Vocabulary Flashcards
Spanning Space
The use of a roof or filling empty space
Post and Lintel
Two or more vertical supports bridged by horizontal lintels
Arch
Horizontal projection that extends beyond the support beneath it
Truss
Triangular form relies on geometric principle
Columns
Decorative post: base, shaft and capital
Keystone
The center voussoir at the top of the arch
Intrados
The soffit, or interior curve beneath an arch
Extrados
The exterior curve of an arch
Springpoint
The point at which the curve of the arch begins
Springline
An imaginary line drawn between 2 springpoints
Architecture
Defines boundaries- not necessarily walls- that separate arranged spaces from natural surroundings
Durability
Implies strength and safety
Function
Time and culture affects the size and shape of required spaces
Aesthetics
What is pleasing to the eye depending on culture, historic period and individual taste
Ornamentation
Decorative treatment that creates contrast to the surface itself
Whitewashing
Use of a lime-based coloring medium
Stain
A medium that changes the color of wood and, depending on opacity, allows the grain to show to varying degrees
Lacquering
A technique well developed by the Chinese, made from the sap of a tree indigenous to China
Japanning
An imitation of the lacquering technique, employs an alcohol-based shellac usually with black or red coloring in it
Veneering
A finishing technique that employs thin sheets of rare or expensive materials laminated to a less expensive material
Gliding
The application of this sheets of gold to a surface
Applique
Ornamentation technique that may refer to a material of a different color or texture applied to a second product and may result in a three-dimensional effect
Incised Carving
Ornamentation technique which yields a pattern cut below the surface and includes scratch, chip and gouge carving.
Scratch Carving
Ornamentation technique that consists of lines on the surface that form an outline
Low-relief or bas-relief
Ornamentation that changes surface depth, A carving technique that is cut from the top only
High-relief or alto-relief
Ornamentation that changes surface depth, A carving design that is undercut, forming a three-dimensional effect on the underside as well as the top of the design
Molding
Ornamentation that changes surface depth, technique that is unrelated to carving
Piercing
Ornamentation that changes surface depth, usually done in a pattern rather than randomly
Turning
Ornamentation that changes surface depth. Subtracts material from surface
Motifs
A decorative design, usually based on geometric forms, free-form curves, natural objects, or misc. forms. Motifs may be formed into a pattern
Pattern
An orderly arrangement
Geometric Forms
Designs that employ lines, angles and curves
Chevron
A line motif that uses a single V-shape or a series of them and has often been used to signify water or lighting
Dentil
A small square block used in series
Mechanical curves
Ornamental motif based on a circle, include any portions of circles, and are drawn with a compass
Semicircular arches
Ornamental motif that for half a circle
Spirals
Ornamental motif that begins with a rather sharp curve and lessens as it progresses
Cross Forms
One of the most ancient symbolical ornamental devices found in many cultures from pre-historic times, is used in both building footprints and as decorative motifs
Latin Cross
Has four arms, 3 of which are equal in length and the fourth which is extended. Was used for floor plans especially in medieval
Greek Cross
Consists of four arms of equal length, a foot ptint that adapts well to the to the form of worship in Greek Orthodox churches
Maltese Cross
Has four arms radiating around a center point
Swastika
Has four equal arms that interact as right angles in the center. Each arm has an additional 90-degree angle halfway along its length.
Lozenge
A diamond shaped pattern that is used in vaulting, heraldry and strapwork
Star
A geometric motif that has a number of points
Lunette
Half moon shaped architectural space, which is formed when a horizontal cornice transects a round-headed arch at the level of the imposts, where the arch springs
Band Pattern
A type of pattern that are linear, may go in any direction and are limited in length although their width is static
Diaper Pattern
A type of pattern that employ motifs repeated in any direction to cover all or part of a surface
Panel Pattern
A type of pattern that is non-repeating discontinuous the cover a fixed are and therefore are difficult to extend in in either direction
Lintel
A horizontal support of timber, stone, concrete or steel across the top of a door or window
ziggurats
Developed by Mesopotamians, it was a rectangular stepped tower sometimes surrounded by a temple. This was a precursor of church steeples and towers beginning in the Middle Ages.
Stele (or Stela)
A stone or wooden slab, generally taller than it is wide, erected in the ancient world as a monuments.
Vault
An arched ceiling of stone, brick or concrete sometimes imitated in wood or plaster
Mesopotamia
4500-539 BCE, one of the earliest civilizations that developed. Situated at the head of the Persian Gulf.
Relief Sculpture
Relief is a sculptural technique where the sculpted elements remain attached to a solid background of the same material. The term relief is from the Latin verb relevo, meaning to raise.
Arcade
as succession of continuous arches, with each arch supported by a colonnade of columns or piers.
Aqueducts
artificial channel for conveying water, typically in the form of a bridge across a valley or other gap
load-bearing Construction
Thick, heavy masonry walls of brick or stone that support the entire structure, including the horizontal floor slabs
dromos
A walkway to a building, especially a cerimonial walkway to a temple or tomb
anthropomorphic
The attribution of human traits, emotions, or intentions to non-human entities
lapis lazuli
a blue gemstone widely used in Mesopotamia
