Which term best describes a shallow ornamental column attached to a wall?

Which term best describes a shallow ornamental column attached to a wall?

• A. Pilaster
• B. Column
• C. Capital
• D. Pedestal

Answer: (A)

A pilaster is a shallow ornamental projection that is applied to and runs along a wall, mimicking a flatten column without actually projecting as a freestanding structure. It captures the visual language of a column—the base, shaft, and capital—yet remains embedded in or attached to the wall, serving decorative rhythm and articulation rather than bearing loads. A true column, by contrast, projects and supports weight; a capital is simply the top element of a column; and a pedestal is a raised base for supporting statues or columns. So the term that best fits a shallow ornamental column attached to a wall is pilaster.

A pilaster is a shallow ornamental projection that is applied to and runs along a wall, mimicking a flatten column without actually projecting as a freestanding structure. It captures the visual language of a column—the base, shaft, and capital—yet remains embedded in or attached to the wall, serving decorative rhythm and articulation rather than bearing loads. A true column, by contrast, projects and supports weight; a capital is simply the top element of a column; and a pedestal is a raised base for supporting statues or columns. So the term that best fits a shallow ornamental column attached to a wall is pilaster.