Architecture Flashcards
Abacus
A large slab placed above the column capital to support the architrave or an arch placed above it
Akroterion
A decorative piece added to the roof of a temple at the apex and corners, usually made of clay or bronze
Architrave
The lowest part of the entablature, the part below the frieze
Attic story
The part placed above the entablature of a building e.g often seen in triumphal arches
Buttress
A mass placed to support a wall, especially when the wall bears an arch or heavy weight. Flying buttresses support a weight over space and allow for walls to be weakened by the inclusion of niches and windows
Capital
The crown which joins the top of a column with the abacus and aids in distributing weight. Different types include the simple convex Doric and the highly decorative Corinthian with stylised acanthus leaves.
Caryatid
A sculpted dfemale figure acting as a column to support an entablature e.g in the Erechtheion.
Column
Used to support the abacus and architrave without the necessity of a wall. There are several types including the simple and earliest Doric. They may also be free-standing and often commemorate significant historical events such as Trajans column.
Cornice
The decorative projecting part at the top of the entablature which also aided in drainage of rainwater
Dentils
A regular series of squares or rectangles used to decorate cornices
Egg and dart ornamentation
A typical feature of decoration on cornices
Engaged columns
Columns which are incorporated within a wall
Entablature
The structure which lies horizontally above columns and which is composed of the architrave, frieze and cornice.
Entasis
The swelling of a column at its base and centre to give the illusion of being perfectly straight.
Flute
The curved vertical channel carved in a column capital
