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Architecture/Cornerstones and Capstones
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Question
What is the historical significance of a cornerstone and a
capstone? What were they used for? How were they required for
the integrity of a building?
Hi Dawn - thanks for your question!
Cornerstones were (and still are!) part of a ceremony to officially begin the construction on a building. Back when building foundations were made of stone, the "first stone" laid was a cornerstone. It was often decoratively carved, and sometimes hollowed out and used as a time capsule.
Cornerstones don't have any real structural value in construction today, but they're still often used in a ceremonial capacity.
A capstone can be many different things - can you tell me more about what kind of capstone you're referring to?
Richard Taylor, AIA
Richard Taylor Architects, LLC
www.rtastudio.com
www.betterhomedesign.blogspot.com
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank you for a very informative answer to my question. I now have a starting place and an idea of how to go about it. Taking the emotion out of it is going to be the hardest part. However, I get the point loud and clear: we must do our homework! Thank you very much, Richard. | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Richard Taylor, AIA
Expertise
Ask me about all aspects of house, remodeling. , and room addition design and construction. Ask me about historic homes, renovation, and restoration. Ask me about materials and techniques, and about how you can get the best value for your design and construction dollar. Ask me how you can make your home a very special place. I can't, however, answer specific structural engineering questions in this forum - that's something you'll need on-site observation for.
Experience
I own a full-service residential architectural firm, and have been designing custom homes, remodelings, and room additions across the country since 1983. Check us out at Richard Taylor Architects and RTA Plans. I have written and been published extensively on the subject of residential architecture.
Organizations
American Institute of Architects, City of Dublin Architectural Review Board, Vice Chair of City of Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission, American Planning Association, Board Member Historic Dublin Business Association, Past Editor of SPLASH (a software forum), Past Editor of Open Directory Project, Assistant Scoutmaster, Boy Scouts of America
Publications
Business First of Columbus, Suburban New Publications, About.com, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Columbus Dispatch Residential Architect
Custom Home Architect
Remodeling Architect
Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Environmental Design (Architecture) Miami University 1983
For more about home design, check out my blog at Sense Of Place and join the conversation on our Facebook Page.
Awards and Honors
2010 Dublin Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year
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