Designers use various architectural elements to add variety and interest in their design. History of architecture is as old as Man himself and there are certain architectural elements like Pergola which have been used for a long time with only a few modifications.
One such structure is a Pergola. An architect loves to play with light and shade on any surface. This is one such structure that allows the architect to make light and shade a part of facade design. Functionally, it is used to provide shade on the ground, seating areas or horizontal surfaces, support trailing plants or grow such shrubs underneath it which need partial shade. A Pergola is an arched structure of vertical columns supporting cross beams to form covered pathway, porch, veranda or partially shaded space in a garden. It is an outdoor structure.
History
History of a Pergola can be traced back to 3000 years, to 1400 BC. Egyptian high court official Thebes had a Pergola over the entrance to his gardens. From the rich elite to the common gardener, many found it useful. Architects love to use this exceptional strucure in their design even today.
Types and Uses
Proper use of an element for both functional and aesthetic purpose is the key to a successful design. Few uses aesthetic and functional uses of a pergola are as follows:
- Partially cover pathways or seating areas making them shaded as well as airy
- Reduce heating effect of direct sunlight on a wall facing south
- Cover verandahs, balconies or porch.
- Support hanging garden.
- Provide support to trailing plants, vines, etc.
- Shade to grow certain plants underneath
- Provide variation to an otherwise plain, uninteresting surface
- Mark transition from one area to another.
- Provide surprise aspect of a garden
Over the years, architects and designers have used the pergola in various ways. Depending on the structure they can be of two types: Freestanding or Attached to a Wall. Free standing ones are used to cover gateways, pathways, gazebos or provide support to trailers and vine in the garden. Some are attached to wall to shade patios, verandah, porch or even windows on the northern façade.
Material Used
They can be made using different materials like wood, plastic, concrete or metal like aluminum or cast iron. Depending on the type of material used, the design may vary. They can feature straight lines, arches and curves, or have conical shape. A roof over it is constructed if the space below is meant to be covered completely.
Construction of a Pergola
A Pergola can be added to an existing structure or a garden to enhance the beauty of the garden. If designed as a part of the structure initially, more durable material like concrete or metal can be used, though it is not difficult to be added to an existing structure as well. The material used in this case is lighter and easier to install.
Whether standing alone or in addition to a structure, a pergola provides a focal point to an open space. It is best suited for cool and dry climates. Go through this link to get few more useful information,
