Lesene

A lesene, also called a pilaster strip,^[1] is an architectural term for a narrow, low-relief vertical pillar on a wall. It resembles a pilaster, but does not have a base or capital.^[2] It is typical in Lombardic and Rijnlandish architectural building styles.^[3]

Lesenes and Lombard band (mini-arches), Old St. Martin, Kaarst

Function

Lesenes are used in architecture to vertically divide a façade or other wall surface optically. However, unlike pilasters, lesenes are simpler, having no bases or capitals. Their function is ornamental, not just to decorate the plain surface of a wall but, in the case of corner lesenes (at the edges of a façade), to emphasise the edges of a building.

Gallery

• 
  Lesenes and Lombard band (arches) on a chapel
• 
  Lesenes forming blind arcades, Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Ravenna (c. 430); dentils under the eaves.
• 
  Lesene on the staircase tower, Gernrode collegiate church (pre-1000)
• 
  Lesenes on the Maria Laach Abbey (1156)
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  Lesenes on the tower of All Saints' Church, Earls Barton (late 10th century)

• Modern and post-modern
• 
  Robin Hood Gardens, London: lesene-shaped formation on the supporting wall in the Plattenbau style
• 
  Lesenes at Chile House, Hamburg
• 
  Lesenes on the Ludgerus Church in Bottrop, North Rhine-Westphalia