Welcome to Classic Cupola
What is a Cupola? Definition and How Cupolas Are Used
The word derives, via Italian language. In Italian “cupola” simply means dome, the ornamental top element is called “lanterna”. Italian, from lower Latin cupula (classical Latin cupella), from Ancient Greek κύπελλον (kúpellon) ‘small cup’ (Latin cupa), indicating a vault resembling an upside-down cup.
The meaning of CUPOLA is a rounded vault resting on a usually circular base and forming a roof or a ceiling.
cupola, in architecture, small dome, often resembling an overturned cup, placed on a circular, polygonal, or square base or on small pillars or a glassed-in lantern. It is used to crown a turret, roof, or larger dome. The inner vault of a dome is also a cupola. Cupolas, usually bulbous or pointed,
These diminutive structures sit atop a roof ridge and bring light and air into a dark attic space. Check out a few cupolas that also bring style and interest to their top spots.
The cupola evolved during the Renaissance from the older oculus. Being weatherproof, the cupola was better suited to the wetter climates of northern Europe. The chhatri, seen in Indian architecture, fits the definition of a cupola when it is used atop a larger structure.
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. Barns often have cupolas for ventilation.
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.
Sometimes you can reach the cupola by climbing a stairway inside the building. This type of cupola is often called a belvedere or a widow’s walk. Some cupolas, called lanterns, have small windows that illuminate the areas below. Lantern type cupolas often are found atop domed roofs.
Today a cupola is mostly an ornamental architectural detail, often with the singular function of holding a flag, religious symbol (e.g., cross), weather vane, or other finial.
Cupolas – History
In the United States, cupolas are often found on Italianate houses and as a defining characteristic of neotraditional architecture. A cupola is a common site on 19th and 20th century public buildings in city centers, like the Pioneer Courthouse in Portland, Oregon. Explore this gallery of elaborate famous cupolas, simple cupolas for modest buildings, and the addition to the International Space Station (ISS), of all places.
In short, the cupola is simply a great idea. These small structures perch beautifully atop larger structures. Cupolas started out being functional — you might even call them green architecture. Their intent was to provide natural light, passive cooling through ventilation, and unobstructed views of surrounding areas. The grand cupola on the antebellum Longwood estate in Natchez, Mississippi served all these purposes. Some contemporary buildings also have functional, energy-saving cupolas. Cupolas could be called “old wine in new bottles.”
The Sheldonian Theatre in Oxford, UK was constructed between 1664 and 1669. A young Christopher Wren (1632-1723) designed this secular ceremonial hall for the University of Oxford. Like Brunelleschi before him, Wren was obsessed with building a self-sustaining roof, without timber beams or columns. Even today, the roof of the Sheldonian Theatre is analyzed and studied by mathematics geeks.
But the cupola is not part of the roof architecture. The roof could stand without the top turret. Why then do tourists pay an admission to climb the many stairs to the cupola atop the Sheldonian Theatre? For the panoramic view of Oxford, England! If you can’t go in person, watch it on YouTube.
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