Architectural Studies Tyler Wells, 2011 A-B

Architectural Studies A-B Accordion Door A multi-leafed door that is hung from an overhead track and opens by folding back in the manner of an accordion. Architectural Studies A-B

Architectural Studies A-B Aggregate Any of various hard, inert, mineral materials, as sand and gravel, added to a cement paste to make concrete or mortar. Architectural Studies A-B

Architectural Studies A-B Amphitheater An oval or round building with tiers of seats around a central arena, as those used in ancient Rome for gladitorial contests and spectacles. Architectural Studies A-B

Architectural Studies A-B Annular Vault A barrel vault having a circular plan in the shape of a ring. Architectural Studies A-B

Architectural Studies A-B Apse/Apsis A semicircular or polygonal projection of a building, usually vaulted and used especially at the sanctuary or east end of a church. Architectural Studies A-B

Architectural Studies A-B Aqueduct A structure, in the form of a channel or bridge, used by the Romans to transport water. Architectural Studies A-B

Architectural Studies A-B Arabesque A complex and ornate design that employs flowers, foliage, and sometimes animal and geometric figures to produce an intricate pattern of interlaced lines. Architectural Studies A-B

Architectural Studies A-B Architrave The lowermost division of a classical entablature, resting directly on the column capitals and supporting the frieze. Architectural Studies A-B

Architectural Studies A-B Arcuated Curved or arched like a bow: a term describing the arched or vaulted structure of a Romanesque/Gothic church. Architectural Studies A-B

Architectural Studies A-B Atrium A skylit, central court in a building; the forecourt of an early Christian church, flanked or supported by porticoes; the main or central inner hall. Architectural Studies A-B

Architectural Studies A-B Awning window A window having one or more sashes swinging outward on hinges generally attached to the top of the frame. Architectural Studies A-B

Architectural Studies A-B Balcony An elevated platform projecting from the wall of a building and enclosed by a railing or parapet. Also, gallery projecting over a theatre’s main floor. Architectural Studies A-B

Architectural Studies A-B Balustrade A railing with supporting balusters (banisters), as on a staircase. Architectural Studies A-B

Architectural Studies A-B Barrel vault A vault having a semicircular cross section; tunnel vault. Architectural Studies A-B

Architectural Studies A-B Basilica An early Christian church, characterized by a long, rectangular plan, a high colonnaded nave lit by a clerestory. Covered by a timbered gable roof. Has side aisles and semicircular apses. Architectural Studies A-B

Architectural Studies A-B Bas-relief Sculptural relief that projects very slightly from the background. Architectural Studies A-B

Architectural Studies A-B Bearing wall A wall capable of supporting an imposed load, as from a floor or roof of a building. Also called a load-bearing wall. Architectural Studies A-B

Architectural Studies A-B Bi-fold door A folding door that divides into two parts, the inner leaf of each part being hung from an overhead track and the outer leaf pivoted at the jamb. Architectural Studies A-B

Architectural Studies A-B Bisque Earthenware or porcelain that has been fired once but not glazed. Also called biscuit. Architectural Studies A-B

Architectural Studies A-B Board and batten Siding consisting of wide boards or plywood sheets set vertically with butt joints covered by battens. Architectural Studies A-B

Architectural Studies A-B Bower A lady’s private chamber in a medieval castle. Architectural Studies A-B

Architectural Studies A-B Broken pediment A pediment having its raking cornices interrupted at the crown or apex, the gap often being filled with an urn, etc. Architectural Studies A-B

Broom-finished concrete A striated finish obtained by stroking a broom or stiff brush over a freshly troweled concrete surface. Architectural Studies A-B

Architectural Studies A-B Bush-hammered finish A coarse-textured finish obtained by fracturing a concrete or stone surface with a power-driven hammer. Architectural Studies A-B

Architectural Studies A-B Butterfly roof A roof having two slopes, each descending inward from the eaves. Architectural Studies A-B

Architectural Studies A-B Buttress An external support built to stabilize a structure by opposing its outward thrusts. A projecting support built into or against the outside of a masonry wall. Architectural Studies A-B