In the field of exterior and interior decoration, natural stones are unmatched among other materials. In modern times, decorative applications have lessened because of changing cultural parameters, and the use of new resources which are linked to large-size industrial processes. In the fifties and sixties, these two factors caused a drastic reduction in the use of ornament. Any building element thought not to comply with purely functional criteria seemed to be banned. But in the last few years, the interest in marble has reawakened in architects because of shifts in aesthetic attributes, and because of more competitive costs of building stone in relation to manmade material. 

Marble is being more and more used in architectural works in different geographical areas, both as static structure and as ornament. These two factors pave the way to two distinct types of decorative elements: functional components and ornamental components.

Functional components comprise decoration of a structural nature. Although their aesthetic characteristics are preserved, thanks to the material used, these components excel best when they are under stress. Applications of marble ornament vary from the decoration of city structures to commemorative functions such as religious buildings.

Decoration of city structures:
Here the traditions of natural stone are unequaled by other products obtained by industrial processing. Natural stone is in perfect harmony with city structures, both old and new. In fact marbles, granites or any other type of natural stone are components that constitute a perfect link between the natural and urban environments. City space is used by hundreds of thousands of people. The horizontal and vertical surfaces, the functional elements intended for rest and leisure, undergo all kinds of heavy stresses; therefore their materials must be selected according to solidity, cleanliness and comfort.
All these characteristics are found in natural stones. They simply are the right answer. Fountains, flower-boxes, park benches, playground fittings, bases of street lamps and road signs, pavement curbs, etc., are components that blend functionality and decorative effects when made of marble or any other type of natural stone.

The making of these components involves different approaches to suit specific design,context and economic conditions. It is rather difficult to establish guidelines for the choice of materials when there are so many different uses and types for the required functions. The best materials for outdoor use are undoubtedly granites, porphyries, serizzo, etc. some marble types that possess good compactness also give successful results when used according to suitable thicknesses and finished. Functional components linked to the building patterns are essentially colonnades, arcades, balustrades and shelves. 

There are no restrictions on construction, even huge edifices are possible, if sectional features are taken into account. With columns, for example, great heights and large diameters can be attained if the column is built in jointed sections. If monoliths are used, the maximum height that can be reached is 3 meters. Columns may be made from blocks or precast reinforced concrete, or any other material, to be subsequently veneered by stone. The width of the veneer varies according to the column diameter, while the height never exceeds 1.5 metres.

Article from Arab Stone Magazine