Quiz 2: Architecture Terms

Bekhenet

"Portal" or "doorway"; transitional (moving from one realm to another) Inscribed with Heroic script Structure: H Shape, Post and lintel, stacked stone (no mortar) Found: Found in traditional Nubian architecture, i.e. Temple of Dendur

Floor Plan

A drawing to scale, showing a view from above, of the relationships between rooms, spaces and other physical features at one level of a structure.

Hypostyle

A hall with a roof which is supported by columns. Rectangle, columns holding up arcades, directional focus (end wall faces Mecca- called the "qibla", there you can find a niche "mihrab" allows for the presence of God to descend and be present) Found: Jerusalem, Dome of the Rock

Elevation

A horizontal orthographic projection of a building on to a vertical plane, the vertical plane normally being parallel to one side of the building. Architects also use the word elevation as a synonym for façade, so the North elevation is literally the north-facing wall of the building.

Basilica

A rectangular shaped structure, multi-story (arcades), roof supported by columns Convention space, social area, acoustics were great, place to gain and share information Found: Rome, i.e. Roman Forum

Apse

A semicircular recess covered with a hemispherical vault or semi-dome Found: Rome, i.e. Roman Forum

Model (Architectural)

A type of a scale model - a physical representation of a structure - built to study aspects of an architectural design or to communicate design ideas. Depending upon the purpose, can be made from a variety of materials, including blocks, paper, and wood, and at a variety of scales.

Round Arch (Roman Arch)

An arch formed in a continuous curve. Arch bridges work by transferring the weight of the bridge and its loads partially into a horizontal thrust restrained by the abutments at either side. Found: Rome, i.e. Roman Forum/ Colosseum

Amphitheater

An open-air venue used for entertainment, performances, and sports. Oval or circular in plan, with seating tiers that surrounded the central performance area. Found: Rome, i.e. Roman Colosseum

Altar

Any structure upon which offerings such as sacrifices are made for religious purposes, and by extension the 'Holy table' of post-reformation Anglican churches. Usually found at shrines, and they can be located in temples, churches and other places of worship.

Barrel Vault

Architectural element formed by the extrusion of a single curve (or pair of curves, in the case of a pointed barrel vault) along a given distance. The curves are typically circular in shape, lending a semi-cylindrical appearance to the total design. Found: Rome, i.e. Roman Forum

Torii

Gate in front of the bridge (doesn't have to be over water) Passing from one zone to another You are about to enter a sacred space Markers of sacred space Found: Japan, i.e. Shinto Ise Shrine

Façade

Generally one exterior side of a building, usually, but not always, the front Meant to be the most impactful Found: Rome, i.e. Roman Forum

Nave

The central part of a church building, intended to accommodate most of the congregation. In traditional Western churches it is rectangular, separated from the chancel by a step or rail, and from adjacent aisles by pillars. Found: Rome, i.e. Roman Forum

Dome on Pendentive

Triangular shaped supports A way to translate a circular dome to a space that is not circular (in this case square) Shoots weight downward into supporting pier Found: Jerusalem, i.e. Dome of the Rock