From en.wikipedia.org:
[Architectural structure on top of a building] {{Hatnote group| [Other uses]
[Copula (disambiguation) [!] Copula] }}
In architecture, a CUPOLA ([ˈ])[1] is a relatively small, usually dome-like
structure on top of a building[2] often crowning a larger roof or dome.[3][4]
Cupolas often serve as a roof lantern to admit light and air or as a lookout.
The word derives, via Italian, from lower Latin _cupula_ (classical Latin
_cupella_), [grc] (Latin _cupa_), indicating a vault resembling an upside-down
cup.[In Italian, _cupola_ simply means "dome", and the ornamental top element,
allowing light to enter, is called a lantern ( [it] ).]
The cylindrical drum underneath a larger cupola is called a tholobate.
** Background
The cupola evolved during the Renaissance from the older oculus. Being
weatherproof, the cupola was better suited to the wetter climates of northern
Europe. [date=February 2015] The chhatri, seen in Indian architecture, fits
the definition of a cupola when it is used atop a larger
structure.[date=February 2015]
Cupolas often serve as a belfry, belvedere, or roof lantern above a main roof.
In other cases they may crown a spire, tower, or turret.<ref name="WHATCUP"/>
Barns often have cupolas for ventilation.[5][6]
Cupolas can also appear as small buildings in their own right.
The square, dome-like segment of a North American railroad train caboose that
contains the second-level or "angel" seats is also called a cupola.[7][8]
[clear]
<gallery mode="packed" heights="210px"> File:White marble cupolas cap minarets
at the Tomb of Jahangir.jpg|White marble cupolas cap minarets at the Tomb of
Jahangir in Lahore, Pakistan File:Santa Maria del Fiore, Duomo.JPG|The dome of
Florence Cathedral with a roof lantern at the top File:Cupola ceiling
Synagogue Gyor Hungary.jpg|Interior of cupola ceiling in the old Synagogue of
Győr, Hungary. File:Great Mosque Minaret - Kairouan, Tunisia.jpg|Ribbed
cupola crowns the minaret of the Mosque of Uqba, in Kairouan, Tunisia.
File:Cupola - Armenian Orthodox church in Lvov.jpg|Inside of Armenian Orthodox
church cupola in Lviv, Ukraine. File:ISS STS130 Cupola view of Algeria
coast.jpg|View from the interior of the Cupola module on the International
Space Station. File:Brivio.church.cupola.jpg|Trompe-l'œil painting of a
cupola in a church in Northern Italy (Brivio) </gallery>
** On armoured vehicles
The term cupola can also refer to the protrusions atop an armoured fighting
vehicle due to their distinctive dome-like appearance. They allow crew or
personnel to observe, offering very good all round vision,[9] or even field
weaponry, without being exposed to incoming fire. Later designs, however,
became progressively flatter and less prominent as technology evolved to allow
designers to reduce the profile of their vehicles.
** See also
- Astrodome (aeronautics)
- Cupola (ISS module)
- Daylighting
- Windcatcher
** Notes
[notelist]
** References
[Clear] [30em]
** External links
[Architecture] [position=left]
[History of architecture]
Cupola