Architectural terms
Amphitheater:
An amphitheater is a building type popularly used in Greek and Roman architecture. Amphitheaters are typically designed with a circular floor plan where the base acts as a stage area and seating is provided radially around the stage moving upwards. Amphitheaters are typically used for plays, sporting tournaments, or other events.
ARCADE:
In architecture, an arcade is a defined passageway that can be marked in a few different ways. Arcades can be the passageway under a series of arches, the area between arches and a wall, or just a covered walkway between arches. Arcades can happen on the exterior as a semi-enclosed space or on the interior.
ARCH:
An arch is a form of structure found throughout much of architecture. It uses a curve to span a space from two points. There are a few different kinds of arches and they can be made in many materials, but the core structural concept is always the same.
ARCHITRAVE:
In Classical architecture, an architrave is the lowest part of the entablature that rests just above the columns, acting as a beam of lintel. In contemporary building construction, an architrave refers to the molding around rectangular openings like doors and windows.
ART DECO
Art Deco architecture is a unique building aesthetic that came about during the larger Art Deco movement around the 1920s. It features glamorous detailing with often geometric façades and signature vintage fonts. Though the style was short-lived, it remains an iconic and recognizable aesthetic.
ART NOUVEAU:
This architecture is a design style that sought to create one unified style that blurred the line between architecture, interior design, furniture design, painting, and more. Designers of Art Nouveau architecture would try to create a “complete work.” These works were often very cohesive in their design style and intricately detailed. You can recognize Art Nouveau architecture for its romantic detailing, metalwork, and integration of sculpture.
ASHLAR:
Smooth square stones laid in a horizontal fashion; used for foundations or facing of masonry walls.
ATRIUM:
An atrium is any interior volume in a building. Atriums are similar to interior courtyards but they are typically enclosed and conditioned as opposed to open to the elements. These spaces are often a major feature and shared space in a building.
BALUSTRADE:
A balustrade is a railing or wall on a staircase or balcony. It is made from individual posts, called balusters, topped by a rail.
BARREL VAULT:
A barrel vault is a simple form of a vault—or extruded arch. Barrel vaults are a continuous extrusion though some vaults featured ornamentation along the surface instead of a plain extrusion.
BELLCAST: a curved shape resulting in a lower pitch at the bottom of a roof slope.
BARGEBOARD: a board trim that is usually carved and projects from the gable line of a roof, used to hide the ends of the horizontal roof timbers.
BAY: a division of space that is repeated within a building, a three bay house would have three spaces repeated along one side as in two rooms and a hall. A space that projects from the rest of the building as in a bay window.
BELFRY:
The belfry is room where the bell can be found in a bell tower. A belfry is a common feature in old churches.
BÉTON BRUT
Béton brut translates to “raw concrete” from the original French. It refers to the aesthetic of unfinished concrete after being removed from formwork. This is an important term because the appearance of béton brut was a major pinnacle of modernism. Specifically, the aesthetic of béton brut led to the architectural style of Brutalism—and also gave the popular style its name.
BIOMIMICRY
Biomimicry is when architecture copies processes or forms found in nature. Biomimicry is used in architecture both for aesthetics and for buildings functions. A building’s system for conditioning air might mimic a forest for efficiency. Columns may be designed to look like trees simply for aesthetics.
BIOPHILIA:
Biophilia is the idea that humans have a natural desire to be surrounded by nature. Designers often use the hypothesis of biophilia as a directive, meeting this desire by introducing a visual or physical connection to nature within or near a building.
BONNETED: a dormer with a semicircular roof line, normally containing an arched window.
Bracing:
Bracing is reinforcement to a structural system. One form of bracing is cross bracing which features two members organized in an X-shape so that one deals with tension and the other with compression.
BRACKET: a supporting feature under an eave line or raincap, usually decorative.
BRISE SOLEIL:
Brise soleil, or brise-soleil, is a French term that translates to “sun breaker.” It refers to deflecting the sunlight that heats a building to naturally cool the interior. One popular form of deflecting sunlight is through louvers, another term on this list.
Brutalism is a famous architectural style that first became popular in the 1950s. It is a controversial style that mainly features unfinished concrete in monumental or geometric blocks. The name for Brutalism comes from another term on this list, béton brut.
BUTTRESS:
A buttress is a form of structure that helps to reinforce a wall. Buttresses are built against the wall—or near the wall, and they reach across to help support the wall. There are a few different kinds of buttresses, including flying buttresses which are defined later in this list.
CANOPY:
A canopy is the cantilevering coverage of an outside area. Canopies are often built over entrances to shelter people from rain or to provide them with shade. Though some canopies are simple coverings, some architects turn canopies into beautiful installations and works of art with a range of materials.
CANTILEVER:
A cantilever is the portion of a building that protrudes out. Some cantilevers are simple, like when a deck pushes out just a bit past the last beam. Other examples of a cantilever can be extreme—like when massive portions of a building seem to defy gravity with no support where it cantilevers. The common rule for cantilevers is 1/3 of a section can overhang and 2/3 of a section is supported.
CASEMENT: It in a window refers to a vertical window hinged on its vertical side, meant to open either out or in.
CLEARSTORY(or CLERESTORY): the upper level of a room that extends beyond the single-story height; often found in churches and penetrated by windows.
CARYATID:
Caryatids are an iconic part of ancient Greek architecture. A caryatid is a sculptural column in the form of a woman. One of the most well-known uses of caryatids is on the porch of the Erechtheion in Athens, Greece.
Contemporary architecture is one of the hardest styles of architecture to define. Unlike other movements like modernism, the 21st century does not have one particular style that is consistent with most new projects. Some examples of contemporary architecture are postmodern others are futurist, and still many others are a combination of different styles.
CONTEXT
In architecture, context refers to the area around an architectural project. It is an important idea to understand because many architects believe that their buildings should fit well into the context. “Context plans” is a site plan that shows the larger area—or context—surrounding a project.
Context can also refer to the conceptual related areas instead of a physical place. For example, someone might talk about a building’s relationship to historical context.
CORBUSIAN:
Corbusian is an adjective used to describe architecture of the same style of Le Corbusier. Le Corbusier was the popular name for Swiss architect Charles-Édouard Jeanneret, one of the most famous architects to ever live. His modernist style was based on ideas of functionalism and some ideas that follow this logic are sometimes referred to as Corbusian.
CORE
In architecture, a core is a vertical void in a building that can serve a few different purposes. A circulation core is the vertical grouping of an elevator, stair, or pair of the two. A core can also refer to a service core that is vertically continuous throughout the building. If you look at a series of floor plans of a building, you may be able to spot the core by finding the continuous program at the same spot on each floor—for example, the size and location of the stairs should generally stay the same for many levels.
CORINTHIAN
The Corinthian order is one of three classical orders in Ancient Greek and Roman architecture. It is the most elaborate of all three orders and was the last developed. The orders are easiest to distinguish by the ornamentation found in the column heads.
CRUCIFORM
Cruciform means taking the form of a cross. This is a common term in architecture because many buildings—especially cathedrals and churches—are designed with cruciform floor plans.
CUPOLA
A cupola is a small dome-like structure that tops a building. Often built on a square, circular, or lantern base, it can provide light and circulation in addition to serving as a decorative feature. The interior vault of a dome is also called a cupola.
CURVILINEAR
Curvilinear architecture includes curved lines. It is often understood as the opposite of rectilinear which is also defined on this list.
DECONSTRUCTIVISM
Deconstructivism is one form of Post modern architecture. It is defined by fragmented and distorted architectural elements. The most famous example of deconstructivism is by starchitect Frank Gehry.
DENTILS: small tooth like projections adorning an area under an overhang; square blocks in series under a cornice.
DORMER: a vertical window and window box that projects from a sloping roof, has its own roof, most commonly a pedimental or gable roof.
DOUBLE HUNG: referring to a window with two vertical sliding sashes, one over the other.
A dome is a structural system in the form of a half sphere that comes from a simple arch. Domes can be made in many sizes and from many materials. They are major features in countless architectural works.
DORIC:
The Doric order is one of three classical orders in Ancient Greek and Roman architecture. It is the simplest of all three orders and was the first to be developed. The orders are easiest to distinguish by the ornamentation found in the column heads. In this case, the column head has little ornamentation.
EGRESS:
Building egress is the pathways people take to safely exit a building. It includes vertical circulation, hallways, and any other movements people take to exit. Designing the egress of a building is a critical consideration for architects.
An elevation is one kind of architectural drawing used to describe a project. It is a horizontal orthographic projection of a building that represents one façade of a building. For this reason, designers also use the term elevation to mean a certain façade of a building, like when talking about a south elevation.
ENTABLATURE:
Typical of Classical architecture, an entablature is a grouping of horizontal moldings and bands that is supported by columns. An entablature serves as a transition between the columns and the pediment or roof and is often decorated with relief sculpture.
ENVELOPE:
In architecture, a building envelope refers to the exterior walls of a building. It includes all exterior walls, roof systems, apertures, and anything else that separates the interior of the building from the exterior of the building.
FABRICATION:
Fabrication refers to the way things are put together in architecture. Contemporary methods of fabrication include 3D printing and the use of robotics, but the term refers to any way of building of a physical object.
FAÇADE:
In architecture, a façade is a face of the building. Façades are also sometimes referred to as an elevation, a concept described earlier on this list.
FANLIGHTS:
An arched window with radiating glazing bars that imitate a fan, placed over a door; loosely any over-door window.
FINIAL:
A formal ornamentation fixed to the top of a peak, arch, gable, etc.
FULLY STUDDED:
In reference to a type of construction; local term for vertical plank construction. Large vertical planks or studs that are rough sawn or planed are placed next to each other on a sill at the bottom and either extends to a plate at the top or continues to the roof. Sometimes every 16″-20″ a stud is mortised into the sill.
FENESTRATION:
In architecture, fenestration is the combination of windows and doors on a façade and how they are arranged on a building. While these openings serve an obvious functional purpose, there is a lot of room for design in the fenestration of a building.
FLOOR PLAN:
A floor plan is one of the most critical forms of architectural drawing. It is the representation of a work from above that cuts through walls to show the clearest representation of all spaces. Many floor plans are labeled to best show the functions of each space. Other common details include the swinging directions of doors, entry, vertical circulation, wall thicknesses that designate material, window cut outs, and furniture.
FLYING BUTTRESS:
The flying buttress is a specific kind of buttress that is built on a separate pier and connects to the wall that it supports. The term flying describes the fact that it is not built against the wall it supports—as in a traditional buttress as defined earlier in this list—and instead connects using an arch that “flies” from the pier to the connecting wall.
FRENCH DOOR:
French doors are a pair of wooden doors with large glass areas that extend most of the height. The glass on the doors are typically divided into smaller panels. French doors are typically in pairs (but not always) and they are often used to separate a back entry or other interior condition, since they do not offer much privacy as a front door.
FRIEZE:
A frieze is a common design element in classic architecture. It is a long, thin area between the cornice and the column capitals and is covered in sculptural elements.
GABLE:
A gable is the triangular portion between intersecting roof pitches. Gable roofs are efficient because the steep slope allows for water to drain easily and for better interior ventilation.
GAMBREL ROOF:
a double slope roof where the upper slope is of a lesser pitch than the lower, both slopes are straight.
GOTHIC WINDOW: a triple arched window where the centre pane is taller than the sides. Most commonly seen in churches.
GENTRIFICATION:
Gentrification is when the unique qualities of an urban area are lost and appropriated when wealthier people begin to move in. The area begins to change and the current residents are priced out. Though it is not a purely architectural term, gentrification affects the urban environment and the buildings built there.
A groin vault is a type of vault also known as a double barrel vault or a cross vault. It is called a groin vault because two barrel vaults intersect and create a groin edge.
The Ionic order is one of three classical orders in Ancient Greek and Roman architecture. It is the second order to be developed and is the middle ground in terms of ornamentation.
HIP ROOF: locally known as a COTTAGE ROOF; a roof with four pitched sides, the line where two slopes of a roof meet is called a hip.
ISOMETRIC
Isometrics are a form of architectural drawing that helps represent 3D objects in 2D drawings. It allows for an easily understandable view of a simple perspective.
Juxtaposition does not refer to an architectural element but it is a common word used to describe an architectural idea. In architecture, juxtaposition is when two opposite things are placed next two each other to emphasize the contrast.
The keystone is the center wedge-shaped piece of masonry at the center of an arch. It keeps all the other pieces in place and helps to keep the arch structurally sound.
LINHAY: local terminology referring to an addition to the rear of a structure; either one story with a shed roof (single-slope) or two stories with a flat roof. Also referred to as a lean-to in other areas.
LINTEL:
A lintel is a horizontal block that spans an opening. It is often found over doors or windows.
Louvers are a design element used to keep light from entering a building. Louvers come in many shapes and sizes and often become a major part of the design intent.
MAQSURAH
A maqsurah is a common mosque element. It is a small enclosed area near the mihrab—a term also defined on this list. The maqsurah was reserved for rulers visiting the mosque in order to protect them from any potential attacks while praying.
MASSING
A massing is the general size and shape of a building. Massings are often the first step in a conceptual study when designers define the general boundaries of the building. The term massing is used later in the design process to describe architectural volumes.
MANSARD ROOF: named after the French architect Francois Mansart (1598-1666); a double slope roof with the lower slope being longer and steeper, with a concave curve. Can be sloped on all four sides or just two sides (front and back).
MORTISE & TENON: a joint made between two pieces of wood where the projecting part of onepiece fits into a corresponding cutout on another.
MEZZANINE:
A mezzanine is a half floor in a building. Mezzanines are generally open to an atrium that is typically a double-height space or taller.
A mihrab is an important design element in a mosque that serves a critical function. It is a wall niche that helps orient the congregation towards Mecca during prayer.
MINARET:
A minaret is a traditional tower in or near a mosque. It is an iconic design element of the mosque typology but it also serves multiple functions. Minarets are used to call Muslims to come and pray at the time of prayer.
MONUMENTAL:
Architecture that is monumental has an air of permanence or heaviness. Famous architect Louis Kahn described monumental architecture as inspiring a spiritual quality.
MULLION:
Mullions are the vertical members that separate portions of a window, screen, or curtain wall. Mullions support the structure of the window and allow for smaller portions of glass.
The nave is the long, narrow central part of the Christian church. It reaches from the entrance to the intersection of the cruciform shape—also called the transepts.
NEO:
“Neo” precedes a few architectural styles and means a reemergence of a style back in to popularity. For example, neoclassical architecture is a contemporary style that imitates the original classical works of Ancient Greek and Rome.
OCULUS
An oculus is a circular opening at the center of a dome. One of the most popular examples of an oculus is in the Pantheon.
Ornamentation is simply any form of decoration on a piece of architecture. Ornamentation is often embedded in structures, windows, or other pieces of architecture. In some styles, it is difficult to distinguish what is ornamentation and what is pure function.
PALLADIAN:
A three-part window where the centre window is arched and wider than the two straight topped side windows. A style often used by Andrea Palladio after whom it was named.
PALAZZO
The palazzo is an architectural type in the 19th and 20th centuries. They are large monumental buildings inspired by the palaces of wealthy Italian Renaissance families.
PARAPET
A parapet is a low boundary along the edge of a roof that acts as a railing for people that might fall over the edge.
PARTI:
The word parti comes from “parti pris” which means “decision taken.” A parti is a concept or scheme that describes the concept behind an architectural project. A parti typically takes the form of a diagram.
PAVILION:
In architecture, a pavilion is an informal structure that is often temporary. They are sometimes architectural installations or additions to gardens or public areas.
PEDIMENT:
Particularly major in Classical architecture, a pediment is a triangular gable forming the end of the roof slope over a portico. Often found in ancient Greek and Roman temples, pediments were typically filled with relief sculptures
Pilotis are small columns that elevate a building off the ground plain like stilts. They are popular in many traditional and indigenous styles, but the most famous examples in architecture is their use in modernism, namely in Le Corbusier’s Villa Savoye.
PILASTER:
A rectangular column projecting only slightly from a wall, incorporates a capital, shaft and base, as one of the orders. Once used for stiffening, now more common for decoration.
POINTED ARCH: produced by two curves that meet in the centre forming a point.
PLINTH
A plinth is an elevated pedestal that helps to distribute weight and create a grander appearance for a building or a portion of a building.
PORTICO
A portico is a porch at the entrance of a Classical building. The portico is covered by a roof that is held up by columns. It is a form of a canopy, another term defined on this list.
