Hello, my name is Romy. I've been studying Natural Sciences for the last three semesters at Ahuntsic College. After completing my Cegep, I plan to study architecture. This glossary about architecture may help those who also want to study architecture. In this field of study, there are a lot of specific terms to know. This glossary will help future architects learn various techniques that can be used or even building components. I found a lot of those words by doing research about architecture, and by seeking help from an architect. The definitions were found on reliable online resources. The next step for me will be to go to university where, thanks to this glossary, I will be more prepared.
arcade
noun
A series of arches supported by columns or piers.
en: arcade
attic
noun
The space between the roof and the top floor of a building.
Example: We transformed the attic into my little sister's room.
en: Grenier
balcony
noun
A platform projecting from the exterior of a building.
Example: We ate lunch on the balcony.
en: Balcon
balustrade
noun
The rail, posts and vertical balusters along the edge of a stairway or elevated walkway.
Example: The balustrade along the balcony was decorated with beautiful carvings.
en: rampe
baseboard
noun
A trim board placed against the wall around the room next to the floor.
Example: The last step to finish our new house was to install the baseboards around the living room.
en: plinthe
beam
noun
A horizontal structural member that supports a load.
Example: The wooden beam supported the weight of the roof.
en: poutre
column
noun
A vertical support that bears weight.
Example: The columns in the Greek temple were carved with designs.
en: colonne
gable
noun
The triangular end of a roof.
Example: The farmhouse had a big gable roof, and beautiful porch.
en: pignon
gargoyle
noun
A grotesque figure carved in stone, often used as a water spout.
Example: When I went to New York, I saw many gargoyles on the cathedrals.
en: gargouille
ground plan
noun
A drawing of the ground floor of a building.
Example: The architect presented the client with a detailed ground plan of the proposed house, showing the layout of the rooms and their relationship to each other.
en: plan d'étage
hip roof
noun
A roof with four sloping sides.
Example: The house had a classic hip roof, decorated with many beautiful Christmas lights.
en: toit en croupe
lintel
noun
A horizontal support of timber, stone, concrete, or steel across the top of a door or window.
Example: The stone lintel above the doorway supported the weight of the second floor.
en: linteau
loggia
noun
A covered and closed on the sides balcony, acting as an integral part of the housing.
Example: The Italian villa featured a spacious loggia, an open-air gallery with columns that offered a shaded retreat from the summer heat.
en: loggia
mantelpiece
noun
A decorative shelf above a fireplace.
Example: The grand fireplace in the main hall featured a carved stone mantelpiece.
en: manteau de cheminée
mezzanine
noun
A partial floor between two main floors.
Example: My brother's room has a small mezzanine where he installed his desk to do homework.
en: mezzanine
piloti
noun
The traditionally wooden piles driven into the ground and intended to support a construction out of water or above the ground.
Example: The modern house was elevated on pilotis, providing a clear view of the surrounding landscape.
en: piloti
post and beam
noun
Building method that uses heavy timbers called beams in conjunction with posts.
Example: The house that we lived in was build using the post and beam method.
en: poutre et poteau
to build
verb
to put together different materials such as brick to make a building, etc.
Example: My dad helped me build my house.
en: constuire
to plaster
verb
to cover a wall, ceiling, etc. with a soft usually white material that is made of sand, and lime in order to smooth its surface
Example: The construction workers used plaster to smooth the walls of the new building.
en: plâtrer
to reinforce
verb
to strengthen by additional assistance, material, or support: make stronger or more pronounced
Example: The engineer recommended reinforcing the foundation with steel beams.
