Pilasters

Get a load of those pilasters!


Pilasters are engaged, that is attached to or partly embedded in a wall. Pilasters, like these ionic columns, are purely decorative, as opposed to full columns that would instead be a supporting feature.

(Apartment building on 8th near Westlake)



Pilasters are a common detail in Greek Revival architecture, also featured in Georgian, Federal, and Colonial styles.

This house on 25th street in Kinney Heights has a pilaster that resembles a doric column, with a single story shaft, terminating at the stringcourse.




Pilasters are most commonly either piers or pillars/columns and can be constructed as a projection of the wall itself. This example in North University Park is also column-like, sporting a small rosette and capital (a type of finishing crown).

The entalature above is festooned with a garland, resembling a band of flowers, a swag of fabric, a festive decoration.