Search the Design+Encyclopedia:

Fireplace


From Design+Encyclopedia, the free encyclopedia on good design, art, architecture, creativity, engineering and innovation.
Good Fireplace
478095
Fireplace

Fireplace is an architectural element and heating apparatus designed to contain and control fire for warmth, ambiance, and occasionally cooking purposes within interior spaces. This fundamental design feature, evolving from primitive hearths dating back to prehistoric times, represents a sophisticated merger of functional necessity and aesthetic consideration in both residential and commercial architecture. The basic design typically incorporates a firebox for combustion, a chimney or flue system for smoke ventilation, and a decorative surround or mantelpiece that often serves as a focal point in interior design. Throughout history, fireplace design has reflected prevailing architectural styles and cultural values, from elaborate Victorian mantels to minimalist contemporary installations. The technical aspects of fireplace design encompass critical considerations of heat efficiency, proper ventilation, safety features, and environmental impact, with modern iterations including innovations such as heat-circulating systems and cleaner-burning technologies. Contemporary fireplace design has expanded to include various fuel options beyond traditional wood, such as gas, bioethanol, and electric alternatives, each presenting unique design challenges and opportunities. The aesthetic significance of fireplaces in interior design continues to evolve, with designers participating in competitions such as the A' Design Award to showcase innovative approaches to this timeless element. The cultural importance of fireplaces extends beyond their practical function, serving as gathering points that influence spatial organization and social interaction within designed environments, while also contributing to the psychological comfort and perceived value of spaces.

Heat source, combustion chamber, chimney system, mantelpiece design, ventilation requirements, thermal efficiency, interior focal point, architectural element, sustainable heating

Lucas Reed

283752
Fireplace

A fireplace is a structure that is designed to contain a fire for the purpose of providing heat, light, and ambiance. It is typically constructed of brick, stone, or metal, and can be a free-standing structure or part of a larger building. Fireplaces can be fueled by wood, gas, or electricity, and may have an opening at the front that is covered with a grate or screen to contain the fire and prevent sparks from escaping. The fireplace may also have a chimney or flue that allows the smoke and other byproducts of combustion to be vented outside. In addition to providing warmth and light, fireplaces can also serve as a focal point for a room, adding to its aesthetic appeal. They can be decorated with mantels, hearths, and other decorative elements to enhance their appearance. Fireplaces can also be used for cooking, with some designs including built-in ovens or grills. While fireplaces have been used for centuries, modern technology has made them more efficient and environmentally friendly. Gas and electric fireplaces, for example, can provide heat without the need for wood, reducing the amount of pollution and particulate matter released into the air. Overall, fireplaces remain a popular feature in homes and other buildings, providing warmth, light, and ambiance while adding to the overall aesthetic appeal of a space.

structure, fuel, vented, ambiance, efficient

Mark Hall

247728
Fireplace

A fireplace is an architectural structure designed to contain a fire in order to provide heat or simply for aesthetic purposes. Most fireplaces are constructed from brick, stone, or other masonry materials and are designed to contain a fire on one side within a chamber, open to the other side of the room, and often with a chimney rising above the roof. Fireplaces have been used for centuries, with the earliest known examples appearing in Europe during the Middle Ages. Fireplaces are generally used to provide heat to a room, but they can also be used to warm food and drinks, as well as providing a source of light and an area for social gatherings. In some cases, fireplaces can also be used to provide a decorative element to a room.

Heat, Fire, Fuel, Structure, Aesthetics.

Robert Miller

225875
Fireplace

The word “fireplace” is an English noun from the Middle English “fyrplace”, which in turn has its origin in the Old English “feur-splOTT”, a compound noun formed from two distinct Proto-Indo-European (PIE) roots: “feur” meaning “fire” and “splott” meaning “place” or “patch of ground.” In its modern form it has evolved through the Middle English form “fyre” and later through “fire-place” to its current spelling “fireplace.” The underlying morphological form, however, has remained largely unchanged since the Middle English. From a language perspective, the main use of “fireplace” is to refer to a place where a fire is lit or where one is intended to be lit. The secondary use of the term “fireplace” has evolved to include any decorative feature, often designed for display purposes for which a fire is no longer needed. The pragmatic and historical contexts of “fireplace” have also played a role in its evolution. Historically, the fireplace served a practical purpose in providing warmth and a place to cook food. More recently, the fireplace has become an integral part of interior design and room decor, becoming more of a decorative component of the home.

Etymology, Morphology, Historical, Pragmatic, Linguistic

Henry Fontaine

220657
Fireplace

The English word fireplace can be classified as a noun. Synonymous words for fireplace might include hearth, chimney, and mantelpiece. Antonyms would include words such as cold, absence, or extinction. Cognates include the French word cheminée, the German word Kamin, and the Spanish word chimenea. Variants of the word fireplace include fire-place, fireplaces, and fire-places.

Etymological origin, classification, morphology, variations, linguistics, synonymy, antonymy, cognates.

George Adrian Postea

220645
Fireplace

The term fireplace refers to an enclosed space, typically made of brick or stone, designed to contain an open hearth fire. It may also be used to refer to other types of heating systems in the home, such as stoves and fire pits. In some cultures, a fireplace is a vital part of daily life, and can be seen as a symbol of home and comfort. In other languages, the concept of a fireplace is also referred to through a range of synonyms, such as brasero, cheminée, Kamin, komfyr, kookvuur, lareira, l’âtre, ornello, zana, șemineu, and vuurslag. Similarly, a range of expressions may be used to denote the act of huddling around the fireplace, such as avalia-se ao lume, braseirar, fogarizzi, gesellig kringet round, riassesi intorno, объединиться у камина, and スツールのまわりにすわりながら.

fireplace, open hearth, brasero, cheminée, Kamin, komfyr, kookvuur, lareira, l’âtre, ornello, zana, șemineu, vuurslag, avalia-se ao lume, braseirar, fogarizzi, gesellig kringet round, riassesi intorno, объединиться у камина, スツールのまわりにすわりながら

Harris Awan

182568
Fireplace

A fireplace is an enclosed space that is designed to contain and direct the combustion of fuel, usually wood, to provide heat, light, and warmth. It is typically constructed of brick, concrete, stone, or metal and can be a free-standing structure or part of a larger building. The fireplace typically has an opening at the front that is covered with a grate or screen to contain the fire and prevent sparks from escaping. The fireplace may also have a chimney or flue that allows the smoke and other byproducts of combustion to be vented outside.

Fireplace, wood fire, hearth, chimney, flue, combustion.

Robert Johnson


Fireplace Definition
Fireplace on Design+Encyclopedia

We have 216.552 Topics and 472.818 Entries and Fireplace has 7 entries on Design+Encyclopedia. Design+Encyclopedia is a free encyclopedia, written collaboratively by designers, creators, artists, innovators and architects. Become a contributor and expand our knowledge on Fireplace today.