A biforium is a two-light window divided by a slender column or colonette into two equal arched openings. It is a characteristic architectural element of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, commonly found in churches, cloisters and palaces.
Characteristics
- Two arches — the window has two arched openings, usually round arches (Romanesque) or pointed arches (Gothic)
- Central colonette — a slender column separates the two window openings
- Capital — the colonette is typically crowned with a small capital on which the arches rest
- Relieving arch — above the two smaller arches there is often a larger encompassing arch
Historical context
- Romanesque — heavy forms with round arches and chunky colonettes
- Gothic — more slender forms with pointed arches and finer tracery
- Renaissance — the biforium was revived in a classical style
Application
- Churches — in the clerestory and in cloisters
- Towers — in bell towers as a belfry opening
- Palaces — as a decorative window in facades
- Restoration — when restoring historic window openings
Related terms
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