Both Pillar and Column are physical structures that are cylindrical from standing upright to support a structure above terms such as a building or horizontal beam. Although pillar and column have common architectural factors, they both can be used in different contexts.
Pillar vs Column
The main difference between Pillar and Column is the way they are used in a structure. A pillar is used by the general public and in literature. The column is used by engineers and technical peoples.
A pillar is a huge solid structure, usually cylindrical, standing upright to support another larger structure such as a monument or building. It can be a standalone structure as a decorative piece but in a wider sense, it is designed to withstand weight like a building roof as a supportive structural element.
The column is a specific type of pillar that has exceptional load-bearing capacity. It can be a vertically aligned cell in a table or chart. They are often used to specify certain featured sections in newspapers or magazines.
Comparison Table Between Pillar and Column
| Parameter of Comparison | Pillar | Column |
| Definition | Pillars are a solid upright structure that supports a bigger architectural structure. | The column is a particular type of pillar that arises from the base and rests on the foundation. |
| Feature | Pillar is a standing element that is tall usually constructed out of bricks or stones. | The column is often used in architectural or engineering structures usually made of masonry or steel. |
| Purpose | It can also be used as decorative elements. | It can be used as a standalone structure. |
| Nomenclature | A pillar can be a column. | The column cannot be a pillar. |
| Uses | A pillar can generally be used as an architectural context as both structural or decorative elements. | The column can be used in different contexts such as a series of vertically arranged cells in a table or chart or as a featured section in newspapers or magazines. |
What is a Pillar?
A-Pillar is a tall vertical cylindrical structure of metals, stones, or wood used as an ornament or support for a building or monuments. It is approximately shaped like a column or tower. A pillar commonly functions as a stabilizing or load-bearing. Sometimes a pillar is also used as a standalone decorative element.
A pillar is an important part of anything which is much bigger in size, usually constructed out of masonries such as bricks, concrete, or stones.
In Egypt, the pillar was first introduced with the experiments in enlarging covered structure. Their pillar was first used as support for roofing in their millennium b.c.e. As a result of which, the pillar served not only as an ornament of the building but also as a support for the larger monuments. These began to be used in the middle of the second-millennium b.c.e, in Mesopotamia.
By the spelling of the pillar itself, there are two pillars right in the middle of the word that holds the whole word upright. Therefore, from the word and its spelling itself it is crystal clear that a pillar is meant to support a structure. Sometimes they are called pedestal, support, tower, pr shaft. But according to the English usage pillar is suggested as the best-suited word when it comes to its uses.
What is a Column?
The column can be referred to as a vertical series of cells in a spreadsheet, table, or chart. It is also designed to carry flexural or axial loads combination. According to any civil engineering, it is a compression member that is slender compared to its length under gradually increasing load.
Sometimes it is also a decorative pillar most often made up of stone typically having a polygonal or cylindrical shaft with a base. Some people believe it to be a regular feature or series of articles in a magazine, newspaper which usually has identifiable headings. This feature reports on comments upon a specific field of interest such as threats, law, politics, etc.
The history of the column is traced back to the Iron Age Civilization of the Mediterranean. In 1224 BC, columns are famously present in the Great Hypostyle Hall of Karnak where 134 columns are lined up in sixteen rows with far-reaching heights of 24 meters. This column witnesses its origin to the fifth dynasty composed of Lotus stems drawn together into bundles decorated with bands.
Main Difference Between Pillar and Column
Conclusion
Both pillar and column are used in architectural context interchangeably to described as a vertical standing structure which is tall vertical and solid upright designed. However, the column is a term that can be applied in many different contexts such as a series of cells in a chart or a featured section in the newspaper.
Being pillar and column synonymous terms in the English language still, they differ in various context. One might think of a pillar as an architectural structure like a column, and others as a decorative element. Therefore, Both are almost the same with a few exceptions in terms of functionality.
References
ncG1vNJzZmiZo6Cur8XDop2fnaKau6SxjZympmeUnrOnsdGepZydXZeytcPEnqVmqJmhuaK%2BjJqlnWWTpLm2uc1o