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word of the week: PEDIMENT

2010 June 6
by Caroline Nye Stevens

PEDIMENT: the triangular element (or gable) surmounting a colonnade or major division of a facade. Pediments are found everywhere in Chicago. You can find them decorating the main entrances to classically designed cultural institutions (such as the Art Institute of Chicago), and even frequently above windows and doors on buildings of less prominence such as our own homes.

Compare the huge modern glass and steel pediment topping off the Harold Washington Library with the much smaller and more classical pediment atop the Swedish American State Bank Building.

Harold Washington Library

Swedish American State Bank Building

from → WORD OF THE WEEK

5 Responses
  1. Christine Hancock permalink
    June 7, 2010

    Fun article, I love learning the history/architecture of all the old buildings in Chicago.

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