Architectural Terminology
Whitney Bras-4
Arch
A curved symmetrical structure spanning an opening and typically supporting the weight of a bridge, roof, or wall above it.
Brackets
A right-angled support attached to and projecting from a wall for holding a shelf, lamp, or other object.
Chair Rail
A molding on an interior wall for preventing the backs of chairs from rubbing against plaster.
Chimney
A vertical channel or pipe that conducts smoke and combustion gases up from a fire or furnace and typically through the roof of a building.
Column
An upright pillar, typically cylindrical and made of stone or concrete, supporting an entablature, arch, or other structure or standing alone as a monument.
Cupola
A small dome, especially a small dome on a drum on top of a larger dome, adorning a roof or ceiling.
Façade
The face of a building, especially the principal front that looks onto a street or open space.
Finial
A distinctive ornament at the apex of a roof, pinnacle, canopy, or similar structure in a building.
Frieze
A broad horizontal band of sculpted or painted decoration, especially on a wall near the ceiling.
Lintel
A horizontal support of timber, stone, concrete, or steel across the top of a door or window.
Molding
An ornamentally shaped outline as an architectural feature, especially in a cornice.
Mullions
A vertical member, as of stone or wood, between the lights of a window, the panels in wainscoting, or the like.
Pediment
The triangular upper part of the front of a building in classical style, typically surmounting a portico of columns.
Pillar
A tall vertical structure of stone, wood, or metal, used as a support for a building, or as an ornament or monument.
Portico
A structure consisting of a roof supported by columns at regular intervals, typically attached as a porch to a building.
Rafters
One of several internal beams extending from the eaves to the peak of a roof and constituting its framework.
Stucco
Fine plaster used for coating wall surfaces or molding into architectural decorations.
Tower
A tall narrow building, either freestanding or forming part of a building such as a church or castle.
Transom Light
A crosspiece separating a door or the like form a window or fanlight above it.