Architectural Elements Vocabulary

the front or face of a building

“The ornate facade concealed a simple interior.”

Origin: French façade, from Italian facciata, from faccia `face`

a beam or structure supported at only one end

“The balcony was a dramatic cantilever over the cliff.”

Origin: Perhaps from cant `edge` + lever

a central open space within a building

“The hotel's atrium rose ten stories with a glass roof.”

Origin: Latin atrium `central court`, perhaps from ater `black` (from soot)

a row of columns supporting a roof or arches

“The colonnade provided shaded walkways.”

Origin: French colonnade, from Italian colonna `column`, from Latin columna

a structure built against a wall for support

“Flying buttresses allowed Gothic cathedrals to soar.”

Origin: Old French bouterez, from bouter `to thrust`

a horizontal molded projection crowning a building

“The elaborate cornice defined the roofline.”

Origin: Italian cornice, from Latin cornix `crow` (from its beak-like projection)

a covered entrance with columns

“The neoclassical portico announced the building's importance.”

Origin: Latin porticus `porch, colonnade`, from porta `gate`

a low wall along the edge of a roof or balcony

“The castle's parapet protected defenders.”

Origin: Italian parapetto, from parare `to shield` + petto `breast`

the central part of a church between the aisles

“The nave stretched toward the distant altar.”

Origin: Latin navis `ship` (from its shape)

a small dome on top of a roof

“The cupola crowned the state capitol.”

Origin: Italian cupola, from Latin cupa `tub, cask`