Pavilion structure built in a park or garden

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A gazebo, often octagonal or turreted, is a pavilion-like structure usually found in parks, gardens, or public spaces. Sometimes functioning as bandstands, they provide both aesthetic and practical value by offering shade and shelter.

Etymology

The term gazebo likely originated in the mid-18th century, humorously derived from the word "gaze," mimicking the Latin future tense ending "-ebo" as noted by the Oxford Dictionaries. Other theories include derivations from the words Casbah, the Muslim quarter in Algiers, or qushaybah, from a poem by Cordoban poet Ibn Quzman.

The term "gazebo" makes its documented appearance in the English language in John and William Halfpenny's 18th-century architectural book "Rural Architecture in the Chinese Taste." This publication highlights a "Chinese Tower or Gazebo" showcasing a structure on a rock, encircled by a gallery to enhance the panoramic view.

Notable historical figures like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson also referenced gazebos in their writings and made use of these structures under different names such as summerhouses or pavilions.

Design

Gazebos are typically freestanding but can also be attached to a garden wall. They are roofed structures, often open on all sides, providing shade and shelter from the rain, while serving as an elegant garden feature. Certain large gazebos in public parks double as bandstands.

Types

Gazebos share similarities with other structures like pavilions, kiosks, alhambras, belvederes, follies, gloriettes, pergolas, and rotundas. These structures date back around 5,000 years, commonly found in Egyptian gardens and described in ancient Chinese and Persian literature. For instance, in England, examples include the garden houses at Montacute House in Somerset, and Elton on the Hill in Nottinghamshire.

Currently, wooden gazebos with shingled roofs are the norm in England and North America. Towards the more modular side, some gazebos utilize tensioned fabric on poles, offering flexibility and ease of assembly. They often come with screened sides to ward off insects, especially in campsite setups at music festivals in the UK, Canada, and the USA. A similar structure in the Maldives is known as a holhuashi.

Gallery

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History of Gazebos

Introduction to Gazebos

Gazebos have long been a staple in garden design, tracing back through centuries. Initially referred to by various names such as summerhouses, kiosks, and pavilions, their purpose and design evolved over time. The earliest examples began as towers on rooftops, intended for observation, before transitioning to ground-based structures known as summerhouses.

Gazebos from the Beginning of Time

The inception of gazebos dates back approximately 5,000 years to Egyptian gardens, primarily enjoyed by royalty. Ancient Romans and Pompeians also adopted these structures for their summerhouses along the Mediterranean. Persian gazebos from the tenth century varied from simple tents to elaborate marble constructions, sometimes even designed as tombs.

China's gazebos were notably intricate, while Japan's versions, often teahouses, were spaces for tea ceremonies and meditation. During the Renaissance, gazebos reappeared in European monastery gardens, serving as shrine-like, meditative spaces.

Middle Age Gazebos

In the 14th century, French influence saw the addition of gazebos at the Louvre, which subsequently inspired similar structures in England. By the late 1700s, a craze for Chinese-style summerhouses swept across Europe. The term "gazebo" emerged in 1752, courtesy of William and John Halfpenny's book "New Designs for Chinese Temples."

Early American Gazebos

Gazebos gained traction in America in the mid-1800s within the rising middle class. Although their popularity waned with the advent of large porches, they saw a resurgence around 1930 as desirable retreats and status symbols. By the 1980s, gazebos had made a solid comeback.

Gazebos of Today

Today, gazebos are prevalent in gardens, parks, zoos, and amusement parks worldwide. They can be highly customizable, varying in shape, size, material, and design, from ornate to rustic. As easy-to-obtain structures, they continue to signify a blend of elegance and natural appreciation, offering homeowners a serene outdoor retreat.

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