecting feature, typically positioned at the junction where walls meet the ceiling or at the top of buildings, doors, and windows. This classical design element, originating from ancient Greek and Roman architecture, consists of a horizontal molded projection that functions both aesthetically and practically by providing visual termination to vertical surfaces while often concealing structural elements or directing water away from building facades. In architectural design, cornices can be crafted from various materials including wood, plaster, stone, or synthetic compounds, each offering distinct aesthetic and functional properties. The design of cornices has evolved significantly throughout history, from the elaborate configurations of the Renaissance and Baroque periods to more streamlined interpretations in contemporary architecture. These architectural features can range from simple single-molding designs to complex compositions incorporating multiple elements such as dentils, modillions, and corona sections. In interior design applications, cornices play a crucial role in room articulation, creating visual harmony and proportion while often concealing lighting fixtures or curtain hardware. The implementation of cornices in modern design continues to be recognized in prestigious competitions such as the A' Design Award, particularly in architectural and interior design categories, where innovative interpretations of this classical element demonstrate its enduring relevance in contemporary design practice. The technical execution of cornice design requires precise consideration of scale, proportion, and architectural context, ensuring that the element both complements the overall design scheme and maintains its functional integrity.
Architecture, Molding, Classical Design, Ornamentation
Cornice is an architectural element that serves as a decorative horizontal molding or projection that crowns or completes the top of a wall, door, window, or other architectural feature. This classical design element, originating from ancient Greek and Roman architecture, has evolved through various historical periods to become a fundamental component of both exterior and interior architectural ornamentation. In traditional architecture, cornices primarily functioned to direct rainwater away from building walls, but their role expanded to become a significant aesthetic feature that defines architectural styles and periods. The design of cornices can range from simple geometric forms to elaborate compositions incorporating multiple molding profiles, dentils, brackets, and other decorative elements. Materials used in cornice construction have historically included stone, wood, plaster, and terra cotta, though contemporary applications often utilize modern materials such as polyurethane, composite materials, and fiber-reinforced concrete. The aesthetic impact of cornices extends beyond their practical function, contributing to the visual hierarchy of buildings by creating strong horizontal lines that help define spatial relationships and architectural proportions. In interior design, cornices continue to play a vital role in room articulation, often coordinating with other architectural details to establish period authenticity or create specific design statements. Their application in contemporary architecture demonstrates how classical elements can be reinterpreted to suit modern aesthetic sensibilities, and their enduring presence in architectural design has been recognized through various design awards, including categories at the A' Design Award & Competition where architectural detailing and ornamental elements are evaluated for their innovation and aesthetic contribution.
architectural molding, decorative projection, classical ornamentation, building crown
Cornice is an architectural term referring to the uppermost section of an entablature, the horizontal structure supported by columns or a wall. In classical architecture, the cornice is the topmost of the three main parts of the entablature, sitting above the frieze and the architrave. Its primary function is to provide a decorative and protective horizontal overhang, directing water away from the building's walls. Cornices can be simple or ornate, featuring a range of moldings and decorative elements. In ancient Greek and Roman architecture, the design of the cornice varied according to the architectural order (Doric, Ionic, or Corinthian), each with its distinct proportions and decorative features. Beyond classical architecture, cornices have been adapted and incorporated into various architectural styles throughout history, from Renaissance and Neoclassical to modern-day buildings. They serve both practical and aesthetic purposes, contributing to the visual hierarchy and overall character of a building's façade.
architectural element, decorative molding, entablature, overhang, classical orders, façade, roof line, ornamental detail
Cornice is an architectural element that is typically found along the edge of a horizontal projection such as a roof, ceiling, or the top of a wall. It is a decorative feature that can be used to provide structural support and is made of various materials such as plaster, wood, stone, or metal. Cornices can be found in classical and modern designs and can be seen in a wide variety of public and private buildings, from churches to office buildings to private homes. The purpose of a cornice is twofold: it serves both an aesthetic and a functional purpose. Aesthetically, it can add a pleasing and sophisticated look to a building or structure, while functionally, it can provide additional protection from the elements by acting as a barrier against rain and wind. In interior design, cornices may also be used to hide the edge of the ceiling or to conceal air conditioning vents. In some cases, a cornice can also act as a sound barrier. Cornices can be simple and unadorned or can be decorated with elaborate details, such as dentils, gables, and brackets. The style of the cornice depends on the type of architecture or design. Masonry cornices are an important feature of classical architecture and are commonly seen in buildings constructed prior to the 20th century. The cornice is typically made of brick, stone, or wood, and can be either curved or angular in shape. To design a cornice better, it is essential to consider the overall design of the building or structure. The cornice should complement the architectural style and not detract from it. The material used should be durable and able to withstand the elements. Additionally, the size and shape of the cornice should be proportionate to the size of the building or structure. In modern design, cornices can be used to create a seamless transition between the interior and exterior of a building. They can be used to frame windows and doors or to accentuate wall surfaces. The use of lighting can also enhance the appearance of a cornice, creating a dramatic effect.
architectural element, decorative feature, structural support, classical architecture, modern design
Architectural cornices are a horizontal decorative moulding, typically of a curved or scroll-like profile that projects from the top of a building or wall. The earliest known cornices are from ancient Egyptian architecture, and their use has grown over the centuries, appearing in Classical and Renaissance architecture, as well as Gothic, Baroque and Neoclassical styles. Cornices are typically constructed from wood or plaster, but may also be constructed from stone, iron, or other materials. Cornices may be plain or ornately decorated, and may be used to frame windows and doorways, or to accentuate wall surfaces. In addition to their decorative role, cornices also provide structural support to the roof, and can be used to help divert rainwater away from the building.
Cornice, Moulding, Eaves, Frieze, Facade
The cornice is a defining feature of many architectural designs, often situated along the top of a structure or building. From a technical standpoint, it is a decorative moulding that projects horizontally along the upper edge of a structure, forming a prominent band to serve as a transition between the façade and the roof. Most often, cornices are made of wood or metal, but other materials such as stone, brick, and even plastic can be used. Additionally, cornices may be plain in design or highly decorative and ornamental, with the former being popular in contemporary architecture. The purpose of the cornice is twofold: it serves both an aesthetic and a functional purpose. Aesthetically, it can add a pleasing and sophisticated look to a building or structure, while functionally, it can provide additional protection from the elements by acting as a barrier against rain and wind.
Construction, Design, Facade, Ornamental, Protection
Masonry cornices are an important feature of classical architecture and are commonly seen in buildings constructed prior to the 20th century. A cornice is an ornamental moulding that encircles the top of a wall or structure, providing a decorative frame for the wall or structure. The cornice is typically made of brick, stone, or wood, and can be either curved or angular in shape. Depending on the style of the building, the cornice can be simple and unadorned, or can be decorated with elaborate details, such as dentils, gables, and brackets. The purpose of a cornice is to provide a finished appearance to the top of the wall, and to protect the wall from weathering.
Design, Ornamentation, Construction, Protection, Aesthetic.
Cornice is a noun derived from the Latin cōrnicem, and can be classified as a part of speech. Synonyms for cornice include ledge, frieze, band, and projection. Antonyms for cornice include depression, and retreat. Cognates for cornice are cognates found in other Romance languages such as Italian 'cornice' and Spanish 'cornisa'. Variants of cornice include 'corniced' and 'cornicing'.
Etymology Morphology Cornice Structure Word-Formation Semantics Diachronic
Cornice is an architectural feature that projects from the wall of a structure, typically consisting of a crowning horizontal feature, often with decorations. Synonyms of 'cornice' in different languages include parapet in Spanish, fascias in German, frise in French, daba in Urdu, kalas in Hindi, ganda in Bengali, lalem in Turkish, orta in Persian, and metu in Amharic.
Kalas Hindi, Daba Urdu, Fascias German, Parapet Spanish, Metu Amharic, Frise French, Orta Persian, Lalem Turkish
Cornice, also known as crown molding, is an ornamental architectural feature that consist of a strip of material which projects horizontally along the top of the wall or facade of a building. Historically, it was used to aid in the drainage of rainwater, while also providing a decorative element to buildings. Some of the most well-known works adorned with cornices are the Acropolis, St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, and the Temple of Athena Nike in Athens.
architecture, molding, facades
CITATION : "Minh Nguyen. 'Cornice.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=201718 (Accessed on June 29, 2025)"
Cornice is an architectural ornamentation, usually in the form of a strip of moulding, that is used to crown the tops of walls, windows, and doors. It is typically made of plaster, wood, stone, or metal and is installed to provide a decorative finish to the wall, window, or door. Cornice can be used in both classical and modern design, and can be seen in a wide variety of public and private buildings, from churches to office buildings to private homes. Cornice is often used to emphasize the grandeur of a design, or to add a finishing touch to a building.
Architecture, Ornamentation, Moulding, Decoration, Interior Design
Cornice is an architectural element that is typically found along the edge of a horizontal projection such as a roof, ceiling or the top of a wall. It is typically a triangular or curved shape, but can also be flat, depending on the type of architecture or design. It is used to decorate the edge of the structure and can be used to provide structural support. In interior design, cornices may also be used to hide the edge of the ceiling or to conceal air conditioning vents. In some cases, a cornice can also act as a sound barrier.
Cornice, architecture, design, decoration, structural.
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