What is Cornice in architecture?
In architecture, a cornice is a decorative element that is typically found between walls and a roof or ceiling. It is used as a decorative molding as well as a protecting agent (when it is projected out of the building). Cornice can be constructed on the interior and exterior walls. It is also found in many furniture pieces as a crown and highlighting element, mainly over a door, window, or above kitchen cabinets and bookcases. Cornices are used in residential and commercial buildings’ exteriors and interiors to serve an aesthetic as well as a functional purpose. Cornices can be referred to as crown molding and eaves, but they serve a slightly different function from crown molding.
History of Cornice
A cornice is not a new architectural element; it can be found in ancient Greek and Roman architecture. In Roman and Greek architecture, the top element that was present in the entablature was the cornice. You can see it in the sketches below. Both are famous orders from Greek and Roman architecture, and in almost every order, they are found at the top.
The basic function or use of the cornices was to direct rainwater from the sides of the building, but soon it became a highly decorative architectural element and was used in various types of buildings.
Use of cornices in different orders:-
In Doric order, the cornice was made with very simple and geometric lines rather than using curvy and messy lines.
On Ionic order, it was more of a decorative and detailed element.
In Corinthian order, it was used in the form of leaves and other elements.
All orders had different cornice appearances and were made by carving them. As time changes and modernity takes hold, the geometry and design of cornices are evolving and becoming more clear and functional.
Sketches by Shivani Lohiya
Uses of Cornice in architecture
1. Cornices are used as an ornamental and decorative element in architecture.
2. They are used to direct the rainwater away from the building.
3. It protects the edges of the roof and wall.
4. It is used to cap the interior walls, cabinets, columns, etc.
5. It can be used for residential and commercial buildings
Materials used for Cornice
Cornice can be constructed with different materials like wood, Plaster of Paris (POP), Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF), gypsum, Paper-covered gypsum or plaster, glass-reinforced concrete (GRC), etc.
Difference between Cornice and Crown Molding
Both of them are used as decorative and capping elements in architecture, but crown molding is more of an interior thing.
Crown molding is used on interior walls to lighten up the interior and make the space seem bigger by directly catching the eye of the user.
Whereas cornice is more of a highly decorative element that can be used for interior and exterior purposes. It is used as a protecting agent as well as a decorative agent.
Cornice molding is also useful for concealing lighting fixtures to hide them, drapery hardware, and other architectural elements.
Crown molding can add a touch of elegance to a room, but it is less ornate and dramatic than cornice molding.
