hypostyle

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English - English
Having a roof supported on a row of columns
Resting upon columns; constructed by means of columns; especially applied to the great hall at Karnak
{s} (Architecture) with a roof supported by column, having many pillar holding a roof or ceiling
{i} structure with an hypostyle roof, hypostyle building

Related Terms

hypostyle hall
Imposing interior space with a flat roof that rests on many rows of columns. The design allows for the construction of large spaces without arches. It was used extensively in ancient Egypt (e.g., Temple of Amon at Karnak) and Persia. The elaborately carved pillars consumed much of the floor space and therefore assumed great importance. Hypostyles are rarely seen in more recent architecture because of more effective means of roof support