Photo by myself, Midtown.
I've forgotten where I took the above photo of an architectural detail, earlier this year.
Okay, prepare thyself for a geeky architecture lesson!
The mystery building shown is a great example of practical needs and aesthetics. There is a gutter hidden within the cornice, about one third down from the top of the image.
The lion heads are actually 'scuppers' - rainwater flows from the gutter out through the lions' mouths. The scuppers allow the building to shed water at points along the facade. The scuppers are in line with the columns, so you are less apt to be dripped on when entering or exiting the building.
Scuppers more decorative than downspouts, which carry water down along walls in traditional buildings. On Neo-Gothic buildings, you can find scuppers disguised as gargoyles.
The Romans did not build their buildings with hidden gutters. This is a relatively modern invention.
Happy weekend, everyone!
Related posts: Dusk Among Towers, Architecture, A Glorified Profession and Things To Come.
5 comments:
Have a nice weekend my dear,your photographic journey is like I have been there.
Regards from Thessaloniki.
Oooh, I loved the geeky architecture lesson!!! :)
Happy w.e.!
Great shot and architectural lesson. I like closely cropped shots like this because more can be seen that is usually overlooked.
very interesting! The design looks beautiful & it makes a lot of sense.
I thought you were going to explain the corinthian capitelli...in fact at first glance I didn't notice the little lions...
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