Sondra A. White
Architectural Terms
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Architect—
from the Greek word architekton. Master builders would construct temples and other public buildings.
Abutment—
a part of a wall unit built to support pressure, such as an arch.
Apse—
Found at the Alter end of a church (Eastern side), a half-circle usually with a domed ceiling
Arch—
A curving structure made of wedge-shaped parts, used to span an opening and capable of supporting weight from above.
Balustrade—
a rail and a row of posts of ornamental columns that support it.
Buttress—
a structure built out against a wall or building to give support and strength.
Colonnades—
rows of columns connected at their tops by a cornice.
Column—
a pillar supporting a roof.
Cornice—
the horizontal molded projection at the top of a building.
Dome—
a half sphere shaped roof.
Facade—
the front of a building.
G
argoyle—
any grotesque carving of a human or animal jutting from the eaves of a building.
Lintel—
a horizontal piece across the top of an opening. Often used to hold the weight of the structure above it.
Nave—
the central or main body of a church, usually running from the front entrance.
Obelisk—
a four sided pillar that tapers at the top and ends in a pyramid.
Pediment—
the triangular space that forms the gable of a roof.
Peristyle—
the open courtyard or garden in a Roman house.
Pilaster—
an upright column built into a wall and
projecting slightly from it.
Portico—
a row of columns supporting a roof around the entrance of the building.
Vault—
an arched structure, usually forming a ceiling or roof.