Lesene
{{Short description|Low-relief architectural element}}
File:Lisene1.jpg (mini-arches), Old St. Martin, Kaarst]]
A lesene, also called a pilaster strip,[http://www.pitt.edu/~medart/menuglossary/ Glossary of Medieval Art and Architecture] is an architectural term for a narrow, low-relief vertical pillar on a wall. It resembles a pilaster, but does not have a base or capital.Curl, James Stevens (2006). Oxford Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, 2nd ed., OUP, Oxford and New York, p. 442. {{ISBN|978-0-19-860678-9}}. It is typical in Lombardic and Rijnlandish architectural building styles.{{cite book |last1=Mulder |first1=Koen |year=2016 |title= Het Zinderend Oppervlak |trans-title=The Thrilling Surface |language=nl |edition=2nd |publication-date=January 2016 |page=157 |publisher=Koen Mulder architect & bouwtechnoloog |isbn= 978-90-824668-0-5 }}
Function
Lesenes are used in architecture to vertically divide a façade or other wall surface optically. However, unlike pilasters, lesenes are simpler, having no bases or capitals. Their function is ornamental, not just to decorate the plain surface of a wall but, in the case of corner lesenes (at the edges of a façade), to emphasise the edges of a building.
Gallery
File:Lisene2.jpg| Lesenes and Lombard band (arches) on a chapel
File:Lisene-Ravenna.jpg|Lesenes forming blind arcades, Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Ravenna ({{circa|430}}); dentils under the eaves.
File:Gernrode-Lisene.jpg|Lesene on the staircase tower, Gernrode collegiate church (pre-1000)
File:Maria Laach.jpg|Lesenes on the Maria Laach Abbey (1156)
File:Saxon tower - geograph.org.uk - 570499.jpg|Lesenes on the tower of All Saints' Church, Earls Barton (late 10th century)
File:Smithsons photo Robin hood gardens London UK 2005-07-21.jpg|Robin Hood Gardens, London: lesene-shaped formation on the supporting wall in the Plattenbau style
File:Hamburg.Chilehaus.Fassade.standard.wmt.jpg|Lesenes at Chile House, Hamburg
File:2022-12-29 St. Ludgerus 04.jpg|Lesenes on the Ludgerus Church in Bottrop, North Rhine-Westphalia