What Is Meant by Cupula

/ (ˈkʌpjʊlə) / noun plural -lae (-liː) anatomy zoology a dome-shaped structure, esp the sensory structure within the semicircular canals of the ear.

What is the point of a cupola?

Cupolas were originally designed to add natural light and ventilation to the area under a roof. They sit on the ridge of a roof and can be found in many shapes, including square, round, and octagonal. On barns, they’re meant to allow a continuous flow of air into the hayloft, helping to dry the hay.

What is a cupola on top of a house?

Cupolas are small, dome-like structures that sit on a building’s roof ridge and help define the structure’s centerline. Typically, the base is square, hexagon or octagon and is designed with windows or louvers (vents) on the sides.