classical architecture Classical architecture typically refers to architecture consciously derived from the principles of Ancient Greek architecture, Greek and Ancient Roman architecture, Roman architecture of classical antiquity, or more specifically, from ''De archit ...

, an architrave (; , also called an epistyle; ) is the lintel or beam, typically made of wood or stone, that rests on the capitals of

column A column or pillar in architecture and structural engineering is a structural element that transmits, through compression, the weight of the structure above to other structural elements below. In other words, a column is a compression member ...

s. The term can also apply to all sides, including the vertical members, of a frame with mouldings around a door or window. The word "architrave" has come to be used to refer more generally to a style of mouldings (or other elements) framing a door, window or other rectangular opening, where the horizontal "head" casing extends across the tops of the vertical side casings where the elements join (forming a

butt joint A butt joint is a joinery, wood joint in which the end of a piece of material is simply placed (or “butted”) against another piece. The butt joint is the simplest joint. An unreinforced butt joint is also the weakest joint, as it provides a ...

, as opposed to a miter joint).

Classical architecture

In an

entablature An entablature (; nativization of Italian , from "in" and "table") is the superstructure of moldings and bands which lies horizontally above columns, resting on their capitals. Entablatures are major elements of classical architecture, and ...

, it is the lowest part, below the

frieze In classical architecture, the frieze is the wide central section of an entablature and may be plain in the Ionic order, Ionic or Corinthian order, Corinthian orders, or decorated with bas-reliefs. Patera (architecture), Paterae are also ...

and

cornice In architecture, a cornice (from the Italian ''cornice'' meaning "ledge") is generally any horizontal decorative Moulding (decorative), moulding that crowns a building or furniture element—for example, the cornice over a door or window, ar ...

. The word is derived from the

Greek Greek may refer to: Anything of, from, or related to Greece, a country in Southern Europe: *Greeks, an ethnic group *Greek language, a branch of the Indo-European language family **Proto-Greek language, the assumed last common ancestor of all kno ...

and

Latin Latin ( or ) is a classical language belonging to the Italic languages, Italic branch of the Indo-European languages. Latin was originally spoken by the Latins (Italic tribe), Latins in Latium (now known as Lazio), the lower Tiber area aroun ...

words ''arche'' and ''trabs'' combined to mean "main beam". The architrave is different in the different

Classical order An order in architecture is a certain assemblage of parts subject to uniform established proportions, regulated by the office that each part has to perform. Coming down to the present from Ancient Greece, Ancient Greek and Ancient Roman civiliz ...

s. In the

Tuscan order The Tuscan order (Latin ''Ordo Tuscanicus'' or ''Ordo Tuscanus'', with the meaning of Etruscan order) is one of the two classical orders developed by the Romans, the other being the composite order. It is influenced by the Doric order, but wit ...

, it only consists of a plain face, crowned with a

fillet Fillet may refer to: *Annulet (architecture), part of a column capital, also called a fillet *Fillet (aircraft), a fairing smoothing the airflow at a joint between two components *Fillet (clothing), a headband *Fillet (heraldry), diminutive of the ...

, and is half a module in height. In the Doric and

Composite order The Composite order is a mixed order, combining the volutes of the Ionic order capital with the acanthus leaves of the Corinthian order.Henig, Martin (ed.), ''A Handbook of Roman Art'', p. 50, Phaidon, 1983, In many versions the composite o ...

, it has two faces, or fasciae, and three in the Ionic and

Corinthian order The Corinthian order (, ''Korinthiakós rythmós''; ) is the last developed and most ornate of the three principal classical orders of Ancient Greek architecture and Ancient Roman architecture, Roman architecture. The other two are the Doric or ...

, in which it is 10/12 of a module high, though but half a module in the rest.

Metaphorical use

The term ''architrave'' has also been used in academic writing to mean the fundamental part of something (a speech, a thought or a reasoning), or the basis upon which an idea, reasoning, thought or philosophy is built. Examples: # "...the Mature Hegel – the Hegel of the Philosophy of Right – who becomes the architrave on which he ''(Honneth, ed.)'' constructs his social philosophy." #"to become the architrave of his theoretic construction"Pag. 281
Economics and institutions Contributions from the History of Economic thought
(Pier Francesco Asso, Luca Fiorito, Italian Association for History and Economic Thought, Vol. IV, Franco Angeli Press 2007)

Modern architraves

In contemporary architecture and interior design, the term ''architrave'' also refers to the mouldings that frame doors and windows. Unlike classical architraves, which were primarily structural and often ornate, modern architraves are typically decorative and functional, concealing the gap between the wall and the door or window frame.

Materials

Modern architraves are commonly made from: * MDF (Medium-Density Fibreboard): A popular choice due to its affordability, smooth surface, and ease of painting. * Wood: A traditional material often used for premium finishes, including oak, pine, and other hardwoods. * PVC or uPVC: Commonly used in areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms, due to its durability and resistance to warping.

Styles

Modern architraves are available in a variety of styles to suit different interior design preferences: * Simple Flat Profiles: Minimalist designs for modern and contemporary interiors. * Ogee and Torus Profiles: Decorative mouldings used in more traditional or classic interiors. * Custom Profiles: Bespoke designs created to match specific architectural or design requirements.

Function

Modern architraves serve both aesthetic and practical purposes: # Concealing gaps between the wall and the frame of a door or window. # Protecting edges from damage. # Enhancing the overall aesthetic of an interior space. Modern architraves are typically installed after the walls have been finished (plastered and painted) but before flooring is laid. They are often painted or finished to match or complement the doors and walls they surround.

Indian architecture

In śilpaśāstra, the Hindu texts on architecture, the architrave is commonly referred to by its Sanskrit name ''uttara''. In

Hindu temple architecture Hindu temple architecture as the main form of Hindu architecture has many different styles, though the basic nature of the Hindu temple remains the same, with the essential feature an inner sanctum, the ''Garbhagriha, garbha griha'' or womb-ch ...

it is placed above the bracket (''potika'') of a pillar ('' stambha''), which gives it extra support. The Indian entablature is called '' prastara''. Dravidian architecture recognizes several distinct types of architraves: * rounded (''vṛttapotika'') * wavy (''taraṅgapotika'') * flower shaped (''puṣpapotika'') * bevel and tenon type (''ādhārapotika'') * voluted (''muṣṭibanda'') * figural (''citrapotika'')

Footnotes

External links

* {{Commons category-inline, Architraves Columns and entablature Architectural elements Ancient Roman architectural elements