A cornice is a decorative element that sits at the top of a building's exterior wall, just below the roofline. It is typically made of wood, plaster, or stone and serves both a functional and aesthetic purpose.
Functionally, the cornice helps protect the wall below it from water damage by diverting rainwater away from the building's facade. It also provides a barrier between the heated or cooled interior of the building and the outdoor elements.
Aesthetically, the cornice is used to give the building a finished, elegant look. It can be simple or highly ornate, depending on the architectural style of the building. The cornice is often used to accentuate other design features of the building, such as columns or arches, and can be painted or decorated to match the overall color scheme of the building.
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