Byzantine architects typically used columns and pillars in secular buildings for both structural support and decorative purposes. They often incorporated classical elements, such as the Corinthian and Ionic orders, but also created their own unique style, characterized by elaborate capitals and intricate carving. In contrast to the more restrained use of columns in religious buildings, secular buildings had a greater variety of column types and arrangements, with clusters of columns often used to delineate different spaces within a building. The use of multiple levels of columns and arches created a sense of depth and openness, with light and shadow playing an important role in the overall effect. The Byzantines also experimented with using different materials for columns, including marble, porphyry, and granite, which allowed for a wide range of colors and textures. Overall, the use of columns and pillars in Byzantine secular architecture emphasized both structural solidity and ornate decoration.
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