architectural terminology

1/25/2016 Architectural Terminology

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ARH 314 and 315 Terminology

All definitions are reproduced from the required course textbook:Trachtenberg, Marvin and Isabell Hyman, Architecture, From Prehistory toPostmodernity: the Western tradition, 2nd Ed., Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: PrenticeHall;New York: H.N. Abrams, 2002

AbacusAt the top of a capital, a thick rectangular slab ofstone that serves as the flat, broad surface onwhich the architrave rests. Image courtesy ofHeather Russel

AcanthusA plant of the Mediterranean region whoseserrated leaves were copied in stone to ornamentCorinthian and Composite capitals; used also todecorate moldings and friezes. Image courtesy ofGayle Goudy Kochanski

AediculeA framing motif consisting of an entablature andpediment supported by two columns. Imagecourtesy of Gayle Goudy Kochanski

AisleA passage or corridor parallel to the nave of achurch or an ancient basilica and separated fromit by columns or piers. Image courtesy of GayleGoudy Kochanski

Altar



A table like structure for the celebration of theSacraments in a Christian building; for sacrifice orofferings in antiquity. Image courtesy of GretchenRanger

AmbulatoryA semicircular or polygonal passageway aroundthe apse of a church. Image courtesy of GretchenRanger

ApseA semicircular, polygonal, or rectangular extensionat the end of a Roman basilica or a Christianchurch. Image courtesy of Heather Russell

AntaIn Classical temples, the pilaster like projectingend of a portico wall often framing columns,which are then said to be in antis Imagecourtesy of Gayle Goudy Kochanski

ArcadeA series of arches supported on piers or columns.A "blind" arcade is a row of arches applied to thewall as an ornamental feature. Image courtesy ofGayle Goudy Kochanski

ArchA structural devise, curved in shape, to span anopening by means of wedgeshaped bricks orstones (voussoirs) that support each other by



exerting mutual pressure and that are buttressedat the sides. Image courtesy of Gayle GoudyKochanski

ArchitraveA square beam that is the lowest of the threehorizontal components of a Classical entablature.

Image courtesy of Heather Russell

ArchivoltA molded band carried around an arch. Imagecourtesy of Gayle Goudy Kochanski

ArcuatedAny form of construction using arches. Imagecourtesy of Gayle Goudy Kochanski

AshlarBuilding stone that has been squared andfinished, and the masonry constructed of suchblocks. Courtesy of Heather Russell



Barrel VaultA halfcylindrical vault, semicircular or pointed incross section; also called tunnel vault. Imagecourtesy of Heather Russell

BayA vertical compartment of a building in whichseveral such compartments are repeated; eachbay mignt be defined by columns, piers, windows,or vaulting units. Michelangelo Museo Capitolino isdivided into 7 bays by pilasters. Image courtesyof Phil Gruen

BasilicaIn ancient Roman architecture, a largerectangular building used as a tribunal or for otherpublic purposes and generally arranged with nave,aisles, and one or more apses. In Christianarchitecture, a longitudinal church of relatedform. Image courtesy of Gayle Goudy Kochanski

BossSculpted ornament of joints, found primarily invaults. Image courtesy of Gretchen Ranger

ButtressA projecting mass of masonry serving to provideadditional strength for the wall as it resists thelateral thrust exerted by an arch or vault. PlyingButtress: in a church, a buttress in the form of anarch, or set of arches, that carries the thrust ofa nave vault over the side aisle roofs down to amassive external pier. Image courtesy of GretchenRanger

CapitalThe uppermost part of a column, usually shapedto articulate the joint with the lintel or archsupported; in Classical types, comprising an



abacus, echinus, and other carved detail.Image courtesy of Heather Russell

CaryatidA sculpted female figure used as a support inplace of a column or pier. Image courtesy ofHeather Russell

CellaThe body and main sanctuary of a Classicaltemple, as distinct from its portico and otherexternal parts; sometimes used synonymouslywith naos, the principal room of a temple wherethe cult statue is housed. Image courtesy ofGayle Goudy Kochanski

CenteringTemporary wooden framework used to holdconstruction material in place until a vault or archis selfsustaining. Image courtesy of Gail Gould

ChancelThe eastern portion of a church set apart for theclergy, and often separated from the main bodyof the church by a screen, rail, or steps. Theterm is also used to describe the entire east endof a church beyond the crossing. Imagecourtesy of Gretchen Ranger



ChevetA French term used to describe the developedeast end of a church, usually a French Gothiccathedral, with its apse, ambulatory, andradiating chapels. Image courtesy of GretchenRanger

ChoirThe part of a church, generally located toward orin the apse, reserved for clergy and singers.(This photograph was taken looking down thenave toward the apse. The choir screen ishighlighted, which is just beyond the transept.)

Image courtesy of Gretchen Ranger

ClerestoryA part of a building that rises above adjoiningrooftops and is pierced by window openings toadmit light to the interior. Image courtesy ofGretchen Ranger

CloisterAn open square court surrounded by a coveredambulatory, often archaded. It is generallyattached to a church or monastery and isdistinguished from a secular courtyard by itsfunction as a lace of seclusion and repose.


CofferingRecessed panels, square or polygonal, thatornament a vault, ceiling, or the underside (soffit)of an arch. Image courtesy of Gretchen Ranger



ColonnetteA small or greately attenuated, slender column.

Image courtesy of Gayle Goudy Kochanski

Colossal/Giant OrderColumns or pilasters that rise through severalstories; also called a Giant Order. Imagecourtesy of Phil Gruen

ColumnA vertical, usually cylindrical, support, commonlyconsisting of a base, shaft, and capital; inClassical archtecture, its parts are governed byproportional rules. Image courtesy of HeatherRussell

Composite OrderOne of the five Classical orders; favored in lateRoman architecture. On the capital, largeconjoined Ionic volutes are combined with theacanthus leaves of the Corinthian order. Imagecourtesy of Gail Gould

Compound PierA pier with columns, shafts, and pilatersattached, sometimes in clusters, to its faces.


CorbelA masonry block projecting from a wall to supporta superincumbent element. Image courtesy of



Gretchen Ranger

Corbeled ArchMasonry constructed over a wall opening by aseries of courses projecting from each side andstepped progressively further forward until theymeet at midpoint; not a true arch.

corbeled arch

Corinthian OrderThe most richly embellished of the thre orders(Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian) developed by theGreeks, with a tall capital composed of a bellshaped core (kalathoss) envelped by layers ofacanthus leaves terminating in the cornervolutes, surmounted by concavesided abacus.

Image courtesy of Gail Gould

CorniceThe uppermost, projecting portion of anentablature; also the crowing horizontal moldingof a building or wall. Image courtesy of HeatherRussell

CrossingThe area where the nave and transept intersectin a cruciform church, frequently surmounted by atower or dome.(This tower is over the crossing). Imagecourtesy of Gail Gould



CryptA vaulted space beneath the pavement of achurch, often housing relics or tombs.

Cript

Diaphragm ArchA transverse arch across the nave of a churchpartitioning the roof into sections. Imagecourtesy of Gretchen Ranger

DipteralReferring to a temple surrounded by a doublerange of columns. Image courtesy of Gayle GoudyKochanski

Distyle in AntisIn a Classical temple referring to a portico withtwo columns between piers (antae) projectingfrom the cella walls. Image courtesy of GayleGoudy Kochanski

DomeA curved vault that is erected on a circular baseand that is semicircular, pointed, or bulbous insection. If raised over a square or polygonal basetransitional squinches or pendentives must beinserted at the corners of the base to transformit into a near circle. Image courtesy of GayleGoudy Kochanski

Doric OrderThe column and entablature developed onmainland Greece; the fluted columnar shaft iswithout a base; its capital is an abacus above asimple cushionlike molding (echinus). Theentablature has a plain architrave, a frieze



composd of metopes and triglyphs, and a cornicewith projecting blocks (mutules). In Roman Doric,the colun is slimmer than the Greek prototype, isunfluted, and stands on a low base; the capital issmaller. Image courtesy of Heather Russell

Drum1. The cylindrical or polygonal wall supporting adome. Image courtesy of Gayle Goudy Kochanski

2. One of the cylindrical sections comprsing theshaft of a column. Image courtesy of HeatherRussell

Dry MasonryMasonry laid without mortar. Image courtesy ofHeather Russell

EchinusA convex, cushion like molding between the shaftand the abacus in the Doric or Tuscan order; inan Ionic capital, found beneath the volutes,generally in decorated form. Image courtesy ofHeather Russel



Engaged ColumnA column attached to or appearing to be partlyembedded wthin a wall. Images courtesy ofHeather Russell (left) and Gayle Goudy Kochanski(right)

EntablatureThe upper part of a Classical order comprisingarchitrave, frieze, and cornice. Image courtesyof Heather Russell

EntasisThe slight swelling of the vertical profile of aClassical column as it tapers toward the top tocounteract the illusion of concavity thataccompanies straightsided columns. (orangelines exaggerated) Image courtesy of HeatherRussell

ExedraA semicircular recess or niche; a large apse.


ExtradosThe upper surface of an arch or vault. Imagecourtesy of Gayle Goudy Kochanski

Facade



The principal exterior face of a building, usuallythe front. Image courtesy of Phil Gruen

FlutingThe shallow concave channels cut vertically intothe shaft of a column or pilaster. In Doriccolumns, they meet in a sharp edge (arris); inIonic, Corinthian, and Composite columns, theyare separated by a narrow strip.


FriezeA horizontal band, sometimes painted ordecorated with sulpture or moldings. It may runalong the upper portion of a wall just beneath acornice or it may be that part of a classicalentablature that lies between the architrave andcornice. A Doric frieze often has continuous reliefsculpture. Image courstesy of Heather Russel

GableA triangular element. It may be the end of apitched roof framed by the sloping sides. It alsorefers to the top of a Gothic panel, or to thetriangular area above the portals of a Gothicbuilding. Image courtesy of Gretchen Ranger

GalleryAn upper story projecting from the interior wall ofa building, or placed above the aisles of a church.It may function as a corridor or as an area forassembly or seating. Image courtesy of Gail Gould



Groin VaultA vault formed when two barrel vaults of identicalsize intersect at right angles (also called a crossvault). Image courtesy of Gail Gould

Hall ChurchA church in which the nave and aisles are thesame height, giving the building the appearace ofa great hall.

Hall Church

ImpostIn a pier, the projecting molding at the springingof an arch. A rectangular impost block transmitsthe weight of an arch to a supporting member; itmay appear between the capital of a column andthe springing of an arch. Image courtesy of GayleGoudy Kochanski

In AntisThe term used to describe columns placedbetween the ends of two walls, commonlyprojecting from the ends of the cella of a smallGreek Temple. Image courtesy of Gayle GoudyKochanski

IntradosThe undersurface (as opposed to extrados) of anarch (or vault); also called a soffit. Imagecourtesy of Gayle Goudy Kochanski

IntercolumnationThe space between adjacent colunms in acolonnade, frequently determined by some



multiple of the diameter of the column itself.Image courtesy of Heather Russell

Ionic OrderOne of the five Classical Orders, the Ionic ischaracterized by a scrollshaped (voluted) capitalelement, the presence of dentils in the cornice,and a frieze that mighta contain continuous reliefornament. Image courtesy of Gretchen Ranger

KeystoneThe central voussoir at the top of a completedarch. Image courtesy of Gayle Goudy Kochanski

Lancet WindowA tall, slender window with a sharply pointed arch(like a lance), common in early Gothicarchitecture. Image courtesy of Gretchen Ranger

LanternA cylindrical or polygonal structure that crowns adome, its base usually open to allow light to enterthe area below. Image courtesy of GretchenRanger



LoggiaAn arcade supported by piers or coluns, open onone side at least; either part of a building (as aporch) or a separate structure. Image courtesyof Gayle Goudy Kochanski

LunetteA semicircular wall area, or opening, above a dooror window; when above the portal of a church,often called a tympanum. Image courtesy ofGretchen Ranger

MartyriumA struction, oftenof central plan, erectred on asite sacred to Christianity, symbolizing an act ofmartydom or marking the grave of a martyr whodied for the faith.

Martyrium

MegaronThe principal hall of an Aegean dwelling, oblong inshape and formed with sloping sides and a flattop, with a passage leading to an undergroundburial chamber.



Melon Dome/Umbrella DomeA dome subdivided into individual concave webs;sometimes called an umbrella dome. Imagecourtesy of Gretchen Ranger

MetopeIn the frieze of a Doric order, the rectangulararea between tryglyphs; often left plain butsometimes decorated with relief ornament.


MoldingA sculpted, ornamental band, carved with adistinctive profile or pattern; highly developed inClassical architecture. Image courtesy of HeatherRussell

MullionA slender upright dividing an opening, usually awindow, into two or more sections. Imagecourtesy of Gayle Goudy Kochanski

NaosThe principal enclosed area of a Greek temple,containing the cult statue of god or goddess.


NarthexA colonnaded porch in front of the facade of achurch, in early Chrisian architectue often servingas the fourth side of an atrium; also a transverse



vestibule preceding the church nave and aisles.Image courtesy of Gayle Goudy Kochanski

NaveThe central, longitudinal space of a basilicanchurch, separated from the aisles or from sidechaples, and extending from the main entrance tothe transept or to the apse. Image courtesy ofGretchen Ranger

NicheA concave recess in a wall, often used to housestatuary. Image courtesy of Heather Russell

OculusA round window. Image courtesy of GretchenRanger

OpisthodomosThe room at the rear of a Greek temple, behindthe naos. Image courtesy of Gayle Goudy Kochanski

Order



A system for the forms and relationship ofelements in the column and entablature ofClassical architecture according to one of fivemodes: Doric, Ionic, Corinthian (developed by theGreeks), and Tuscan and Composite (developedby the Romans).

Order

Palladian Motif/SerlianaA triple opening formed by a central semicirculararch springing from the entablature of narrowerflanking squareheaded bays, used by architectAndrea Palladio. Also known as a Serliana becauseit was first illustrated in the architecture treatiseof 1537 by Sebastiano Serlio. Image courtesy ofGail Gould

ParapetA low wall for protection at the edge of abalcony, terrace, roof, bridge, etc. Imagecourtesy of Gayle Goudy Kochanski

PedestalA supporting substructure for a column or statue.


PedimentA triangular space formed by the raking cornices(sloping sides) and horizontal cornice of a gabledtemple; also used above a door or window. If theapex or base is split, the pediment is described asbroken. Image courtesy of Heather Russell

PendentiveAn inverted, concave, triangular piece of masonry



serving as the transition from a square supportsystem to the circular base of a dome. Imagecourtesy of Gretchen Ranger

PeripteralPertaining to a building surrounded by a row ofcolumns on all sides. Image courtesy of HeatherRussell

Piano NobileThe principal reception and living area in anItalian palace, the first floor above the ground.


PiazzaThe Italian term for a city square. Imagecourtesy of Phil Gruen

PierA massive vertical support often rectangular inplan and therefore differing from a column,sometimes having its own capital and base. Whencombined with pilasters, columns, or shafts, it iscalled a compound pier. Its proportions are farmore variable than a Classical column. Pier is alsothe term used for the solid mass betweenwindows, doors, and arches. Image courtesy ofHeather Russell



PilasterA column is flattened, rectangular shape,projecting slightly form the face of the wall.


PlinthA generally square block forming the bottommostelement of a column base; or the projectinglowest portion of a wall. Image courtesy of GayleGoudy Kochanski

PodiumA massive platform on which an Etruscan, Roman,or other ancient building was sometimes placed.


PorticoAn open, colonnaded, roofed space serving as aporch before the entrance to a building. Imagecourtesy of Gail Gould

Post and LintelA system of construction in which two or moreuprights support a horizontal beam; also calledtrabeated. Image courtesy of Heather Russell

PronaosThe porch in font of the cella of a Greek or Romantemple formed by the projection of the side wallsand a range of columns between the projections.




PylonIn ancient Egyptian architecture, the sloping,towerlike walls flanking the entrance to atemple. Image courtesy of Phil Gruen

QuoinLarge stone or block laid at the corner of abuilding (or at an opening) used either forreinforcement of the angle or for ornament.


RevetmentThe facing of a surface, usually a wall, with stonefor ornamentation or protection. (Notice how the ornamental revetment is only onthe facade and does not continue on the sidesurfaces.) Image courtesy of Gretchen Ranger

RibA slender, projecting arched member of a vault,used to facilitate its construction, reinforce itsstructure, or articulate its form in varying ways inRoman, Byzantine, and Islamic, Gothic, andBaroque architecture. Image courtesy of GretchenRanger



Rib VaultAn arched ceiling or roof supported or reinforcedby ribs. Image courtesy of Gretchen Ranger

RusticationMasonry with massive, strongly textured orroughhew blocks and sharply sunk joints,distinguished form smooth ashlar. Imagecourtesy of Phil Gruen

ScotiaA concave molding used as the intermediate partof a base. Image courtesy of Heather Russell

ShaftThe cylindrical body of a column between capitaland base. Image courtesy of Heather Russell

SpandrelThe triangular area between adjoining arches, orthe triangualr area next to a single arch. Imagecourtesy of Gayle Goudy Kochanski



SpireA tall pointed termination of a tower or roof.


SplayThe widening of windows, doorways, and otheropenings by slanting the sides.

Splay

SpringingThe point from which an arch or vault springs orrises from its supports. Image courtesy of GayleGoudy Kochanski

SquinchA small arch, or sometimes a lintel, thrown acrossthe angle of a square or polygon to make themmore nearly round and thus able to recieve thecircular base of a dome. Image courtesy of GailGould

StringcourseA continuous, projecting horizontal course ofmasonry, ususally molded, running along, thesurface of a wall, to mark an architecturalsubdivision. Image courtesy of Gayle GoudyKochanski

StylobateThe continuous platform of masonry on which acolonnade rests; the uppermost level of thestepped base (crepidoma) of a Greek temple.




ThrustThe outward force exerted by an arch or vault.


TorusA large convex molding found principally at thebase of a column. Image courtesy of HeatherRussell

TrabeatedAn architectural system using a horizontal beamover supports, as opposed to an arched orarcuated system; synonymous with post andlintel. Image courtesy of Heather Russell

TraceryOrnamental intersecting stonework in Gothicwindows, panels, and screen of Gothic buildings;also used on the surface of late Gothic vaults.Varied techniques and patterns are given namessuch as plate tracery (built up in corsed layerslike the framing walls), bar tracery (constructedof complex fragments of the total pattern),flowing tracery (seemingly freehand, curvilineardesign, though compass drawn), etc. Imagecourtesy of Gail Gould



TranseptIn a basilican church, the arm that crosses thenave at right angles, usually separating it fromthe apse; twin transept arms may also projectfrom the nave without interrupting it.

Transcept

TriforiumAn arcaded wall passage in a Gothic nave wall,between the clerestory and the main arcade in athreestory elevation; in a fourstory elevation, itappears between the gallery and the clerstory.


TriglyphIn a Doric frieze, the projecting block marked byvertical grooves (glyphs) between the rectangularareas known as metopes Image courtesy ofHeather Russell

VaultAn arched ceiling or roof made of stone, brick, orconcrete (cf. barrel vault, fan vault). Imagecourtesy of Heather Russell

VoluteOrnament in the form of a spiral scroll, and theprincipal feature of the Ionic capital. Imagecourtesy of Gayle Goudy Kochanski

VoussoirA wedgeshaped stone used in the constructionof an arch or vault. Image courtesy of Gayle



Goudy Kochanski

WestworkIn a Carolingian or Romanesque church, thetowerlike west end, often containing an entrancevestibule surmounted by a large room open to thenave. Image courtesy of Gail Gould

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