Column

:For other uses of 'column', see Column (disambiguation)

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In architecture and structural engineering, a column is that part of a structure whose purpose is to transmit through compression the weight of the structure. Other compression members are often termed columns because of the similar stress conditions. Columns can be either compounded of parts or made as a single piece. Columns are frequently used to support beams or arches on which the upper parts of walls or ceilings rest.

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In the architecture of ancient Egypt as early as 2600 BC the architect Imhotep made use of stone columns whose surface was carved to reflect the organic form of bundled reeds; in later Egyptian architecture faceted cylinders were also common.

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Some of the most elaborate columns in the ancient world were those of Persia especially the massive stone columns erected in Persepolis. They included double-bull structures in their capitals. The Hall of Hundred Columns at Persepolis, measuring 70 x 70 meters was built by the Achaemenid king Artaxerxes I (465-424). Many of the ancient Persian columns are standing.

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The impost (or pier) is the topmost member of a column. The bottom-most part of the arch, called the springer, rests on the impost.

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Architecture: Architecture (in Greek αρχή = first and τέχνη = craftsmanship) is the art and science of designing buildings and structures. A wider definition would include within its scope the design of the total built environment, from the macrolevel of town planning,...

Structural engineering: Structural engineering is the field of civil engineering particularly concerned with the design of load-bearing structures. In practice, it is largely the implementation of mechanics to the design of structures, such as buildings, bridges, walls (including retaining walls), dams, tunnels, etc....

Compression: There are several types of compression:...

Column related Images and Photos (experimental)

Column I	Column Designs	Daisy Column I	Floral Column I
Daisy Column II	Column South 1953	Floral Column II	Gossip Column - Crows
A Poster Column Paris	Detail Column and Cornice I	Trajan's Column Rome from "Le Costume Ancien Et Moderne"	Brain and Spinal Column