In architecture, a cupola (/ˈk(j)uːpələ/)[1] is a relatively small, most often dome-like, tall structure on top of a building.[2] Often used to provide a lookout or to admit light and air, it usually crowns a larger roof or dome.[3][4]
The word derives, via Italian, from lower Latin cupula (classical Latin cupella), from Ancient Greekκύπελλον (kúpellon) 'small cup' (Latin cupa), indicating a vault resembling an upside-down cup.[a]
The cupola evolved during the Renaissance from the older oculus. Being weatherproof, the cupola was better suited to the wetter climates of northern Europe.[citation needed] The chhatri, seen in Indian architecture, fits the definition of a cupola when it is used atop a larger structure.[citation needed]
Cupolas can also appear as small buildings in their own right.
The square, dome-like segment of a North American railroad train caboose that contains the second-level or "angel" seats is also called a cupola.[7][8]
The turret of a Japanese Type 91 Ha-Go light tank with its distinctive, bubble-shaped commander's cupola
The term cupola can also refer to the protrusions atop an armoured fighting vehicle due to their distinctive dome-like appearance. They allow crew or personnel to observe, offering very good all round vision,[9] or even field weaponry, without being exposed to incoming fire. Later designs, however, became progressively flatter and less prominent as technology evolved to allow designers to reduce the profile of their vehicles.
cupola, other, uses, disambiguation, architecture, cupola, relatively, small, most, often, dome, like, tall, structure, building, often, used, provide, lookout, admit, light, usually, crowns, larger, roof, dome, dome, florence, cathedral, which, includes, cupo. For other uses see Cupola disambiguation In architecture a cupola ˈ k j uː p e l e 1 is a relatively small most often dome like tall structure on top of a building 2 Often used to provide a lookout or to admit light and air it usually crowns a larger roof or dome 3 4 The dome of Florence Cathedral which includes a cupola at the topThe word derives via Italian from lower Latin cupula classical Latin cupella from Ancient Greek kypellon kupellon small cup Latin cupa indicating a vault resembling an upside down cup a Contents 1 Background 2 Gallery 3 On armoured vehicles 4 See also 5 Notes 6 References 7 External linksBackground editThe cupola evolved during the Renaissance from the older oculus Being weatherproof the cupola was better suited to the wetter climates of northern Europe citation needed The chhatri seen in Indian architecture fits the definition of a cupola when it is used atop a larger structure citation needed Cupolas often serve as a belfry belvedere or roof lantern above a main roof In other cases they may crown a spire tower or turret 4 Barns often have cupolas for ventilation 5 6 Cupolas can also appear as small buildings in their own right The square dome like segment of a North American railroad train caboose that contains the second level or angel seats is also called a cupola 7 8 Gallery edit nbsp White marble cupolas cap minarets at the Tomb of Jahangir in Lahore Pakistan nbsp Cupolas on the towers of Montefiascone Cathedral Italy nbsp Interior of cupola ceiling in the old Synagogue of Gyor Hungary nbsp Ribbed cupola crowns the minaret of the Mosque of Uqba in Kairouan Tunisia nbsp Inside of Armenian Orthodox church cupola in Lviv Ukraine nbsp Cupolas were also used on some old barns for ventilation nbsp View from the interior of the Cupola module on the International Space Station nbsp Trompe l œil painting of a cupola in a church in Northern Italy Brivio nbsp A cupola style caboose with an angel seat aboveOn armoured vehicles edit nbsp The turret of a Japanese Type 91 Ha Go light tank with its distinctive bubble shaped commander s cupolaThe term cupola can also refer to the protrusions atop an armoured fighting vehicle due to their distinctive dome like appearance They allow crew or personnel to observe offering very good all round vision 9 or even field weaponry without being exposed to incoming fire Later designs however became progressively flatter and less prominent as technology evolved to allow designers to reduce the profile of their vehicles See also editCupola ISS module Daylighting WindcatcherNotes edit In Italian cupola simply means dome and the ornamental top element allowing light to enter is called a lantern Italian lanterna References edit cupola Merriam Webster com Dictionary Glossary of Architectural Terms C Archiseek Online Architecture Resources Archived from the original on 27 December 2008 Retrieved 3 January 2009 cupola The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language 5th ed HarperCollins Retrieved 2015 04 26 a b Just what is a cupola anyway Cupola Consulting Retrieved 3 January 2009 What is a cupola and why do barns have them 17 March 2014 Retrieved 15 November 2015 Active Interest Media Inc November 1980 Old House Journal Old House Journal Active Interest Media Inc 177 ISSN 0094 0178 Railroad Dictionary A CSX com CSX Transportation Archived from the original on 1 August 2015 Retrieved 18 September 2014 Zabel Darcy 2005 The Underground Railroad in African American Literature Peter Lang p 5 ISBN 9780820468167 15 Turrets They are the Combat Power of the Tank theshermantank com 22 November 2015 Retrieved 20 February 2023 External links edit nbsp Architecture portal nbsp Wikimedia Commons has media related to Cupolas Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Cupola amp oldid 1192117783, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,
