This glossary is meant to have all the words useful for a beginner architect that wants to know the field vocabulary.
Arcade
noun
An arcade is a structure made by enclosing a series of arches and columns. The word's roots go back to the Latin word "arcus," which means arc or bow. An arched, covered passageway with shops or stalls on the sides is also called an arcade and was a precursor to the shopping mall.
Example: You will find the bathroom if you go through this arcade then on the left.
fr: arcade
Arch
noun
A curved symmetrical structure spanning an opening and typically supporting the weight of a bridge, roof, or wall above it.
Example: That structure is mostly consisted of pillars and arches.
fr: Arche
Balconet
noun
A balconet or balconette is an architectural term to describe a false balcony, or railing at the outer plane of a window-opening reaching to the floor, and having, when the window is open, the appearance of a balcony. They are common in France, Portugal, Spain, and Italy.
Example: If you go in the street in front of the apparment, you will see the balconet right underneith the window.
fr: Balconet
Chimney
noun
A vertical channel or pipe that conducts smoke and combustion gases up from a fire or furnace and typically through the roof of a building.
Example: Santa Claus will go down our chimney to deliver our presents.
fr: Cheminée
Column
noun
A structural element that transmits, through compression, the weight of the structure above to other structural elements below.
Example: This column was made in th antique Greek times.
fr: Colonne
Corinthian order
One of the three orders or organisational systems of Ancient Greek or classical architecture characterised by columns which stood on the flat pavement of a temple with a base, their vertical shafts fluted with parallel concave grooves topped by a capital decorated with acanthus leaves, that flared from the column to meet an abacus with concave sides at the intersection with the horizontal beam that they carried.
Example: This contruction is of the corinthian order.
fr: Ordre corinthien
Cornice
noun
Upper section of an entablature, a projecting shelf along the top of a wall often supported by brackets or corbels.
Example: We will have to put a cornice on that wall to help the water drainage.
fr: corniche
Cresting
noun
Ornamentation along the ridge of a roof.
Example: The cresting on this cornice is absolutely beautiful.
fr: Crête
Dorique order
noun
One of the three orders or organisational systems of Ancient Greek or classical architecture characterised by columns which stood on the flat pavement of a temple without a base, their vertical shafts fluted with parallel concave grooves topped by a smooth capital that flared from the column to meet a square abacus at the intersection with the horizontal beam that they carried.
Example: This construction is of th Dorique order.
fr: ordre dorique
Entablature
noun
A superstructure of moldings and bands which lie horizontally above columns, resting on their capitals.
Example: This entablature is of the dorique order.
fr: Entablement
Entasis
noun
The application of a convex curve to a surface for aesthetic purposes. Its best-known use is in certain orders of Classical columns that curve slightly as their diameter is decreased from the bottom upward. It also may serve an engineering function regarding strength.
fr: Entasis
Fascia
noun
Horizontal board attached to the lower end of rafters at the eaves.
fr: Fascia
Ionic order
noun
One of the three orders or organisational systems of Ancient Greek or classical architecture characterised by columns which stood on the flat pavement of a temple with a base, their vertical shafts fluted with parallel concave grooves topped by a capital with volutes, that flared from the column to meet a rectangular abacus with carved ovolo moulding, at the intersection with the horizontal beam that they carried.
Example: This construction is of the ionic order.
fr: ordre ionique
Mansard roof
noun
(French roof) A curb hip roof in which each face has two slopes, the lower one steeper than the upper; from the French mansarde after the accomplished 17th-century French architect noted for using (not inventing) this style, François Mansart, died 1666.
Example: The client wants a Mansard roof.
fr: Toiture à la Mansard
Measuring tape
noun
A tape measure or measuring tape is a flexible ruler used to measure distance. It consists of a ribbon of cloth, plastic, fibre glass, or metal strip with linear-measurement markings. It is a common measuring tool.
Example: A measuring tape would be very useful to know how high that door is.
fr: Ruban à mesurer
Oculus
noun
A circular opening in the center of a dome such as the one in the roof of the Pantheon in Rome or in a wall.
Example: The Pantheon of Rome has a big Oculus in the center of the dome.
fr: Oculus
Parapet
noun
A low wall built up above the level of a roof, to hide the roof or to provide protection against falling, and similar structures associated with balconies, bridges etc.
Example: This flat roof will need a parapet.
fr: Parapet
Pillar
noun
A tall vertical structure of stone, wood, or metal, used as a support for a building, or as an ornament or monument.
Example: This ceiling is so wide it has to be supported by a pillar.
fr: Pilier
Scaffolding
noun
A temporary structure on the outside of a building, made usually of wooden planks and metal poles, used by workers while building, repairing, or cleaning the building.
Example: The workers have built the scaffolding they need to place the bricks on the outer wall.
fr: Échafaudage
Ventilation shaft
noun
A small, vertical space within a tall building which permits ventilation of the building.
