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Identifying feature

Pilaster

A flat column projecting slightly from a wall, with the same base, shaft and capital (decorated top) as a freestanding column. It is usually decorative and is common on Renaissance, Georgian and Neoclassical buildings.

a sign of these styles

Church of Santa Prisca de Taxco, Taxco, Mexico: an example of Churrigueresque Churrigueresque c. 1680–1780 Carved stone portals and altarpieces covered in ornament, framed by estipites, tapering pilasters wider at the top than the base. Florence Cathedral, Florence, Italy: an example of Early Renaissance Early Renaissance c. 1400–1500 Round arches on slender columns, flat wall pilasters, and calm, measured symmetry. Chinatown, Singapore, Singapore, Singapore: an example of Southeast Asian Shophouse Southeast Asian Shophouse c. 1840–1960 Narrow terraced rows of two or three stories, shops at street level, with a continuous covered walkway in front. Folger Shakespeare Library, Washington, D.C., United States: an example of Stripped Classicism Stripped Classicism c. 1925–1950 Symmetrical stone buildings with flat pilasters or piers without capitals, tall windows in a regular grid, and low-relief sculpture.

also seen on

Cast IronCommercial VernacularEdwardianFederalFrench RenaissanceGreek RevivalMannerismPahlaviPolish Cathedral StyleRegencyRenaissance RevivalVictorian Terrace

often seen with

Cornice A deep, overhanging ledge that caps the top of a facade. Symmetrical facade A facade, or main front, whose left and right halves mirror each other, usually with the main door at the… Round arch An arch shaped as a half circle, often built from wedge-shaped blocks called voussoirs. Sash window A window made of one or more glass-filled frames, called sashes, that slide up and down in grooves. Carved stone relief Figures or patterns carved into stone so they project from a flat background, called low relief when shallow… Pediment A low triangle over columns, a door or a window, framed by a projecting ledge called a cornice. Balustrade A railing made of a row of short, shaped posts called balusters, topped by a rail. Stucco wall A wall coated with stucco, a plaster of cement or lime, sand and water, finished smooth or textured.