Veranda architecture
Introduction
A verandah is an open covered gallery or porch.[1] It can also be described as an open gallery with columns, usually roofed, built around a central structure.[2] It is often surrounded by a railing and is frequently located at the front or sides of the structure.[3].
History of the word
In Spanish it is a word of ancient use coming from "vera" synonymous with "margin", "shore", from the Celto-Latin viria ("circle"), "ring" or "hoop".
The vera is the land immediately adjacent to something, especially a river or a road. It appears in the etymology of many towns such as Vera de Moncayo, or in songs like "A tu vera".
The word varanda (baranda or handrail in Spanish), refers to the railing, balustrade or balcony and its etymology comes from "bara", from "vara" or "bar", synonyms of "ana", or wooden "stringer".
Although according to the Oxford English Dictionary, the English word verandah originated in India where it is found in several native languages, as a modification of the Persian word "Bar-Amada" in English the word is of Spanish or Portuguese origin varanda[4]. Although the form "veranda" is correct and very common in English, some authorities prefer the version with h which appears to be a variant originated by the Oxford Dictionary.[5].
Architectural styles that are distinguished by the use of verandas
Iberian countries are characterized by their prominent use of verandas, adapted to subtropical climates and characterized by large cloister-like terraces or galleries, often in the filigree style. Traditionally used in Spanish colonial architecture ("Mansion style"). In the Iberian Peninsula it was first used in Cistercian monasteries built of stone, to be later adopted in Islamic houses and palaces in Spain and later in rural areas. Becoming popular in the western United States in the 1900s, they commonly incorporate terraces, both on the exterior of buildings, and on the interior in cases of courtyard buildings, along the interior walls of the courtyards. In some cases, houses are built with each room opening onto a terraced courtyard, rather than interior hallways or direct connections to other rooms.