Compound pier

A bunch of pillars (English compound pier, pier bundle, double pilier faisceau s ) is in the architecture a form of support in which this is apparently composed of several rods. The clustered columns is considered in the late Romanesque formed and was widely used in the Gothic style.

Comparatively slim quarter, half or three-quarter columns that are preceded by one of the pillars are also referred to as services. A bunch pillar is fully occupied with services. In the High Gothic period, the services could be provided so narrow that the actual pillar core is barely recognizable. This pillar core can be ausgetieft between services by fillets.

The term clustered columns can not clearly distinguish, in particular the concept of Kantonierten pillar ( pillar or limbs ). In the development of the Gothic services and pillars very different formations with the term clustered columns are associated. In early forms of the services appear as round rods far from the pillar profile out, or stand freely beside him. Other authors reject, however, circular columns of the other narrower ( "young" ) circular pillars are only surrounded, but without merging with each other, such as in the nave of the cathedral of Laon, be described as clustered columns. In the High Gothic period the number of sheets and profiles vault ribs increases - and thus also the services that are even thinner. With the decline of the structuring of wall and arch in the late Gothic period decreased the number of services that blend smoothly together now.

References and footnotes

• Support ( component )