The Coffered Ceiling in Architecture and Your Home

A coffered ceiling is a pattern of indentations or recesses in an overhead surface. In architecture, a coffer is a sunken panel in a ceiling, including the interior surfaces of domes and vaults. If a surface is coffered, it is not smooth. The architectural detail has been popular since Renaissance architects imitated Classical Roman techniques. Modernist architects often play with the depth and shape of the coffer. Key Takeaways: Coffered Ceilings A coffered ceiling is a series of indentations or hollows on the surface of a ceiling. Coffered ceilings decoratively hide ceiling imperfections and create the illusion of height. Historically, the design is considered dignified and formal.Simple coffered ceilings are created by crisscrossing beams that create geometric patterns, usually squares or rectangles. The word coffer comes from the ancient Greek word kophinos, which means basket. The Latin word for basket, cophinus, was adopted by the old French to mean various types of hollowed containers. The words coffer, a chest or strongbox to hold money, and coffin, a box for the dead, are both French derivations. The Latin word capsa, meaning box, evolved into the words caisson (an ammunition chest) and casket (same as coffin). Caisson ceiling is another term used to describe this type of ceiling hollow. The Chinese name for this type of ceiling, zaojing, means a well for plants that grow in water. The Latin word lacus, meaning lake or basin of water, is also used for this type of sunken panel (lacunar) ceiling. Coffers have been used in ceilings for centuries. Sometimes they were used to disguise the architectural engineering, where one beam or brace would be structurally necessary but others were built neaby for visual symmetry and to hide the necessary beam. Although hollows are sometimes used for structural weight distribution, coffers have always been used decoratively. Historically, a coffered ceiling can make a room look larger and more regal, as it does in the Palace of Versaille. Coffered ceilings are sometimes called caisson ceilings, plafond à   caissons, lacunaria, cross-beamed ceilings, and zaojing. Sometimes the English refer to these ceilings as coffer ceilings but never cougher ceilings. Coffered ceilings are found throughout architecture, from the Pantheon in Rome to the mid-century modern residence called Sunnylands at Rancho Mirage, California. The architect of Sunnylands used coffers inside and outside, to visually connect interior spaces with the outdoors. Exterior Detail at Sunnylands. The Greater Southwestern Exploration Company via flickr.com, Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) cropped Coffers are not to be confused with latticework, a particularly important element in Islamic architecture. Like coffers, lattice is created with crisscrossed building materials, often pieces of wood, but lattice is arranged in decorative patterns to allow air through screens and windows, as in mashrabiya and jali. Coffered ceilings also should not be confused with the popular tray ceilings found in many large suburban homes. A tray ceiling is often a feature that enlarges a small kitchen or dining room without manipulating the footprint of the room. A tray ceiling has one, large sunken area in the ceiling, like one coffer, or an inverted tray. Creating Coffers Coffers are the sunken geometric areas in a ceiling, but most ceilings begin as a flat surface. Where do the coffers come from? Coffers can be created in at least two ways: (1) place a roof beam or crossbeam framework that naturally creates a space between the beams — the space appears sunken because the beams protrude; or (2) remove ceiling material, as you would carving a hole, or press into a flat surface to create an indentation, as you might create a sunken imprint into uncured concrete. Choosing the first method will take away ceiling height. Choosing the second method gains extra space for the rooms overall volume. Most coffered ceilings are created using the first method carried out in different ways. Unfinished Coffered Ceiling. Brian Moloney The Finishing Company Richmond via flickr.com, Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) cropped Creating the design framework can be handcrafted by a carpenter like Brian Moloney, owner of The Finishing Company in the Richmond, Virginia area. Maloney is a finish carpenter, but that doesnt mean he comes from Finland. In fact, he comes from Ireland. Finishing is just one of the many carpentry skills of a master carpenter. Coffered Ceiling Built by Brian Moloney, Finish Carpenter from Ireland. Brian Moloney The Finishing Company Richmond via flickr.com, Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) cropped An easier drop ceiling method is often used by commercial developers, manufacturers, and do-it-yourselfers (DIYs). Companies such as Classic Coffers can be hired to install a grid (sometimes beneath a fixed ceiling), then the panel coffers are placed within the grid. These arent the tacky looking drop ceilings of your grandmothers basement. A coffered drop ceiling can be created to look exactly like the wood finishing of a master carpenter. Only Brian Moloney could tell the difference. The DIY may buy a box of polystyrene foam tiles — faux tin like tiles — that purportedly can be installed right over Pop Corn ceiling. Its your choice. A less well-known method of creating coffers is offered by none other than Michelangelo. The Renaissance master manipulated the illusion of space with trompe loeil, a painting technique that tricks the eye into believing a certain reality. Michelangelo used his artistic skills to paint many of the three-dimensional moldings and crossbeams, creating the illusion of coffers in the most famous ceiling of all time, the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, Rome. Which is wood and which is paint? Detail of Sistine Chapel Ceiling by Michelangelo. Fotopress/Getty Images (cropped) Photo Credit Tray Ceiling, irina88w/Getty Images

The Influence and Role of Current U.S. Foreign Policy in...

The Influence and Role of Current U.S. Foreign Policy in Modern Italy Since the beginning of the European Union, Europe has attempted to move forward as one unit in order to compete with the United States and to be a strong force around the globe. In a statement made by the Washington ambassadors of the present and acceding members to the European Union in May 2004, they stated, Europe now, for the first time in modern history, is a partnership sharing common values and a commitment to harmony and cooperation. The dream of European integration, shared by the United States, is now being realized, leaving behind us the wasteful era of wars, hostility, and inequalities. We are on the road to a Europe enjoying a unity and†¦show more content†¦Italy should prove to be a good resource for due to their well-developed research and development program.? Italy and the United States are in cooperation for this project under a bilateral science and technology agreement and under the implementation of the International Energy Agency.? This technology has important advantages such as more efficient fuel cells that can be used safely while improving the environment and public health.? With Italy being part of this research, they have the opportunity to add jobs to work with the hydrogen technology.? Once the technology is developed and put into use, the count ries involved will have the opportunity to purchase competitively priced hydrogen power vehicles.? This would impact the economy for Italy since they will have state of the art vehicles that would be more affordable to its citizens than if they were not involved with developing this technology.? Working with these organizations also improves relations between the United States and Italy and opens the door for future dealings and future U.S. policies that would directly benefit Italy.? Container Security Initiative ?On June 16, 2003, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Robert Bonner announced that the Container Security Initiative [CSI] would take affect and be operational in the port of Genoa, Italy. (http://www.usembassy.it/file2003_06/alia/A3061713.htm).? UnderShow MoreRelatedAppendix a American Imperialism1314 Words   |  6 PagesIdentify the current political status of these places in relation to the United States. 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But, many armed conflicts preceding 1816, played a crucial role in shaping American foreign policy and identity. Yet, historians and scholars disagree on exactly

Interview Skills Reflection

Question: Discuss about theInterview Skills Reflection. Answer: Introduction Following the experience gained from the in-class interview, I have come to learn that there are much more fundamental elements related to interviewing skills. Interview skills encompass some factors that majority of people tend to take for granted. It takes more than just attending an interview session and responding to the interview questions. For example, it is important for an interviewee to prepare long enough before the scheduled day of the interview. Preparation, in this case, entails preparing oneself regarding knowing the purpose of the interview and how to deal with interview related fears and uncertainties. In this case therefore when an interview establishes the purpose of an interview he/she ought to research on the most asked questions about the purpose of the interview. It also entails knowing how to answer certain questions. Other things that an interviewee ought to observe are such as; dressing for the occasion, focusing on good presentation, confidence, creating goo d first expression and demonstration of competency. My greatest strengths when it comes to interview skills are creating first good impression and demonstration of competency. These are useful in that they are among the first factors that interviewers consider while selecting the best candidate. The first impression is important in that it tells the interviewer(s) more about the interviewee. For example, they focus on such factors as; confidence, presentation, and language both spoken and body language. Confidence is requisite for a successful interview in that it determines how one responds to the questions. Lack of confidence, on the other hand, may lead to forgetfulness, anxiety, inappropriate responses, confusion thus leading to the overall poor presentation. Competency, on the other hand, is equally important in an interview context. In respect to interview, competency corresponds to how well an interviewee is conversant with the questions being asked. For one to impress the interviewers(s), it is important to attempt all the que stions asked. Sometimes the responses may not always be the correct ones or the most appropriate ones, but an attempt to answer shows that one's competency. In future, I could continue working on overcoming nervousness to improve my interview skills. I have realized that I am a victim of nervousness just before I turn up for an interview although I eventually get over it once the interview begins. However, nervousness can have adverse effects such as interfering with one's confidence and the ability to recall some things. To overcome episodes of nervousness I intend to use relaxation techniques and other relevant strategies that may be helpful in overcoming nervousness to ensure that I perform to my best. These techniques include; good interview preparation, change of perspective and maintaining a positive attitude. Preparation may mean expecting the unexpected such as some difficult questions, a panel interview, a short or prolonged interview as well as multiple questions. Maintain a good attitude calls for positive thinking about oneself, being confident and remaining optimistic. I also consider consulting with my class teacher o how b est I can improve my interview skills.

The Impact of a Special Women free essay sample

Impactful Person She sat outside of her room helping the children who oh-so desperately needed it. Her face depicted a teacher who truly loved her job. The attitude of this teacher seemed to light up the entire hallway. This women’s smile could catch even the most distracted person’s attention. Her mannerisms projected professionalism and kindness. This was my 5th grade English teacher, Mrs. Clemons. Before long, this teacher would affect my life unlike anyone ever before. Meet the Teacher Night had been the same old thing: meet a teacher, get a supplies list, make small talk, leave, and repeat. The last teacher on my schedule was Mrs. Clemons for regular English. I walked up to her and explained that she was to be my homeroom teacher. There was only one problem; I was supposed to be in Pre-AP classes. Mrs. Clemons knew. Even after I said that normal classes would not bother me, she felt that school was not meant to be boring but more challenging. We will write a custom essay sample on The Impact of a Special Women or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Pre-AP classes would be the only thing that would be challenging. With that, we filled out the paperwork and I was told that that my schedule would be fixed come the first day of school. On the first day of school, I grabbed my new schedule. I quickly perused the contents. Well, every class was Pre-AP like they were supposed to be. Did I have the teacher that I had just met, but felt like I had known my whole life? The last class on my schedule read â€Å"Pre-AP English Mrs. Clemons.† I had gotten her as an actual teacher and not homeroom. That day went very well and I enjoyed English. Later in the year, Mrs. Clemons assigned us workbook pages to do. She had decided that the class should volunteer to read the sentences we came up with. I raised my hand and read, â€Å"The bees pollinate the flowers.† She was stunned. All of my classmates’ sentences had been so simple-minded, but my sentence had actually gotten this teacher’s attention. What came out of Mrs. Clemons’ mouth next truly shocked me. I was deemed president material. I, a guy who days earlier didn’t want advanced classes, could be president? This woman had such a tremendous faith in me. Today, I am still in AP classes and have taken up UIL academics. This would not have happened without her encouragement. Everything thing that I have done academically, Mrs. Clemons was the inspiration. She inspired me to challenge myself. She inspired me to stay focused. Most importantly, she inspired me to strive for excellence. Mrs. Clemons had done her job as a teacher and prepared students for life ahead. This is why I believe – the day that I decided to fix my schedule, the moment I met this person, and the time that she inspired me to expect more – Mrs. Clemons, a 5th grade English teacher, impacted who I am today and who I will be in the very near future.