COLUMNS

Regular
Fluted - Having regularly spaced vertical and parallel grooves.
Capital - The top, decorated part of a column or pilaster.
Corinthian Order- The most ornate of the classical Greek Orders of architecture, characterized by a slender fluted column with a bell shaped capital decorated by stylized alanthus leaves.
Doric Order- The oldest and simiplest of the Classical Greek Orders, characterized by heavy fluted columns with no base and plain saucer-shaped capitals.
Ionic Order- A classical Greek Order characterized by a capital with two opposed volutes.
Volute- A spiral scroll-like ornament most common in Ionic capitals.
Pier- A long square pillar used to support a portico or porch.
Pilaster- A flattened column vertically attached to a wall for decoration. Identification is determined by the type of capital and column.