Entablature
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Entablature
Entablature is a significant architectural element that represents the horizontal section positioned above columns, piers, or walls in classical architecture, comprising three main parts: the architrave (bottom), frieze (middle), and cornice (top). This fundamental component of classical design emerged in ancient Greek architecture and was later refined by Roman builders, becoming a cornerstone of Western architectural vocabulary that continues to influence contemporary design. The architrave, being the lowest section, acts as the main beam resting directly on the column capitals, traditionally divided into three horizontal bands in the Ionic order and left plain in the Doric order. The frieze, the middle section, serves as a decorative element often adorned with continuous sculptural relief, triglyphs and metopes in the Doric order, or continuous bas-relief in the Ionic order, allowing architects and designers to incorporate narrative elements and symbolic motifs. The uppermost section, the cornice, projects outward and functions both aesthetically and practically by directing rainwater away from the building's face while creating a powerful visual termination to the composition. Throughout history, entablature has evolved from its structural origins to become a versatile design element, appearing in various scales and contexts from monumental architecture to furniture design, and its enduring influence is recognized in contemporary design competitions, including the A' Design Award's architecture and structural design categories, where innovative interpretations of classical elements continue to emerge.
architectural orders, classical design, horizontal beam system, decorative molding, structural elements, facade composition
Entablature
Entablature is a fundamental element of classical architecture, referring to the horizontal structure that rests atop a column or colonnade. Typically composed of three distinct parts—the architrave, frieze, and cornice—the entablature serves both structural and decorative purposes. The architrave, the lowest part of the entablature, is a horizontal beam that spans the space between columns, providing support for the elements above. The frieze, the middle section, often features ornamental sculptures, reliefs, or other decorative elements that reflect the building's purpose or the architect's artistic vision. The cornice, the uppermost component, projects outward from the frieze, creating a visually striking shadow line and protecting the lower parts of the entablature from the elements. The specific design and proportions of the entablature vary among the classical orders—Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian—each with its own unique characteristics and historical significance. The entablature's design is carefully calibrated to harmonize with the columns below, creating a sense of balance, proportion, and unity that is essential to the overall aesthetic of classical architecture. Beyond its structural and decorative roles, the entablature also serves as a unifying element, visually connecting the vertical columns and creating a coherent, rhythmic facade that has become synonymous with the grandeur and enduring beauty of classical architecture.
Classical architecture, architectural orders, column, architrave
Entablature
Entablature, in architecture, is traditionally understood to refer to the uppermost part of a classical building, supported by columns and resting on their capitals. It is composed of three distinct elements, as defined by the Roman architect Vitruvius: the architrave, the frieze, and the cornice. Entablature has been used in a variety of architectural styles, from ancient Greek and Roman buildings to the Baroque period. The ornate quality of the entablature often serves as a distinguishing feature of a building, helping to define its style and historical period. Entablature is particularly important in the Classical Orders, where its proportions, decoration, and articulation help to distinguish each Order from the others.
Pediment, Cornice, Frieze, Architrave, Columns.
Entablature
The Entablature is a term used in classical architecture to refer to the upper part of a building, which is made up of three horizontal elements, the architrave, the frieze, and the cornice. It is situated above the columns and is the main decorative element of the building. It is traditionally composed of a series of mouldings and can often be seen in Classical Greek and Roman buildings, such as temples, public buildings, and monuments. The Entablature is an important part of the overall design of a building, as it helps to add a sense of drama and grandeur to the structure.
Architecture, Proportion, Order, Symmetry, Beauty
Entablature
Entablature is a term used in architecture to refer to the structure that is supported by columns, pilasters, or walls, and is composed of an architrave, a frieze, and a cornice. It is a structural element that has been used in architecture since antiquity, and is found in many classical styles of architecture. It is typically composed of three main elements - the architrave, the frieze, and the cornice. The architrave is the main beam that supports the structure, the frieze is the decorative band that runs along the top of the architrave, and the cornice is a decorative molding that runs along the top of the frieze. The entablature is often the most ornamental and decorative part of an architectural structure, and can be used to convey a sense of grandeur.
Architecture, Structure, Columns, Pilasters, Frieze, Cornice
Entablature
The word entablature traces its origin to the Latin word tabula, which means plate or board. From Latin, it has travelled through several languages, finally finding its way into English. Morphologically, the word carries within it a dual meaning: the literal meaning of a flat surface and the metaphorical meaning of the structural element of a building. In terms of etymology, the word entablature has been around for centuries, having first appeared in the Latin language in the 8th century. Its long history has been linked to the development of the art of architecture. Its current usage is most often seen in reference to the structure and design of a building, or a part of a building, such as a column, pillar or arch. Entablature is also used in a variety of instances in which a structure needs to be decorated or distinguished from the rest of the architectural elements. In terms of pragmatics, the word is typically used when referencing an aspect of architecture, though it can also be used in a figurative sense to refer to anything which is at the top of a structure.
Etymology, Morphology, Entablature, Language, Pragmatics
Entablature
Entablature is a noun of Italian origin that is defined as the upper part of an order in classical architecture, which consists of the architrave, the frieze, and the cornice. Synonyms of Entablature include superstructure, crowning, and ornamentation. Antonyms of Entablature include undersupply, deprivation, and scarcity. Cognates of Entablature include the French word “entablement” and the Spanish word “entablamento”. Variants of Entablature include entablement, entablature, entablaturement, and entablaturemente.
Etymological Perspective, Entablature, Latin, Architrave, Frieze, Cornice, Superstructure, Crowning, Ornamentation
Entablature
Entablature is the upper portion of an architectural feature of a building, usually consisting of an architrave, a frieze, and a cornice. The equivalent words in other languages can be vast and varied. In French, the word is entablement, in German, Gebälk, in Italian, entablamento, in Dutch, entablatuur, in Spanish, entablamiento, and in Latin, entablatura. In Portuguese, the equivalent is entablamento, in Greek, λόφος, in Russian, арочная конструкция, in Polish, belka, in Chinese, 楹联, in Hungarian, entablátum, in Korean, 돌담, in Japanese, 楹, in Arabic, انتبلاتور, and in Turkish, entaplay.
Multilingualism, architecture, construction, terms, building, columns, decoration, overhangs, cornice, architrave, frieze, lintel, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Spanish, Latin, Portuguese, Greek, Russian, Polish, Chinese, Hungarian, Korean, Japanese, Ar
CITATION : "Harris Awan. 'Entablature.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/define/entablature?E=222100 (Accessed on October 14, 2026)"
Entablature
Entablature is a term used in architecture to refer to a specific set of elements that are used to embellish and support the upper part of a structure. It typically consists of three parts: an architrave, a frieze, and a cornice. The architrave is a large, horizontal band that serves to connect the columns or pilasters of a building and to lend structure to the upper part of the wall. The frieze is a narrower central band that lies between the architrave and the cornice and is often decorated with carvings or reliefs. The cornice is an ornamental band at the top of the entablature, often made of wood or stone, that serves as both a decorative element and a support to the building. By using entablature, architects are able to create visually stunning structures with a unified look.
Architecture, Design, Ornamental, Structure, Frieze, Cornice.
Entablature
Entablature is the upper part of an architectural structure, usually a building or temple, which is composed of three parts: an architrave, a frieze, and a cornice. The architrave is the lowest part of the entablature, which is often decorated with decorative elements such as carved figures or carvings. The frieze is the middle level which is usually composed of decorative elements such as moldings or inscriptions. The cornice is the highest part of the entablature, which is often decorated with dentils or modillions and is often the most ornate and elaborate part of the entablature. Entablature is used to give an architectural structure a more aesthetically pleasing appearance as well as offering structural support.
entablature, architrave, frieze, cornice, dentils, modillions
Entablature on Design+Encyclopedia
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