What is an attic wall?
An attic wall (also called an attic storey or attica) is a low wall or parapet situated above the main cornice of a building. It conceals the roof from street level and gives the facade a dignified, finished appearance. The name derives from the Greek region of Attica, where this architectural feature originated.
In classical architecture, the attic wall served to hide the pitched roof behind the facade while providing a surface for inscriptions, reliefs, or sculpture. It functions as an upward extension of the facade above the cornice, without constituting a full storey.
Application
The attic wall appears across a wide range of architectural styles and periods:
- Roman architecture — the Romans made extensive use of attic walls on triumphal arches and temples. The Arch of Constantine in Rome is a well-known example, featuring a tall attic bearing inscriptions and relief panels.
- Renaissance and Baroque — architects such as Palladio and Bernini employed the attic wall as a crowning element on palaces and churches.
- Neoclassicism — during the 18th and 19th centuries, the attic wall became a standard feature on government buildings, museums, and banks.
- Modern architecture — in contemporary construction, the attic wall is still used, often as a parapet around roof terraces or to screen mechanical equipment on the rooftop from view.
The height of an attic wall typically ranges from about 0.5 to 2 metres. On monumental buildings, the attic may be adorned with balustrades, urns, statues, or heraldic shields.
Related terms
- Cornice
- Parapet
- Balustrade
- Entablature
- Attic base
- Frieze
Want to learn more about construction terms? Visit our knowledge base at fredsdiyplans.com.