User:Guinnea/Niche (architecture)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In architecture, a niche (CanE, UK: /ˈniːʃ/ or US: /ˈnɪtʃ/) is a recess, a cavity constructed in the thickness of a wall for the reception of decorative objects such as statues, busts, urns, and vases.[1] In Classical architecture examples are an exedra or an apse that has been reduced in size, retaining the half-dome heading usual for an apse. In the first century B.C, there was no exact mention of niches, but rather a zotheca or small room. These rooms closely resemble alcoves similar to a niche but slightly larger. Different sizes and sculpture methods suggest the term niche was understood. Greeks and Romans especially, used niches for important family tombs. [1]
or cavity constructed in the thickness of a wall for the reception of decorative objects such as statues, busts, urns, vases and tripods. In Classical architecture examples are an exedra or an apse that has been reduced in size, retaining the half-dome heading usual for an apse. In the time of Vitruvius, there was not exact mention of niches, but rather zothecas or small rooms. These rooms are small in size and closely resemble alcoves similar to a niche.