What architectural component is best exemplified by walls and columns?

The architectural component best exemplified by walls and columns is vertical elements. Vertical elements are key to the structural integrity and aesthetics of a building, as they help define spaces and support loads. Walls, which serve as barriers and enclosures for a space, and columns, which provide vertical support, are quintessential examples of how vertical elements function within architectural design.

In addition to their structural purposes, these components also contribute significantly to the perceived height and volume of a space, influencing the overall experience of the architecture. By extending from the base plane to the overhead plane, vertical elements establish the relationship between spaces and the human scale.

Other options, like base planes, refer to horizontal components that provide foundational support, while overhead planes pertain to roofs and ceilings that cap spaces. Lateral structures generally imply components designed to manage lateral loads, such as shear walls, which, while important, do not encapsulate the broader concept represented by walls and columns as vertical elements do.