Posts Tagged cupolas
Universal Symbols-Five Intertwined Rings for the Olympics & Steeples For a Place of Worship
Posted by Elda Titus in Leadership on 02/28/2010
Symbols are objects or pictures that represent a much larger idea. Symbols have played a significant role throughout history in how ideas become and influence our culture. It has been said that symbols represent and communicate who we are and what we value as a society.
No matter where you live on this great earth-when one sees the five intertwined rings we think of the Olympics. And wherever we live in this world and see steeples we observe it as a place to worship. So how did these symbols become universal?
The Olympic rings and flag were designed after the 1912 Olympic Games in Stockholm. This was the first Olympic Games that participants from all five continents competed. This represented a union of the five original major continents, Africa, America, Asia, Australia and Europe.
Thus the five interlocking rings stand for the five continents and the color of the rings symbolic of the national flags in the world. The six colors being black, blue, green, red, yellow on a white background. At least one of these colors is on every national flag in the world. The flag and rings symbolizing the universality of the Olympics.
Wikipedia describes a steeple, in architecture, is a tall tower on a building, often topped by a spire. Steeples are a universal symbol on Christian churches and cathedrals and the use of the term generally connotes a religious structure.
Buildings with “pointy tops” trace back as far as architecture itself. Since the inhabitants of Babel erected a tower to “reach to the heavens,” nations have followed and built structures that point upward.
Ancient cultures have shared the conviction that God and heaven are up. This can be seen in the upward design of the pyramids designed by the Egyptians.
Towers became part of Churches around 600AD being adapted from military watch towers. Originally they were separate structures that became integrated into the church building and capped with more elaborate roofs that resulted into the steeple which we recognize today.
The steeple is the only surviving external architecture accent the puritans would allow to remain in the design of American church buildings.
The symbol most recognized on churches old and new is the steeple, often built with bells in the upper portion, providing the finishing touch. In early times these bells served a variety of purposes; called worshipers to service, summon citizens for special announcements or emergencies.
In terms of size and shape, steeples vary depending on the architecture of the buildings they are placed upon. But even in their variety, steeples still serve their traditional purpose-to guide people’s eyes toward the heavens.
Character and integrity embodies tradition and universal symbols. While styles are continually changing, the symbols of the five intertwined rings for the Olympics, and the steeples continue to mark a place of a house of worship. They are unlikely to change. The elegant design and ideas have influenced our culture. These symbols speak volumes about the values and priorities of our forefathers.
Elda Titus, owner Prairie Rose Country, an on-line business, specializing in top quality, unique, louvered, window or custom made cupolas. Cupolas that can be modified into steeples as an add on or integrated into the design of your building. Check out steeples @ => http://prairierosecountry.com
How to Add Curb Appeal Country Style… With a Cupola
Posted by Elda Titus in Advice on 01/31/2010
Create a country motif with charm, elegance and stateliness to an otherwise ordinary looking structure. Outdoor decorating has become a great way to improve the value of your home or business. Because it is the first thing people see when they drive up. Let your buildings natural architectural design dictate how to enhance your home/business unique features. Decorators recommend creating a bold statement with a strong focal point.
When it comes to decorating your home or business, sometimes it is the little things that get noticed. An interesting, well-placed accent can give your home a whole new look. Adding a cupola gives a touch of elegance that breaks up the flat line of a roof. They not only draw attention but they add a sense of tradition and country charm.
Curb appeal involves adding color and layers, making an attractive presentation-one with perfect charm and character. Showing off architectural features to their best advantage, cupolas create impressive, visual character that adds distinction, country style. Creating curb appeal, you are not only satisfying your own needs with the outstanding look, you are creating and effect that your neighbors will just love.
Although, some of us may not know the word cupola immediately, we know cupolas when we see them. They are the small building on top of a larger one. Their designs are unique and are intentionally planned and constructed to capture the character of traditional early American architecture. They have graced the rooflines of homes, barns, and churches for centuries, most often placed in the middle of the building at the highest point. The early history of cupolas was a pseudo-tower, and served several purposes from a covered light source, to added ventilation, to a statement of style.
The Empire State Building and the United States Capitol have a cupola on their roof providing an architectural accent plus a dramatic exterior. The earliest domes were made of stone. The weight of the structure was one of the major challenges. The earliest masonry dome, the Pantheon, was built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian. It was built to reflect his power. The interior is a perfect circle in which the diameter and height are exactly the same.
The domes on top many government buildings, and churches are cupolas. A cupola doesn’t have to be a dome. It can be an excellent accent point, a small, decorative tower on top any home or business. Gazebos can be cupolas. Sometimes cupolas have weathervanes, flag poles or crosses on them. These architectural accents add old world charm to catch the eye.
Each hand-made cupola is carefully scaled and proportioned to compliment the particular building it will adorn, both in size and detailing. Structurally, a cupola can’t be just tacked on. It has to be well integrated into its building. It is very important that it is of proper dimensions. Choosing a cupola that is too small for the size of your home/business will make it appear less like the cupola you desire and more like a bird house.
These architectural accents can be decorative, functional to ventilate, or windowed to provide sky light. Some cupolas are large enough to be a full sized room. From a simple addition to an entire top floor where it offers a scenic view, solitude, a peaceful place to retreat and read a book. Cupolas give your home a unique, whimsical appearance.
Whatever your preference, there is a cupola for you. They are sure to add an elegant touch to your beautiful home/business. Your attention to detail will guarantee your home’s first impression to others—a stunning look that feels expensive. Be creative—-have fun—-get inspired!
Elda Titus, Owner of an on-line business, bringing back traditional early American architectural accents, specialized in selling top quality, unique, louvered, window and custom cupolas. We offer quality with the character of tradition, to capture the spirit of early American architecture. These accents are functional and designed to accept a weathervane. To learn more about these high quality cupolas and weathervanes visit at=> http://PrairieRoseCountry.com