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Architecture

Terms in this set (40)

Additive Plan
The disjointed, accumulative, and often asymmetrical arrangement of the discretely formed areas composing certain buildings. Such a plan usually underlies a picturesque design.
Arch
In an arcuated structural system, a curved unit of construction, usually of masonry and usually composed of wedge-shaped blocks called voussoirs, spanning an opening between upright supports.
Arcuated Structure
A construction of arches, arcades, and vaults. The sixteenth-century basilica of Saint Peter's, Sunderland Bridge in England
Building Program
The written or oral statement of the needs a building is intended to satisfy.
Cantilever
In a trabeated structure, a beam supported at one end only or balanced on a central support with both ends free.
Compression
A force that pushes. One of two opposing forces is a building, the other being tension. The two must be balanced if the building is to stand.
Corinthian Order
The most elaborate of the Greek orders of architecture, it is characterized by slender proportions and conventionalized acanthus leaf capitals
Divisive Plan
The design of a building in which the individual areas seem subdivided from a larger whole and are usually arranged symmetrically. Such a plan often underlies a classical or neoclassical structure.
Doric Order
The simplest of the Greek orders of architecture, it is characterized by sturdy proportions and simple, spreading capitals
Elevation
In architectural graphics, the representation on a vertical plane of the exterior or interior walls of a building.
Firmitas
In Latin, "firmness" or "stability," one of the three essential components of architecture named by the ancient writer Vitruvius. The other components are Utilitas and Venustas.
Ionic Order
The second of the three orders of classical Greek architecture. It is recognized by the volutes of its capital.
Plan
The diagram of the horizontal arrangement of spaces in a building; or, the horizontal section of any part of a building. The horizontal slices through the building at each floor showing the lateral arrangement of the rooms.
Post and lintel
A structural system of uprights supporting horizontal beams that span the space between them. Also called trabeated or post and beam.
Reinforced Concrete
A structural material composed of concrete (a compound of cement, aggregates, and water) and steel reinforcing bars, or rebars. Accounts for some of the most dramatic arched, dome, or vaulted spaces. Long exposure to elements can cause flaking concrete and deterioration of rebars. Felix Candela's Concrete Shell.
Section
In architectural graphics, the presentation of a building as it would look if cut by a vertical plane. The section usually shows the structural system as well as the roof, the superimposed floors and their connectors, and interior elevations.
Shear
Shear is a fracture along parallel lines.
Skyscraper
An urban commercial building type of exaggerated vertical proportions usually achieved by the use of steel or reinforced concrete frame construction. The skyscraper first appeared in some cities of the United States in the fourth quarter of the nineteenth century
Suspension Structure
A structural system in which tension cables carry the overhead load to balancing compression members. Dulles International Airport or the Golden Gate Bridge
Tension
A force that pulls or stretches. One of the two opposing forces in a building, the other being compression. The two must be balanced if the building is to stand.
Trabeated Structure
A system of construction using upright posts, columns, or piers supporting horizontal beams or lintels that span the space between them. Also called post and lintel or post and beam.
Utilitas
In Latin, "utility" or "function," one of the three essential components of architecture named by the ancient writer Vitruvius. The other components are Firmitas and Venustas.
Vault
A curved overhead covering, usually of masonry. Baths of Caracalla
Venustas
In Latin, "beauty," one of the three essential components of architecture named by the ancient writer Vitruvius. The other components are Firmitas and Utilitas.
Voussoir
A wedge-shaped block used to build an arch
Lines
A point becomes a line with properties of length, direction, position
Planes
A point extended becomes a plane with properties of length and width, shape, surface. Schroder House, Kaufmann House
Volumes
A point extended becomes a volume with properties of length, width, depth, form, space, shape, surface, orientation, position. Barn in Ontario
Aqueduct
An artificial channel for carrying water, invented by the Romans, often raised on brick or stone PIERS carrying ARCHES, above which the duct or casing was built to prevent evaporation or pollution.
Flying Buttress
A mass of masonry or brickwork built against or projecting from a wall to give it added strength. A 'flying buttress', found in later GOTHIC architecture, is a more elegant form whereby the thrust is carried through an ARCH or half-arch from the upper wall or roof of the main building to the supporting PIER.
Keystone
The central stone of an arch or rib vault, it is sometimes carved with a design.
Tracery
The elaborate ornamental pattern-work in stone filling the upper part of a GOTHIC window.
Revival Style
Made to look like the style, but decoration is artificial, not essential to building
Revival buildings are often used for different functions than the original buildings would have - North Branch Library
Vernacular Style
A term used to describe local building styles or types, made with indigenous materials and without any pretensions to architectural grandeur.
Guild
Of medieval origin, guilds were the trading and training associations of the various professions, crafts, and trades and were often associated with a patron saint.
Master Mason
Master masons build the building
Medieval concept
Designing and constructing the building at the same time
On site, in process of construction
Steel frame
Skeletal structure found in the skyscraper
Chicago School
A term generally applied to the loose grouping of architects, most notably Louis Sullivan, working in Chicago after the Great Fire of 1871. Their high-rise buildings were consciously designed with fireproofing in mind and were built around iron and steel frames clad in masonry: decoration was normally in red brick or terracotta.
Prairie School
midwestern style of architecture that reflected the natural landscape of the Midwest (flat prairie)
Inglenook
A recess for seating, sometimes with a window, built in the CHIMNEY-BREAST or adjacent to the chimney. Inglenooks were particularly popular in large period-revival houses of the 19th century.
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