Free-standing walls

Abstract

Free-standing walls are used to enclose space, mark off ownership and to prevent free passage. In the past they have sometimes had an additional social purpose as symbols demonstrating the authority, elegance and remoteness of those on one side of the wall from those on the other. Mainly, however, a wall’s purpose has been to divide space, control movement and to obstruct vision, thus giving privacy. In some cases walls are built to provide shelter from wind. They may also have a structural purpose in retaining earth or water at different levels.