Ionic Columns
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Ionic Order
Ionic Columns are a member of classical Roman architecture. One of the three "classical orders" (others being Doric and Corinthian), this style of column design was prominent throughout the Roman empire.
Roman columns were typically designed with 24 flutes running the column shaft, with fillets (ridges that separate the flutes) being about 1/3rd the flute width. A standard roman column had a height of 8 times the diameter.
Ionic Capital
The primary distinction between the three primary styles (or "orders") is the capital, located at the top of the column. Ionic column capitals are distinguished by a flattened scroll on two sides of the column, with curled ends ("volutes"). Ionic capitals are commonly associated with stately, intellectual buildings like those at universities and libraries - providing an air of sobriety and intellectual pursuits.
Ionic Style
Modern exterior columns are simply designed to fit the structure they're attached to and provide no weight bearing purpose - they're purely decorative. Two types of material exist today that primarily imitate Ionic columns - wood and concrete. Exterior wood columns are prone to rot, infestation, mold and should generally be avoided. Concrete columns are more true to form, however the sheer size and weight means that they need to be built on site (time consuming) or pre-fabricated and shipped and installed on site (money consuming).
Stucco Ionic Columns
Exterior-grade columns, capitals and bases made from stucco or polyurethane are lightweight for easy installation, can be pre-fabricated for quality control and easy of assembly, and are durable. Standard load-bearing posts and beams are used to support the structure above, with the columns being simply wrapped around the structural components.
The polyurethane capitals can be added after installing a column, by selecting a capital inner-diameter that matches the outer-diameter of a column. A column base can be installed in the same way, to finish off the look of the column, before being painted with any exterior-grade masonry or stucco paint.
Ionic Pillars and Pilasters
Designing with Ionic capitals isn't limited to columns - flattened pillars (known as Pilasters) can be adhered to any wall surface to create a repeating architectural element that meshes with the columns.