What is a ‘return’ in architecture?

TheNah

Hi there. Not sure if this is in the right place but if not hopefully you can re-direct. Can anyone explain to be what a ‘return’ is, as in a ‘rear return’ or ‘side return’. The context is Georgian houses in Dublin. I’ve searched online and I can’t find a clear definition. I’m involved in a little model building project and need to understand exactly what is mean by the term, and I’m not an architect or involved in the building trade. Any help or insight offered is appreciated!

hero25

Its the "bit around the corner" .... basically think of a wall ....L shaped .... the main part of the wall is the vertical line and the return is the bit that goes around the corner ... the bottom of the L.
same principle applies anytime a wall or unit/press has come to the end of its "line" and is turned (usually 90 degrees) to meet the next "line".
hard to explain via a text description ;-)

Calahonda52

have a look at the March first entry here
http://www.a2.ie/category/news/
the return is the pice at the back of the main building, projecting back into the garden, typical were servants quarters.
its still visible in the one on the left of the ugliness.

TheNah

hero25 wrote: »

Its the "bit around the corner" .... basically think of a wall ....L shaped .... the main part of the wall is the vertical line and the return is the bit that goes around the corner ... the bottom of the L.
same principle applies anytime a wall or unit/press has come to the end of its "line" and is turned (usually 90 degrees) to meet the next "line".
hard to explain via a text description ;-)

That’s really helpful, think I’m starting to get it. Funny term for it.

TheNah

Calahonda52 wrote: »

have a look at the March first entry here
http://www.a2.ie/category/news/
the return is the pice at the back of the main building, projecting back into the garden, typical were servants quarters.
its still visible in the one on the left of the ugliness.

So it’s the bit jutting out into the garden, doesn’t matter if it’s not at an angle to the main building?

TheNah

Calahonda52 wrote: »

have a look at the March first entry here
http://www.a2.ie/category/news/
the return is the pice at the back of the main building, projecting back into the garden, typical were servants quarters.
its still visible in the one on the left of the ugliness.

So it’s the bit jutting out into the garden, doesn’t matter if it’s not at an angle to the main building?

wench

TheNah wrote: »

That’s really helpful, think I’m starting to get it. Funny term for it.

For a staircase, a return is where half the flight goes forward, then a landing, then the second half returns the opposite direction.
These rear/side returns were usually joined on at the landing where the stairs returned.

TheNah

wench wrote: »

For a staircase, a return is where half the flight goes forward, then a landing, then the second half returns the opposite direction.
These rear/side returns were usually joined on at the landing where the stairs returned.

Ah. That makes sense. Starting to see how the term is used now. Thank you.

Calahonda52

TheNah wrote: »

Ah. That makes sense. Starting to see how the term is used now. Thank you.

Good, feel free to return with any questions, to improve the return on the time you invested here, before you return that tool to whoever you borrowed it from and so on!.

muffler

Calahonda52 wrote: »

Good, feel free to return with any questions, to improve the return on the time you invested here, before you return that tool to whoever you borrowed it from and so on!.

Stick to the daytime job :P

Calahonda52

muffler wrote: »

Stick to the daytime job :P

Of course, but all this cocooning is Shakespearing me:D
Keep well and safe