Architecture Terminology

 

Post - vertical feature that supports weight

 

Lintel - horizontal feature that supports weight

 

Bay - space between two posts and under (or above) a lintel

 

Span - space from one post to another

 

Capital - top most part of a column

 

Base/Plinth - bottom most part of a column

 

 

 

Entablature - a horizontal, continuous lintel on a classical building supported by columns or a wall, comprising the architrave, frieze, and cornice

 

Cornice - an ornamental molding around the wall of a room just below the ceiling

 

Frieze - the wide central section part of an entablature

 

Architrave - the lintel that rests on the capitals of the columns

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Abacus - a flat slab forming the uppermost member or division of the capital of a column

 

Arch - a curved structural element that spans an open space

 

Coffres - cutting squares of stone out of the domed ceiling to make it lighter

 

Occulus - center hole in the domed roof

 

Dias/Portico - entryway to a building

 

Vaulted - an arched masonary structure that spans an interior space

 

Buttress - a stone column or post applied directly to a wall for support

allowing a wall to higher with out interior lintels

 

Flying Butress - allowed for the same function as the buttress but less

contact was needed. it only needed to touch the point of weakness.

 

Gargoyles

two purposes:

1) to ward off evil spirits and devils

2) to direct water from running along the church and causing damage such as erosion

 

Corbel - a support for the bottom of a beam for a protrusion or vaulting beam