Glossary of Architectural Terms

Glossary of Architectural Terms Abacus In the Doric Order, the abacus is a square slab that sits on top of the column's capital and supports the architrave or arch. The function of an abacus is to broaden the support provided by the column. Aisle Alter Apse The part of a building divided off by an arcade. A vlock or stand where offering are made to a deity. An often vaulted, semicircular or polygonal end of a room, usually in a church. Similar to the Roman exedra. Santa Maria in Trastevere, Rome Santa Maria delle Grazie, Milan Arcade A series of columns or piers spanned by arches. A series of arches supported by columns or piers, either attached to a wall or freestanding. Plaza Mayor, Madrid Place des Vosges, Paris Basilica di Sant'Apollinare in Classe in Ravenna Arch A rounded element that spans an opening is called an arch. A basic element of construction, arches appear in all types of architecture. Arches can be decorative or structural. Early civilizations building arches include the Mesopotamians (as early as the 2nd millennium BCE) the Egyptians and the Greeks. Roman architecture adopted the arch from the Etruscans and used it extensively in building, bridges and their famous aqueducts. 1

Architrave The architrave is the lowest element of the entablature, and rests on top columns. Astragal A small convex moulding. Atrium Attic Base Base The inner court of a Roman house, open to the sky; an open court in front of an early Christian church A common base used for columns in classical architecture, the Attic base is made up of an upper and lower torus, separated by a scotia with fillets. In architecture a base is the lowest part or lowest main division of a structure. For columns, the base is the lowest portion of three parts, from top to bottom: the base, the shaft and the capital. Typically, Egyptian columns and Greek Doric columns have no base and are placed directly on the floor. Ionic columns may have an elaborate base built up of groups of mouldings and fillets. Barrel Vault A ceiling or roof consisting of a continuous semicircular or pointed arch. Also known as a tunnel vault. Example: St. Peter's Basilica, Rome Baroque Base The extravagant European architecture style of the 17 th and 18 th centuries. The lower part of a column. 2

Basilica Battlement Bead Beak Moulding A Roman and Christian building type with an aisled nave. A parapet with alternating high and low sections; also called crenellation. A convex moulding, usually semi circular. There are a variety of different types of beads. Examples include: angle bead, nosing bead, double bead and so forth. Moulding shaped into a beak like form. Beam Bed mould A structural member that caries a load. Beams are usually placed horizontally and care a vertical load where the weight is transferred to walls, girders or columns. The moulding that appears under the projecting cornice. It is considered part of the cornice. Bell In reference to columns, the bell is a bell shaped part of the capital between the neck moulding and the abacus. It is common to columns in the Corinthinian order where it is decorative with acanthus leaves. Bell Tower Buttress Buttress, Flying A tower for bells. Pier of brick or stone giving additional strength to the wall to which it is attached An arched support carrying the trust of a vault to an outer buttress 3

Campanile A freestanding bell tower, usually near a church. Campanile di San Marco, Venice Houses of Parliament Clock Tower, London Cantilever An overhanging projection with no support on its outside edge. Example: Falling Water, Mill Run Capital Cap The top of a column. In architecture, a cap is the top element in a division or structure. Caryatid A caryatid is a sculpted female figure serving as an architectural support taking the place of a column or a pillar supporting an entablature on her head. Cella Celrestorey Cement Chapel Chicago School Style Principal interior of a temple, housing the cult image. The upper part of the side walls of a building, especially a church, rising above the aisle roofs and pierced by windows. A lime based paste that binds together and sets hard; it is used in mortar, concrete, and as render. A subsection of a church with its own altar, or a small church. A style of commercial architecture developed by the Chicago School, applied primarily to multistory office 4

buildings and mercantile buildings constructed from about 1875 to 1930. Usually characterized by a tripartite scheme consisting of a base that is one to three stories high, a shaft many stories high; and a cap, usually one to three stories high that tops the structure; a flat roof; an overhanging cornice; unadorned fenestration, most often with large rectangular windows sometimes called the Chicago Commercial style. Coffers A recessed, usually square or octagonal panel in a ceiling often used to lighten the weight of a dome. Pantheon, Rome Union Station, Washington Capital The uppermost elements of a column. In classical architecture capitals are one of the most distinctive elements defining the different orders. Colonette Colonnade Column A small column. A row of columns. A vertical support element. In classical architecture, columns are visually distinctive elements that help define the order. 5

Composite Order One of the five orders of classical architecture developed by the Romans. As the name implies, the Composite order combines elements from the Corinthian and Ionic orders. Very similar to the Corinthian order, but here ionic volutes are added to the capital. Pantheon, Rome US Capitol, Washington DC Concave Concrete Congé A curved surface like the interior of a circle. A mixture of cement and aggregate (sand and stones) that dries very hard; it is used as a building material. A concave moulding. Convex Corinthian Order A round surface curved outward. One of the five orders of classical architecture. Typically, Corinthian columns are slender and fluted. Their capitals are bell shaped and ornately decorated with acanthus leaves. The most ornate of the classical Greek orders, characterized by a fluted column and a capital decorated with acanthus leaves. Pantheon, Rome US Capitol, Washington DC Cornice The top element of the entablature including the following elements: the cyma, the corona and the bedmoulding. A molding or ornamentation that projects from the top of a building. 6

Corona A component of the cornice that has a vertical face and horizontal soffit. Crossing Cross Vault The area in a church where nave, transepts, and choir intersect. A tunnel or barrel vault intersecting at right angles. Also known as a groin vault; the groin is the line created by the intersection. Seville Cathedral St. Paul's Church, Antwerp Crystal Palace The Crystal Palace was a cast-iron and plate-glass building originally erected in Hyde Park, London, England, to house the Great Exhibition of 1851. More than 14,000 exhibitors from around the world gathered in the Palace's 990,000 square feet (92,000 m 2 ) of exhibition space to display examples of the latest technology developed in the Industrial Revolution. Designed by Joseph Paxton, the Great Exhibition building was 1,851 feet (564 m) long, with an interior height of 128 feet (39 m). Because of the recent invention of the cast plate glass method in 1848, which allowed for large sheets of cheap but strong glass, it was at the time the largest amount of glass ever seen in a building and astonished visitors with its clear walls and ceilings that did not require interior lights, thus a "Crystal Palace". Cupola A small, domed structure on top of a roof. Massachusetts State House, Boston St. Peter's Basilica, Rome Cupola, Merchant's Exchange, Philadelphia 7

Curtain Wall A nonstructural exterior wall, usually of glass and steel. Lever House, New York City UN Secretariat, New York City Cyclopean Masonry Cyma Cyma Recta Very large masonry. A moulding with a double curvature is called a cyma or sometimes, a wave moulding. Used as the uppermost element in a cornice. A cyma moulding having an upper concave curve and a lower convex curve Cyma Reversa A cyma moulding having an upper convex curve and a lower concave curve. Cymatium A small cyma is called a cymatium. When a cyma is used as the crown moulding of an entablature, it is called a cymatium. 8

Dentils Tooth like blocks used in a close repeating pattern. Dentils are used in some Doric Order buildings in place of mutules. Dentils also appear on the bed moulding of Ionic, Corinthian and Composite orders. Die On a pedestal, the die is a rectangular block that separates cap from the base. Dome A vaulted structure with an elliptical plan, usually a cross section of a sphere, used to distribute an equal thrust in all directions. US Capitol, Washington DC St. Peter's Basilica, Rome US Capitol, Washington DC Doric Order One of the five orders of classical architecture, which also include: Tuscan, Ionic, Corinthian and Composite. The Doric order was developed in Greece and adopted by the Romans. Identifying features include columns that are stouter than the other orders, often 6 to 7 times as tall as the diameter at the base. In Greece Doric columns rested directly on the floor without the benefit of a pedestal or base moulding. Roman Doric columns tend to be slimmer and sit upon an Attic base. The Doric entablature is characterized by the triglyphs and metopes. 9

Dormer A window in a small, often gabled structure set vertically on a sloping roof, allowing light to enter the attic. Example: Palacio de Santa Cruz, Madrid Drum A circular or polygonal wall which supports a dome or cupola. Santa Maria delle Grazie, Milan St. Paul's Cathedral, London Eaves The edge of a roof. In most structures the eaves project beyond the surface of the wall protecting it from rain and snow. Echinus Decorative moulding. Used on columns in classical architecture, the echinus sits below the abacus and above the necking Egg and Dart An ornamental band molding of egg forms alternating with dart forms. Eiffel Tower The Eiffel Tower was built for the World Exhibition in 1889, held in celebration of the French Revolution in 1789. The construction was only meant to last for the duration of the Exposition, but it still stands today, despite all protests from contemporary artists who feared the construction would be the advent of structures without 'individuality' and despite the many people who feared that this huge 'object' would not fit into the architecture of Paris. The Tallest Inaugurated March 31, 1889, the Eiffel Tower would be the tallest structure in the world until the completion of the Chrysler Building in 1930. 10

Engaged Column A column partially built into a wall; not freestanding. Entabulature In classical architecture, the uppermost elements supported by columns are referred to as the entablature. Components of the enblature include: the architrave, the frieze and the cornice. Entasis From the word "bowed," entasis describes the subtle curve of a column. Extrados The convex curve formed by the outer edge of an arch. The inner edge is called the intrados. Semicircular, often domed recess. Fascia Example: Trajan's Markets, Rome A flat horizontal surface. In classical architecture, fascia are often used in multiple bands, each projecting beyond the one below. Federal Style American neoclassical architecture of c. 1776 1830. Fenestration The arrangement of windows and doors on the 11

elevations of a building. Fillet A narrow band with a vertical face. Fillets are often interposed between curved mouldings. Fillet, Sunk A fillet that is depressed between two other architectural elements. Finial A sculptured ornament fixed to the top of a peak, arch, gable or similar structure. Frieze Sitting below the cornice and above the architrave, the frieze is the central element of the entablature. The frieze may be left plain or decorated in relief. The horizontal part of a classical entablature just below the cornice, often decorated with carvings. Pantheon, Rome Jefferson Memorial, Washington DC Fresco Gable A painting with pigment applied directly into wet plaster. The front face or projection created by a pitched roof. The triangular section of a wall on the side of a building with a double pitched roof. 12

Gargoyle A grotesquely carved figure that serves as a spout to carry water from a gutter away from the building. Notre Dame, Paris Sacré Coeur, Paris Georgian Style Giant Order Gothic Style Gothic Revival Groin Vault Hieroglyph English architecture style of C. 1714 1830. Columns or pilasters rising from the ground floor through more than one story. Gothic architecture developed in Europe during the medieval period, from about 500 CE to 1500 CE. Evolving from Romanesque architecture it fell from vogue with the renewed interest in classical architecture during the Renaissance, from about 1400 CE to 1500 CE. A late 18 th and early 18 th century style drawing on ancient Greek example. A vault caused by the intersection at right angels of two barrel vaults. Hip Roof An inclined section of the roof connecting two sloping roof planes that meet at the ridge. Hypostyle Hall 13

Ionic Order One of five orders of classical architecture, the others being: Tuscan, Doric, Corinthian and Composite. The Ionic and Doric styles were widely used in ancient Greece and later adopted by the Romans. Ionic columns are characterized by volutes in the capital. One of the classical orders characterized by a fluted column, a molded base and a capital decorated with volutes. Example: Palais Garnier, Paris Intrados The inside curved soffit of an arch. The opposite face is known as the extrados. Italianate A style occurred in the early 19 th century as American trade with areas around the Mediterranean increased. Keystone The central wedge shaped stone at the crown of an arch that locks all parts together. Arc de Triomf, Barcelona Arch of Titus, Rome Jamb Law of Frontality The sides of a door or window frame. 14

Lean to The lean to is one of the simplest roofs formed by a single sloping plane. Lintel Mastaba A horizontal beam spanning the opening, such as one made by a door or window. An ancient Egyptian tomb with a rectangular base, sloping sides, and a flat roof. Medieval Mausoleum Metope The period in European history, c 1000 c 1550 ce. A building constructed as a burial chamber for a deceased person or persons. Mausoleum of Augustus, Rome Taj Mahal, Agra Grant's Tomb The panel between the *triplyphs in the *Doric frieze, often carved Minaret Modernist Modillion A tall slender tower with balconies usually related to a mosque. The architectural style currently from c 1920 till the late 20 th century. Brackets that appear beneath the corona. Frequently used in the Corinthian and Composite order. 15

Modillion, Block Modillions Rectangular shaped modillions. Mosaic Motif Mouldings Mutule A picture made of tiny colored tiles. A decorative element, usually repeated. A variety of decorative strips. Mouldings come in a variety of shapes and forms. A rectangular block that hangs from the soffit of the cornice in the Doric order. Mutules appear over the triglyphs. Narthex Nave Necking Large vestibule at the western end of a church The main arm of a church, west of the crossing and generally flanked by aisle. On a Doric column, the necking appears as a plain section beneath the capital and above the astragal. Neoclassical Obelisk Oculus Ovolo An architectural style based on Classical precedents, which was fashionably in the 18 th and early 19 th centuries. A tall, four sided tapering form. A round window; a circular opening in a wall or at the apex of a dome. A convex moulding, among woodworkers it is referred to as a "quarter round." 16

Parapet Pavilion Pedestal A small villa or pleasure pavilion In classical architecture columns may sit on a pedestal, usually having a square die, a base and cornice. Pediment Pendentive Pier Pilaster A wide, low pitched gable, often surmounting a colonnade. Exemples: Panthéon, Rome Palais Bourbon, Paris The spherical triangle or concave spandrel connecting the corners of a square or polygonal interior with a circular dome A square pillar or the part of a wall that sits between doors or windows. A rectangular column with a base, shaft and capital projecting from a wall as an ornamental motif. Example: City Hall, Philadelphia 17

Perisyle Hall Plinth Podium Portal Portico The lowest part of the base of a column or pedestal. The plinth helps to distribute the weight born by the column more evenly. A platform supporting a Classical temple. Doorway A roofed porch usually supported by columns, often leading to the entrance of the building. White House, Washington Pantheon, Rome Post A vertical element that may be used to support walls or horizontal beams. Post and lintel Processional A term descriptive of trabeated construction. Example: vertical supports carrying horizontal beams. Quoin Reed Large block used to strengthen angles and corners. Sometimes called reed moulding or reeding, a series of convex mouldings running parallel. Renaissance The revival of Classical forms and learning in Italy in the 15 th 16 th centuries and 16 th 17th centuries in northern Europe. 18

Ridge Two sloping roofs join to create a ridge. Rococo Roman Romanesque Style Richardson Romanesque A light and delicate 18 th century style. Pertaining to ancient Rome, and especially the Roman Empire 27 BCE 330 CE The architectural style of C 1000 1200 CE. A Romanesque revival style named after the American 19th century architect H.H. Richardson. Characterized by heavy arches and masonry walls. Trinity Church, Boston Ontario Legislative Building, Toronto Rose Window A circular window usually found in churches and symmetrically decorated with stained glass. Notre Dame, Paris National Cathedral, Washington, DC Rotunda A circular room, often with a dome. National Gallery of Art, Washington DC Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco Rustication Sala terrena Sea shell Masonry in which the blocks are separated by deeply cut joints. A ground floor room giving access to the garden, often decorated naturalistically of like a grotto A decorative element in the shape of a sea shell. Shaft Shingle The cylindrical body of a column. A wooden tile; also a late 19 th century American 19

Spire arcitectural variation of the Queen Anne style. The tall, tapering top of a church tower; also called a steeple. Sphinx A sphinx is a mythical creature with a body of a lion and the head of a human or a cat. Scotia A concave moulding between two fillets. A scotia is one of the elements used in the Attic base of columns. Shaft Steeple The portion of a column between the base and the capital. A tall ornamental structure, usually surmounting a tower and ending in a spire. Example: Independence Hall, Philadelphia Soffit The underside of a roof formed by eaves or a cornice. 20

Spandrel The triangular space formed by the extrados of an arch and other wall elements. String Course Horizontal moulding usually made from a series of complex profiles. Tænia A fillet positioned directly above the architrave. Part of the entablature. Temple of Queen Hatshepsut Terracotta Clay material that has been molded and fired, often used for building ornaments or cladding. Also written terra cotta or terra cotta. The Drake, Philadelphia Fisher Building, Chicago Natural History Museum, London 21

Three Orders Doric Characterized by sturdy column with cushion capital and a *frieze of *triglyphs and *metopes. Corinthian Characterized by a slender and ornate column with a bell shaped capital adorned with *volutes and two rows of acanthus leaves Ionic Characterized by capitals with large *volutes, a continuous *frieze, and elegant detailing Threequarter Hollow Threequarter Moulding Moulding shaped by a three quarter concave profile. Moulding shaped by a three quarter convex profile. Thumb Molding Thumb shaped moulding. Torus A semi circular, convex moulding. The torus is one of the distinctive elements in the Attic base used by columns in classical architecture. Tower of Babel The building of the Tower of Babel and the Confusion of Tongues (languages) in ancient Babylon. "Babel" is composed of two words, "bab" meaning "gate" and "el," "god." Hence, "the gate of god." A related word in Hebrew, "balal" means "confusion." Trabeated Descriptive of architecture based on the post and lintel system of the Greeks in contrast to the actuated 22

Travertine Triglyph system of the Roman An Italian cream colored limestone A rectangular detail, representative of the beams used in post and beam construction. In the Doric order, regularly spaced triglyphs appear on the frieze. The spaces between the triglyphs are called metopes. Trinity Church Boston, Mass. Designed in 1877 by Henry Hobson Richardson Trinity Church 79 Broadway, Lower Manhattan, is a historic, active parish church in the Episcopal Diocese of New York. Trinity Church is at the intersection of Wall Street and Broadway, in New York. Tuscan Order One of the five orders of classical architecture. The Tuscan order was developed in Rome and does not appear in ancient Greece. Added to the classical orders by Renaissance architectural scholars who felt that the Tuscan order predates the Greek Doric and Ionic. Tuscan columns are unfluted with a simple base and unadorned capital and entablature. A classical order characterized by an unfluted column and a plain base and capital. Example: Union Station, Chicago Tympanum Triangular or segmental vertical surface enclosed by the mouldings of a pediment; area between the lintel of a doorway and the surmounting arch 23

Valley The area formed between the ridges of two adjoined roofs. Valley Horizontal Valley The area formed by the parallel ridges of two roofs. Vault Volute Volutes Vaults are formed by the continuation of an arch. The spiral scroll on the corners of Ionic and Corinthian capitals A spiral form which is a distinctive element of the capital of Ionic columns. An arched structure of stone, brick or reinforced concrete forming a ceiling or roof over a wholly or partially enclosed space. Wave Moulding Friedrichswerdersche Kirche, Berlin Grand Central Terminal, New York City Moulding formed by two round mouldings. 24