Bead (architecture)
A bead is a mostly horizontal architectural element with a profiled semicircular or three-quarter round cross-section, which can be cranked around vertical structural elements such as columns , pilasters , pilaster strips or arched windows . In connection with archivolt sheets, bulges are also often used; they are comparatively rare as window frames.
The outwardly bulging parts of column bases or below capitals are often referred to as annular bulges or more often as torus .
function
In contrast to the cornices , which often keep rainwater away from the structure, bulges have no structural or constructive function; they are usually referred to as structuring, i.e. H. A building or parts of it optically loosening up or used as a framing architectural element. With the latter, an exact delimitation from round bars is only possible on the basis of the thickness.
history
In antiquity, bulges were rather rare; They experienced a heyday in the style period of the Romanesque . In the Gothic , Renaissance and Baroque periods , they largely disappeared to reappear in the neo-Romanesque of the 19th century.
Facade windows cranked by bulges
Apse windows emphasized by bulges
Apse window with bead framing
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