Abstract:
The invention relates to an architectural element particularly intended to be utilized as a furnishing or decorative element, preferably but not exclusively associated with mosaic surfaces.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Italian Patent Application No. MI2006A000057, filed Jan. 16, 2006, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The object of the invention is an architectural element, in particular of modular type.  
         [0003]     The invention relates to an architectural element particularly intended to be utilized as a furnishing or decorative element, preferably but not exclusively associated with mosaic surfaces.  
         [0004]     More in particular, the invention refers to an architectural element in transparent material, for example plastic material, also adapted to make a lighting body.  
         [0005]     Even more preferably, the invention relates to a modular architectural element which may be rapidly and easily associated with similar or analogous architectural elements, so to form versatile, functional structures such as walls, dividers, stands or other items. The invention may for example be utilized in houses, store, fair or office setups, and satisfies the need of making versatile structures which are easily built and/or modified and have a pleasant aesthetic appeal.  
         [0006]     At the moment, the known architectural elements do not permit a wide versatility and ease of use. Furthermore, they are not capable of satisfying the additional need of making a compact, stable and strong structure.  
         [0007]     In addition to that stated above, the known architectural elements are realized in a single body, not permitting the modification of their external appearance.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     The problem underlying the invention is that of proposing a modular architectural element which has structural and functional characteristics such to satisfy the aforesaid needs and, at the same time, remedying the drawbacks mentioned with reference to the prior art.  
         [0009]     Such problem is resolved by means of a modular architectural element in accordance with claim  1 . The dependent claims relate to advantageous embodiments of the architectural element.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0010]     Further characteristics and advantages of the modular architectural element shall be evident from the following description of several preferred embodiments, given as indicative and not limiting, with reference to the attached figures, wherein:  
         [0011]      FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate two perspective views from different angles of a possible embodiment of a coupling element or key making up part of the modular architectural element according to the invention;  
         [0012]      FIGS. 3 and 4  illustrate two perspective views from different angles of a possible embodiment of a coupling element or key making up part of the modular architectural element according to the invention;  
         [0013]      FIGS. 5-8  illustrate front, rear, top and side views, respectively, of the coupling element of  FIG. 3 ;  
         [0014]      FIG. 9  illustrates a sectional view of the coupling element along the line IX-IX of  FIG. 8 ;  
         [0015]      FIG. 10  illustrates a sectional view of the coupling element along the line X-X of  FIG. 8 ;  
         [0016]      FIGS. 11-15  illustrate perspective, bottom, front, top and side views, respectively, of a possible embodiment of a release accessory for the modular architectural element according to the invention;  
         [0017]      FIG. 16  illustrates a sectional view of the release element along the line XVI-XVI of  FIG. 14 ;  
         [0018]      FIG. 17  illustrates a sectional view of the release element along the line XVII-XVII of  FIG. 14 ;  
         [0019]      FIGS. 18-22  illustrate perspective, bottom, top, front and side views, respectively, of a possible embodiment of a release accessory for the modular architectural element according to the invention;  
         [0020]      FIG. 23  illustrates a sectional view of the release element along the line XXIII-XXIII of  FIG. 21 ;  
         [0021]      FIG. 24  illustrates an enlarged and partial detail of two coupled modular architectural elements;  
         [0022]      FIG. 25  illustrates a perspective view of a possible embodiment of a frame of a modular architectural element according to the invention;  
         [0023]      FIG. 26  illustrates a side front view of the frame of  FIG. 25 ;  
         [0024]      FIG. 27  illustrates a sectional view of the frame along the line XXVII-XXVII of  FIG. 26 ;  
         [0025]      FIG. 28  illustrates a sectional view of the frame along the line XXVIII-XXVIII of  FIG. 27 ;  
         [0026]      FIG. 29  illustrates a sectional view of the frame along the line XXIX-XXIX of  FIG. 27 ;  
         [0027]      FIG. 30  illustrates an enlarged view of the detail XXX of  FIG. 28 ;  
         [0028]      FIG. 31  illustrates an enlarged view of the detail XXXI of  FIG. 29 ;  
         [0029]      FIG. 32  illustrates a perspective view of a possible embodiment of a frame of a modular architectural element according to the invention;  
         [0030]      FIG. 33  illustrates a perspective view of a possible embodiment of a frame of a modular architectural element according to the invention;  
         [0031]      FIGS. 34 and 35  illustrate perspective views along different angles of a closure panel for the modular architectural element according to the invention, in particular for the architectural element corresponding with the frame of  FIG. 25, 32  or  33 ;  
         [0032]      FIGS. 36 and 37  illustrate perspective views along different angles of a closure panel for the modular architectural element according to the invention, in particular for the architectural element corresponding with the frame of  FIG. 25, 32  or  33 ;  
         [0033]      FIG. 38  illustrates top view of the closure panel of  FIG. 36 ;  
         [0034]      FIG. 39  illustrates a sectional view of the closure panel along the line XXXIX-XXXIX of  FIG. 38 ;  
         [0035]      FIG. 40  illustrates partial bottom view of the closure panel of  FIG. 36 ;  
         [0036]      FIG. 41  illustrates a sectional view of the closure panel along the line XXXXI-XXXXI of  FIG. 38 ;  
         [0037]      FIG. 42  is a side view of the panel of  FIG. 36 ;  
         [0038]      FIG. 43  illustrates an enlarged view of the detail XXXXIII of  FIG. 41 ;  
         [0039]      FIG. 44  illustrates an enlarged view of the detail XXXXIV of  FIG. 39 ;  
         [0040]      FIGS. 45   a - d  illustrate top and bottom views, respectively, of two cover panels for a modular architectural element according to the invention, in particular for the architectural element corresponding with the frame of  FIGS. 25, 32  or  33 ;  
         [0041]      FIGS. 46   a - c  illustrate side, bottom and top views, respectively, of the cover panel of  FIG. 45   a;    
         [0042]      FIGS. 47   a - c  illustrate side, bottom and top views, respectively, of the panel of  FIG. 45   b;    
         [0043]      FIG. 48  illustrates a sectional view of the cover panel along the line XXXXVIII-XXXXVIII of  FIG. 46   c;    
         [0044]      FIG. 49  illustrates an enlarged view of the detail XXXXIX of  FIG. 48 ;  
         [0045]      FIG. 50  illustrates a sectional view of the cover panel along the line L-L of  FIG. 47   c;    
         [0046]      FIG. 51  illustrates an enlarged view of the detail LI of  FIG. 50 ;  
         [0047]      FIGS. 52   a - b  illustrate perspective views along different angles of a possible embodiment of a frame for a modular architectural element according to the invention;  
         [0048]      FIG. 52   c  illustrates a front view of the frame of  FIG. 52   b , along the arrow A;  
         [0049]      FIG. 53  illustrates a sectional view of the frame along the line LIV-LIV of  FIG. 52   c;    
         [0050]      FIG. 54  illustrates a sectional view of the frame along the line LIV-LIV of  FIG. 52   c;    
         [0051]      FIG. 55  illustrates a sectional view of the frame along the line LV-LV of  FIG. 52   c;    
         [0052]      FIG. 56  illustrates an enlarged view of the detail LVI of  FIG. 53 ;  
         [0053]      FIG. 57  illustrates an enlarged view of the detail LVII of  FIG. 54 ;  
         [0054]      FIG. 58  illustrates an enlarged view of the detail LVIII of  FIG. 55 ;  
         [0055]      FIG. 59  illustrates a sectional view of the frame along the line LIX-LIX of  FIG. 55 ;  
         [0056]      FIGS. 60   a - b  illustrate perspective views along different angles of a closure panel for the modular architectural element according to the invention, in particular for the architectural element corresponding with the frame of  FIG. 52   a;    
         [0057]      FIG. 60   c  illustrates a front view of the closure panel along the arrow A of  FIG. 60   a;    
         [0058]      FIG. 60   d  illustrates a rear view of the closure panel along the arrow B of  FIG. 60   b;    
         [0059]      FIG. 61  illustrates a sectional view of the closure panel along the line LXI-LXI of  FIG. 60   c;    
         [0060]      FIG. 62  illustrates an enlarged view of the detail LXII of  FIG. 61 ;  
         [0061]      FIG. 63  illustrates a sectional view of the closure panel along the line LXIII-LXIII of  FIG. 60   c;    
         [0062]      FIG. 64  illustrates a sectional view of the closure panel along the line LXIV-LXIV of  FIG. 60   c;    
         [0063]      FIG. 65  illustrates an enlarged view of the detail LXV of  FIG. 63 ;  
         [0064]      FIG. 66  illustrates an enlarged view of the detail LXVI of  FIG. 64 ;  
         [0065]      FIGS. 67   a - e  illustrate bottom, top, side, front and rear views, respectively, of a cover panel for a modular architectural element according to the invention, in particular for the architectural element corresponding with the frame of  FIG. 52   a;    
         [0066]      FIG. 68  illustrates a sectional view of the cover panel along the line LXVIII-LXVIII of  FIG. 67   b;    
         [0067]      FIG. 69  illustrates a sectional view of the cover panel along the line LXIX-LXIX of  FIG. 67   b;    
         [0068]      FIGS. 70   a  and  70   b  illustrate perspective views of related uses of a possible embodiment of an architectural element according to the invention;  
         [0069]      FIGS. 70   c - i  illustrate respective perspective views from two different angles: rear along the arrow A of  FIG. 70   d , front along the arrow B of  FIG. 70   c , top side along the arrow C of  FIG. 70   d , of a possible embodiment of a frame for a modular architectural element according to the invention, for example illustrated in  FIGS. 70   a  and  70   b;    
         [0070]      FIG. 71   a  illustrates a sectional view of the frame along the line LXXIa-LXXIa of  FIG. 70   f;    
         [0071]      FIG. 71   b  illustrates a sectional view of the frame along the line LXXIb-LXXIb of  FIG. 70   f;    
         [0072]      FIG. 71   c  illustrates a sectional view of the frame along the line LXXIc-LXXIc of  FIG. 70   f;    
         [0073]      FIG. 72   a  illustrates an enlarged view of the detail LXXIIa of  FIG. 71   b;    
         [0074]      FIG. 72   b  illustrates an enlarged view of the detail LXXIIb of  FIG. 71   a;    
         [0075]      FIG. 72   c  illustrates an enlarged view of the detail LXXIIc of  FIG. 71   c;    
         [0076]      FIG. 72   d  illustrates an enlarged view of the detail LXXIId of  FIG. 71   c;    
         [0077]      FIGS. 73   a  and  73   b  illustrate perspective views along different angles of a possible embodiment of a frame for a modular architectural element according to the invention;  
         [0078]      FIGS. 74   a  and  74   b  illustrate perspective views along different angles of a possible embodiment of a closure panel for a modular architectural element according to the invention, in particular for the architectural element corresponding with the frame of  FIG. 70   a;    
         [0079]      FIG. 74   c  illustrates a front view of the closure panel along the arrow A of  FIG. 74   a;    
         [0080]      FIG. 74   d  illustrates a rear view of the closure panel along the arrow B of  FIG. 74   b;    
         [0081]      FIG. 75   a  illustrates a sectional view of the closure panel along the line LXXVa-LXXVa of  FIG. 74   c;    
         [0082]      FIG. 75   b  illustrates a sectional view of the closure panel along the line LXXVb-LXXVb of  FIG. 74   c;    
         [0083]      FIG. 75   c  illustrates an enlarged view of the detail LXXVc of  FIG. 75   a;    
         [0084]      FIG. 75   d  illustrates an enlarged view of the detail LXXVd of  FIG. 75   b;    
         [0085]      FIGS. 76   a - f  illustrate respective perspective views from two different angles, front along the arrow A of  FIG. 76   a , top, bottom and side of a cover panel for a modular architectural element according to the invention, in particular for the architectural element corresponding with the frame of  FIG. 70   a;    
         [0086]      FIG. 77   a  illustrates a sectional view of the cover panel along the line LXXVIIa-LXXVIIa of  FIG. 76   e;    
         [0087]      FIG. 77   b  illustrates a sectional view of the cover panel along the line LXXVIIb-LXXVIIb of  FIG. 76   e;    
         [0088]      FIG. 77   c  illustrates an enlarged view of the detail LXXVIIc of  FIG. 77   a;    
         [0089]      FIG. 77   d  illustrates an enlarged view of the detail LXXVIId of  FIG. 77   b;    
         [0090]      FIG. 77   e  illustrates an enlarged view of the detail LXXVIIe of  FIG. 76   f;   
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0091]     With referenced to the abovementioned figures, a modular architectural element was indicated in its entirety with  10 , adapted for example to make architectural or decorative structures such as walls, coverings, decorative elements or other items. The elements which the different embodiments have in common were indicated with the same numerical reference.  
         [0092]     In general terms, the modular architectural element  10  includes a frame  12  defining at least several side walls of the architectural element.  
         [0093]     The architectural element is internally hollow, defining an inner cavity which, according to several embodiments, may house lighting means, to transform the architectural element into a lighting body.  
         [0094]     Several examples of frames  12  are illustrated in  FIG. 25  and the following, in  FIG. 52   a  and the following, and in  FIG. 70   a  and the following. Of course, other, non-illustrated embodiments are also possible.  
         [0095]     The frame  12  is internally hollow, at least partially defining the inner cavity of the architectural element. The frame  12  includes contour walls which permit at least one access to the inner cavity of the frame. Preferably, the access to the inner cavity is ensured by the absence of a front and/or rear wall which, together with the frame  12 , delimits the inner cavity.  
         [0096]     In the example of  FIG. 12 , a frame with parallelepiped shape is illustrated, defined by two-by-two parallel and opposite contour walls  14   a - d  defining a closed perimeter. The access to the inner cavity of the architectural element is ensured by the absence of the front and rear wall. In accordance with a non-illustrated embodiment, the access to the inner cavity may be also be ensured by means of the absence of the single front (or rear) wall.  
         [0097]     In the example of  FIG. 52   a , a modular architectural element is illustrated which is adapted to make a terminal curvilinear element. In this case, the frame  12  is defined by three contour walls  14   a - c  defining an open perimeter. The shape of the contour walls  14   a  and  14   c  arranged at the end is realized so that the inner cavity of the modular element may be delimited by a single, appropriately shaped front wall. In the case illustrated, the contour walls  14   a  and  14   c  arranged at the end have a curvilinear edge (for example semicircular or circular). The absence of the front wall ensures the access to the inner cavity defined by the architectural element.  
         [0098]     In the example of  FIG. 70   a , a modular architectural element is illustrated which is adapted to make a terminal or connection curvilinear element. In this case, the frame  12  is defined by four contour walls  14   a - d . The contour walls  14   a  and  14   b  are parallel and opposite while the contour walls  14   c  and  14   d  intersect each other. The shape of the opposite contour walls  14   a  and  14   b  is realized so that the inner cavity of the modular element may be delimited by an appropriately shaped front wall. In the case illustrated, the opposite contour walls  14   a  and  14   b  have a curvilinear edge (for example a quarter-circle or a circular arc). The absence of the front wall ensures the access to the inner cavity defined by the architectural element.  
         [0099]     In accordance with the invention, two architectural elements are adapted to be fit with each other at one contour wall of the respective frame  12  and to be coupled to each other by means of removable coupling element  16  which cross the respective fit contour walls of the two adjacent architectural elements. The positioning of the removable coupling element is permitted through the inner cavity of the architectural element, made accessible in the frame as previously described.  
         [0100]     In accordance with a possible embodiment, the removable coupling element  16  includes a coupling element or key  18  which extends along a longitudinal direction  20  in order to cross two adjoining contour walls, belonging respectively to adjacent architectural elements. With  22 , a slot of a contour wall is indicated, adapted to receive the key  18 . In several illustrated examples, two slots are foreseen on one contour wall.  
         [0101]     Advantageously, the slot and the key have respective transverse sections adapted to define at least two mutual positions of the key and slot corresponding with an insertion position and a coupling position. Preferably, the mutual insertion and coupling positions of the key and slot are obtained by means of rotation of the key itself.  
         [0102]     In particular, the slot  22  has a transverse section (or shape) which extends predominantly in a transverse direction (with reference to the longitudinal direction of the key) to form at least one lobe  24 . In the figures, a slot is illustrated defining two opposite lobes  24 .  
         [0103]     Similarly, the key  18  has a transverse section which predominantly extends in a transverse direction with reference to the longitudinal direction of the key itself, forming at least one transverse lug  26 . In the figures, a key is illustrated defining two opposite transverse lugs  26 . In accordance with the embodiments illustrated for example in  FIGS. 1-10 , the key  18  includes a central pin  28  from which the two diametrically-opposed transverse lugs  26  extend.  
         [0104]     With  30 , a grip element is indicated which is arranged at one end of the key, for example on the opposite side with respect to the transverse lugs  26 , and preferably provided with a flange  32  adapted to abut against the contour wall through which the key is inserted. In other words, the flange  32  has greater transverse dimensions than that of the slot  22 .  
         [0105]     The length of the key  18 , or central pin  28  if foreseen, is such that the transverse lugs  26  are inserted in the slot  22  of the adjacent architectural element and, following for example a key rotation, abut against the inner surface of the respective contour wall.  
         [0106]     In accordance with a possible embodiment, the contour walls of the frame  12  include an edge  34  which is raised outside the frame itself, delimiting a hollow space  36 . Advantageously, the key  18  may include at least one additional transverse lug  38 , preferably two additional transverse lugs  38 , arranged in an intermediate position along the longitudinal direction of the key. In particular, the additional transverse lugs  38  are arranged between the grip element  30  and the transverse lugs  26  and extend along the same transverse direction of the transverse lugs  26 . In the case the pin  28  is foreseen, the additional transverse lugs  38  extend from it along the same radial direction of the transverse lugs  26 . In particular, the additional transverse lugs  38  are adapted to be arranged between two contour walls of two adjacent architectural elements, at the hollow spaces  36 .  
         [0107]     In accordance with a possible embodiment, the key includes a portion of stopping elements, adapted to define the relative coupling position between key and slot, and preferably associated with the grip element  30 . In the case in which the flange  32  is foreseen, the stopping elements may be realized by means of teeth  40  of the flange itself adapted to abut against notches  42  made in the inner surface of the respective contour wall when the key is in coupled position.  
         [0108]     Advantageously, the slots of one contour wall are arranged so to permit making a wall wherein the architectural elements are arranged in a grid pattern or else alternated and staggered by half a length between the two rows of contiguous architectural elements.  
         [0109]     In accordance with a possible embodiment, the access to the inner cavity of the architectural element is closed by means of at least one closure panel  44  adapted to be removably mounted on the frame  12 . In accordance with the preceding description of several frame embodiments, the closure panel  44  defines a front and/or rear wall of the architectural element.  
         [0110]     For example, the architectural element comprising the frame of  FIG. 25  foresees the use of two closure panels defining a front wall and a rear wall, respectively ( FIGS. 34 and 35  or  FIGS. 36 and 37 ). In accordance with a non-illustrated embodiment, the contour walls of the frame may also include the rear wall, and only one closure panel may be foreseen adapted to define for example a front wall of the architectural element.  
         [0111]     According to the additional example of  FIG. 52   a , the closure panel  44  is realized by means of a curvilinear wall which is adapted to the shape of the contour walls  14   a  and  14   c  arranged at the end of the frame. Preferably, such closure panel defines the front wall of the architectural element.  
         [0112]     According with the last example of  FIG. 70   a , the closure panel  44  is realized by means of a curvilinear wall which is adapted to the shape of the opposite contour walls  14   a  and  14   b . Preferably, such closure panel defines the front wall of the architectural element.  
         [0113]     In accordance with a possible embodiment, the closure panel  44  is mounted on the frame  12  by means of a snap coupling, preferably realized by means of teeth  46  and hollow spaces  48 . The teeth  46  are preferably made in correspondence with an elastic or deformable structure  50  which permits the snap coupling between the closure panel and the frame. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the teeth  46  are associated with the closure panel while the hollow spaces  48  are made in the frame, although the opposite is also possible. Preferably, the hollow spaces  48  extend for the entire length of the respective contour wall, leading to the opposite side in order to permit access to the tooth  46  and to simplify the dismantling.  
         [0114]     In accordance with a possible embodiment, the coupling between the closure panel and the frame is further improved due to the presence of a form coupling which extends along the edges of the closure panel and frame, adapted to be mutually fit. According to the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the form coupling is realized by means of at least one rib  52 , for example realized along the edge of the closure panel, adapted to be inserted in a corresponding seat  54 , for example made along the edge of the frame adapted to receive the closure panel. In accordance with a non-illustrated embodiment, the rib is realized on the frame, while the seat is made in the closure panel. In several embodiments, for example with reference to  FIG. 60   b , the rib and the seat may be interrupted, or they may extend with continuity along the respect edges of the closure panel and frame.  
         [0115]     In accordance with a possible embodiment wherein it is foreseen that the hollow spaces  48  extend for the entire thickness of the respective contour wall, leading to the opposite side, a release accessory is indicated with  56  including an elongated body  58 , from which at least one tab  60  extends which is adapted to be inserted in the respective hollow space  48 . Preferably, as many tabs are foreseen as there are hollow spaces, so to simultaneously release all of the teeth  46 . The figures illustrate two possible embodiments of the release accessory, in relation with the number and arrangement of the hollow spaces.  
         [0116]     In accordance with a possible embodiment, the closure panel includes a raised outer edge  61   a  which define a hollow space  61   b , for example adapted to receive a mosaic decoration. Preferably, the mosaic decoration has the same thickness of the raised outer edge  61   a , so that the surface of the architectural element is flat.  
         [0117]     In accordance with a possible embodiment, the architectural element moreover includes at least one cover panel  62 , adapted to be mounted on the outer surface of contour walls of frames which, in the overall structure generated by the coupling of a plurality of architectural elements, are arranged with free ends and are therefore visible. The cover panel insulates the inner cavity, closing the slots  22  and possibly restoring the continuity of the outer surface of the architectural element.  
         [0118]     The cover panel  62  preferably has a shape analogous to that of the respective contour wall, or for example adapted to be inserted in the hollow space  36  when the edge  34  is foreseen. Advantageously, snap coupling means are foreseen, for example realized by means of additional teeth  64  and additional hollow spaces  66 . In the illustrated examples the additional teeth extend from the cover panel while the additional hollow spaces are made in the frame, although the opposite is also possible. Preferably, the additional hollow spaces  66  cross the entire thickness of the related wall, leading to the opposite side in order to facilitate the dismantling of the cover panel. Also in this case, a release accessory may be advantageously foreseen, as previously described.  
         [0119]     With reference to the attached drawings, the first embodiment illustrates an architectural element of parallelepiped shape. The shape may be of multiple types, for example in cubic, wave, arched or wedge shape. In particular, the first embodiment illustrates an architectural element adapted to realize a central part of the final structure.  
         [0120]     The second embodiment illustrates a terminal architectural element. The shape of the end may be curvilinear, pointed, square-cut or in another form.  
         [0121]     The third embodiment represents a terminal or connection architectural element. The quarter-circumference arched shape is particularly advantageous for making, for example, columns ( FIG. 70   b ) or connections between walls which extend in different directions.  
         [0122]     Below, the mode of use of the above described architectural elements is described.  
         [0123]     Two frames of two architectural elements are set side by side in correspondence with two respective contour walls. When the two contour walls are fit together, the respect slots  22  are mutually facing. The lack of a front or rear wall of the architectural element permits access to the inner cavity and to the slots  22  in order to insert the coupling means, in particular the key  18 . Grasping the grip element, the key is inserted in the slots of the two contour walls until it arrives on the opposite side. The angular position of the key with respect to the slot is such to permit its insertion. According to the illustrated embodiment, by means of a key rotation (for example corresponding to about 90°), one obtains the passage from the insertion position to the coupling position, wherein the transverse lugs  26  abut against the inner surface of the contour wall opposite the wall wherein the key was inserted. In case additional lugs  38  are foreseen, the rotation of the key also brings these lugs into coupling position, between the two contour walls, or rather inside the hollow spaces  36 . Preferably, the rotation of the key is delimited by stopping elements. In the illustrated examples, the teeth  40  abut against the notches  42  defining the coupling position.  
         [0124]     When the frame is coupled to adjacent frames by means of insertion and rotation of the respective keys, the access to the inner cavity of the architectural element may be closed by means of the closure panel(s), preferably snap mounted as previously described.  
         [0125]     If the frame corresponds to a free end of the structure which one wishes to make, appropriate cover panels may be snap locked at the contour walls which face outward, in order to cover the slots  22  and to restore the outer surface aesthetics and continuity.  
         [0126]     For the built structure&#39;s dismantling, it is possible to work backwards with respect to that described above. In other words, the closure panels, and possible cover panels, may be dismantled for example by means of suitable release accessories which release the coupling between the teeth  46  and the hollow spaces  48 . Subsequently, the keys are brought back into insertion position, for example by carrying out a rotation opposite to that previously described. Unthreading the keys from the respective slots, the frames result free and independent.  
         [0127]     From the above, one may appreciate how foreseeing a modular architectural element as previously described permits satisfying the aforesaid need to easily and quickly make architectural structures which are adapted to different environments and with multiple aesthetic effects. Such structures may also be easily and quickly dismantled or modified.  
         [0128]     Simultaneously, it is possible to satisfy the additional need of obtaining solid and secure structures, wherein the coupling between the architectural elements is reliable and equally distributed over all contour surfaces. Such aspect is advantageously obtained due to the presence of coupling means which cross the fit contour walls and which may also be positioned in additional points along the contour wall itself.  
         [0129]     A further advantage of the architectural element according to the invention lies in the unusual structural simplicity of the same, which permits its production at a very low cost.  
         [0130]     The aspects described as further possible embodiments, improving the stability and simplicity of use of the invention, in addition to consequently improving its aesthetic appearance.  
         [0131]     In accordance with a possible embodiment, the architectural element according to the invention includes a frame  12  provided with contour walls defining several of the side walls of the architectural element. Moreover, the architectural element includes at least one closure panel  44  and/or at least one cover panel which may be removably associated with the frame, as previously described.  
         [0132]     Preferably, the closure panel  44  and/or the cover panel include respective hollow spaces  32 ,  61   b  which house a decoration, for example a mosaic decoration.  
         [0133]     The possibility of substituting a wall of the architectural element or covering a contour wall of the frame permits obtaining innumerable surface decorations on a same frame or on several frames already coupled together, foreseeing coupling means as previously described.  
         [0134]     It is clear that variations and/or additions may be foreseen to that described above and illustrated, for example regarding the shapes and size of the frames, panels, coupling means and other components of the architectural element.  
         [0135]     With regard to the preferred embodiments of the above described architectural element, and in order to satisfy contingent and specific needs, one skilled in the art may introduce numerous modifications, adaptations and substitutions of elements with other functionally equivalent elements, without however departing from the scope of the following claims.