BEAMS AS A DESIGN ELEMENT: HISTORY AND PROSPECTS FOR THEIR USE IN THE INTERIORS OF MODERN PUBLIC SPACES

Abstract

This article examines carved beams as structural, artistic, and symbolic elements of XVII–XVIII century Ukrainian folk architecture and explores the potential for their use in contemporary public interiors. Purpose: to systematize the structural, artistic, and seantic characteristics of carved beams from the XVII–XVIII th centuries and to identify ways to incorporate them into the design of contemporary public interiors. Methodology. This study employs comparative-historical, typological, descriptive, structural-semiotic, and interpretive methods. The results. The study examines historical, typological, semantic, and aesthetic characteristics. It has been established that in folk architecture, the beam served not only a structural function but was also an important element of interior spatial organization and a vehicle for symbolic meanings. The connection between the form of the beam, the nature of the carving, inscriptions, and the worldview of contemporary society is characterized. It is shown that the decorative design of the beams included solar, Christian, and heraldic motifs. Their significance as museum exhibits is examined. The possibility of their use in contemporary design through the stylization of form, ornamentation, and symbolism is substantiated. It is established that in the interiors of public spaces, the beam can serve as a compositional accent, combining tradition with contemporary aesthetics. Scientific novelty. Сonsists of the first-ever interdisciplinary analysis of the phenomenon of the beam, at the intersection of architecture, cultural studies, museology, and contemporary public space design. Practical significance. The findings can be applied to the creation of exhibitions, reconstructions, and public interiors incorporating national elements. They can also inform further research into folk architecture and the integration of traditional heritage into the contemporary built environment.