Architectural
Terms
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Terms
Arch: A rounded or squared member spanning
an opening and built of masonry blocks which keep one another
in place. A rounded-head arch is semi-circular; a segmented
arch comprises an arc smaller than a semi-circle.
Balustrade: A row of short pillars or posts
supporting a rail.
Bay: A vertical division of a building.
Bracket: A small piece supporting a projecting
weight as in a cornice.
Capital: The head or uppermost part of a
column or pilaster.
Coffer: A panel deeply recessed in a ceiling.
Colonnade: A series of columns supporting
an entablature.
Column: The lower part of an order supporting
an entablature. A vertical member, circular in section and
usually slightly tapering, consisting of base, shaft and capital.
Corbelling: Those rows of masonry, often
supporting a horizontal member, in which successive rows project
beyond those below as in a cornice.
Cornice: The top section of entablature
or any horizontal moulding projecting from a building and
overhanging a wall to throw off rain water.
Dentil: A small square block used in a series
in cornices.
Entablature: The upper part of an order supported by columns.
Consists of an architrave, frieze, and cornice.
Keystone: The central stone in an arch.
Lintel: A horizontal member spanning an
opening such as a window or doorway to throw off rain water.
Moulding: A band projecting from the surface
of a building above a window or doorway to throw off rain
water.
Order: The classical columns and entablature
which they support.
Parapet: A low wall guarding the edge of
a roof.
Pediment: The triangular gable above a roof,
window or door.
Pier: A vertical masonry support projecting
from a wall which is usually rectangular or square in section.
Pilaster: A rectangular column projecting
from a wall.
Portico: A roofed space projecting from
or receding into a building and containing the entrance.
Quoins: The large, rectangular stones at
the corner of a building, usually laid with their side and
ends faces alternating.
Spandrel: The part of a wall between adjacent
vertical supports and between the window sill above and the
window head below.
Vault: An arched roof or ceiling. A tunnel
vault is semi-circular or pointed and continuous.
Voussoir: A wedged-shaped brick or stone
forming part of an arch.
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