Architecture

Terms	Definitions
Structure	anything that is built or constructed, has a plan
Post and Lintel	horizontal beams laid across vertical supports
Tensile Strength	ability of a material to withstand bending
Compressive Strength	ability to withstand compression or crushing
Doric	greek column; simple capital
Ionic	greek column; scrolled capital
Corinthian	greek column; fancy capital
Colonnade	a row of columns
Arch	can define large spaces; stress is transferred out from center; keystone does not depend on tensile strenth; requires a butress to support walls
Tunnel Vault	arches placed back to back to enclose space
Groin Vault	when two tunnel vaults intersect at right angles
Ribbed Vault	protuding masonry resulting from a groin vault
Round (Roman) arch
Horseshoe (moorish) Arch
Lancet Arch
Ogee Arch
Trefoil Arch
Tudor Arch
Dome	arches jointed at the top and legs form a circle; expansive, freer space inside a structure, base can be circular or angled
Pendentive	used for a dome with a square base; triangular space between domes and arches; transfers weight and stress
Spire	steeple like structure
Cantilever	overhanging beam or floor supported only at one end
Buttress	supporting wall for an arch to prevent legs from caving outward
Flying Buttress	overcame bulk of stone buttress, light in appearance, used on gothic churches
Media	what the structure is made from
Function	purpose the building was originally designed for; can change later
Context	Physical (environment in which structure is located), Historical (time, place, and culture that created it)
Line (element)	where two parts come together
Color/Value (element)	colors used on the interior or exterior
Shape/Form (element)	outline of the building, if viewed from air
Texture (element)	can be interior or exterior
Space (principle)	area in and around a building
Balance (principle)	distribution of weight
Rhythm (principle)	repeated use of an element
Contrast (principle)	use of very different elements
Gradation (principle)	gradual change in elements; step pyramid
Emphasis (principle)	calling attention to one part using elements and principles
Scale (principle)	size compared to people
Proportion (principle)	comparison of size of parts and size of whole
Variety (principle)	use of different elements
Unity (principle)	use of similar elements to tie structure together