Architectural Terminology
By: Maddie Dickson
Arch
- A curved masonry construction for spanning an opening, consisting of a number of wedgelike stones, bricks, or the like, set with the narrower side toward the opening in such a way that forces on the arch are transmitted as vertical or oblique stresses on either side of the opening.
- An upwardly curved construction, as of steel or timber functioning in the manner of a masonry arch.
- A doorway, gateway, etc., having a curved head; an archway.
- The curved head of an opening, as a doorway.
Chair Rail
Column Capital
1. A supporting pillar consisting of a base, a cylindrical shaft, and a capital.
2. Something resembling an architectural pillar in form or function.
Dormer
2. The entire projecting structure.
Fanlight
Masonry
Parapet
- A defensive wall or elevation, as of earth or stone, in a fortification.
- An elevation raised above the main wall or rampart of a permanent fortification.
Pilaster
Portico
Stucco
2. Any of various fine plasters for decorative work, moldings, etc.
3. Any of various finishes made with cement, plaster, or mortar, as albarium.
4. A wall, facing, molding, or other work made of such materials.
Wainscot
2. The lining itself, especially as covering the lower portion of a wall.
3. A dado, especially of wood, lining an interior wall.
Brackets
Chimney
2. The part of such a structure that rises above a roof.
Corbel
2. A short horizontal timber supporting a girder.
Finial
Frieze
- The part of a classical entablature between the architrave and the cornice, usually decorated with sculpture in low relief.
- Any decorative band on an outside wall, broader than a stringcourse and bearing lettering, sculpture, etc.
Molding
- Any of various long, narrow, ornamental surfaces that are either continuous or discontinuous, with uniform cross sections for the full length and a strikingly modeled profile that casts strong shadows: used on frames, tables, etc., and certain architectural members, as cornices, stringcourses, or bases.
- A strip of wood, stone, etc., having such a surface.
Pediment
Pillar
Quoins
2. One of the stones forming it; cornerstone.
3. Any of various bricks of standard shape for forming corners of brick walls or the like.
4. A wedge-shaped piece of wood, stone, or other material, used for any of various purposes.
Sill
2. The horizontal piece or member beneath a window, door, or other opening.
Tower
2. Such a structure used as or intended for a stronghold, fortress, prison, etc.
3. Any of various fully enclosed fireproof housings for vertical communications, as staircases, between the stories of a building.
4. Any structure, contrivance, or object that resembles or suggests a tower.
5. A tall, movable structure used in ancient and medieval warfare in storming a fortified place.
6. A tall, vertical case with accessible horizontal drive bays, designed to house a computer system standing on a desk or floor.
Buttress
Column
2. A decorative pillar, most often composed of stone and typically having a cylindrical or polygonal shaft with a capital and usually a base.
Cupola
2. A dome, especially one covering a circular or polygonal area.
Façade
- The front of a building, especially an imposing or decorative one.
- Any side of a building facing a public way or space and finished accordingly.
Floor Plan
Lintel
Mullions
2. One of the radiating bars of a rose window or the like.
Pendant
2. A hanging electrical lighting fixture; chandelier.
Porch
Rafters
Stoop
Transom Light
2. A window above such a cross piece.