Cupolas: Attractive and Useful Building Components

The word "cupola" comes from Latin, through Italian, roughly meaning "small cup". Some cupolas do resemble upside-down teacups in basic shape, and building "domes" are considered cupolas as well. The dome on the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. is considered a cupola, and the dome on St. Peter's Basilica in Rome is considered a cupola.

Cupolas have been used in building construction for hundreds of years. Originally, cupolas were intended to help bring daylight inside and to help in ventilating the structure. Though cupola functions may have changed, the aesthetic appeal of cupolas remains as intriguing as ever. And, in truth, cupolas can still be (and are) used for their original intentions to help conserve today's costly energy.

As I said, the original function of cupolas was to let daylight into a building, and to help ventilate the building by letting warmer air out, thus drawing in cooler outside air from below. Today, we have other means to accomplish both of these, thus cupolas have taken on a more nostalgic and decorative function in architecture.

However, in an effort to conserve the energy we are expending on those 'other means', cupolas may well be making a comeback for their original intended uses...and not only for the quaint and nostalgic appearance they offer.

I am not an architect, but I do believe that some architects already utilize cupolas for what they were intended, even in modern structures...because today's architects are constantly looking for ways to conserve energy as well as other resources. By using cupolas to let in daylight instead of simply relying on electric lighting everywhere light may be required, architects can help building owners save considerable operating costs by incorporating cupolas into the overall plan for illumination needs.

Likewise, by using cupolas to help ventilate structures instead of using energy-hungry heating, ventilating, air-conditioning (HVAC) systems for all building ventilation needs, architects can help owners reduce those costs significantly.

Cupolas can be equipped with ventilation fans (perhaps even 'solar powered'?), and, with today's electronics, can be interfaced with the controls which manage the building's environmental system to optimize outdoor air use in conjunction with the building's HVAC system.

Cupolas may be around for a long while yet, therefore...and that is quite alright with me. I like the way cupolas "top-off" a building's profile, especially if there is a weather-vane on top of the cupola's peak.

Today's cupolas are not your grandpa's cupolas!