Incorporating A Foundation Stone Design
When the construction of a building is underway, often the people who have commissioned the building will look to incorporate a foundation stone, often known as a ‘cornerstone’ into the structure.
The foundation stone of a building is found to depict information about the building, from the date the building was opened, or the person who commissioned the building to the name of the person who the building may be dedicated to.
Foundation stones are commonly found on municipal buildings, including hospitals or important government buildings, but are also increasingly being found to be included in houses.
There are many companies and individuals that specialise in foundation stone design. The origins of foundation stone design can be traced back many years.
In modern times firms such as DM Gibson that have over 30 years’ experience as an expert stonemason and stone carver, with experience in producing impressive foundation stones that will commemorate the building.
Where Does the Tradition Come From?
The concept first came about from the first stone being set in the construction of a masonry foundation, which would have been important since all other stones would be set in reference to this stone, determining the position of the entire structure.
Foundation Stone Design
Nowadays, in each town there are always a few buildings that you might notice have one section of the exterior carved into, often with the date of the building being opened, and who by. It is a significant piece of any building, and with the stone laying, it can become a memorable milestone for the town, creating a lasting memorial.
Where Would You Find Foundation Stones?
As an expert stonemason, David Gibson has a lot of experience in undertaking foundation stones for a number of different kinds of buildings, below are just a few examples!
Houses
Although many people assume that foundation stones can only be input into buildings of significance, it is not unusual for people to have one laid into their new house to document the date and time of construction.
Hospitals
It is common for hospitals to lay foundation stones to commemorate the person or organisation that may have provided funding to allow an extension building to the hospital, e.g. a new ward, to be built.
New Offices
New offices, or new headquarters, can signify a milestone in a business’s history, often showing their growth as they need to expand. This may then lead to a foundation stone being laid in the build of the new office space to commemorate this time.
Memorials and Museums
Foundation stones are often laid to pay tribute, perhaps to an individual or organization that built a long lasting and respectable reputation over many decades.
Famous scientists, designers, authors and poets may have buildings constructed in their honor. It is common practice therefore for a foundation stone to mark the association.
A foundation stone design will provide a fitting tribute, if you are looking to commission a foundation stone for a building, contact D M Gibson today.
Designing foundations stones requires a certain skill set also. This is strictly offline design requiring traditional art and design skills. Although digital tools might be used to produce concept designs by some firms and artists.
Final Thought
These types of tribute are fitting monuments to all types of individual, companies and endeavor. Foundation stones celebrate success just as they might remember tragedy. Whatever the reason they are fitting and purposeful ways to provide lasting tools of remembrance, association and celebration.
