A Comprehensive Guide to Architectural Terminology

Understanding architectural terminology can seem daunting, but it's actually quite straightforward once you know the basics. A building's style is often determined by its architectural period, such as Art Deco or Victorian.

You might have noticed that buildings have different types of foundations, like a slab or a crawl space. These are designed to support the weight of the structure.

The term "architectural style" refers to the visual characteristics of a building, such as its use of columns or arches.

Building Types are categorized based on their purpose, design, and functionality.

Residential buildings are designed for living, such as houses and apartments. They come in various styles like Modern, Traditional, and Art Deco.

Commercial buildings serve as workplaces, like offices and shops. They often have open floor plans and are designed for efficiency.

Industrial buildings are used for manufacturing and production, such as factories and warehouses. They require large spaces and heavy machinery.

Institutional buildings serve as centers for education, healthcare, and government, like schools and hospitals. They prioritize functionality and accessibility.

Le Corbusier's architecture is known as Corbusian, a style based on functionalism. It's characterized by clean lines and a focus on function.

Corbusian architecture was inspired by Le Corbusier, a Swiss architect who believed in simplicity and functionality. His ideas had a lasting impact on the architectural world.

Postmodern architecture, on the other hand, is a playful response to modernism, characterized by fun colors and interesting geometries. It emerged in the 1960s as a reaction against the seriousness of modernist architecture.

Art Deco is a unique building aesthetic that emerged during the 1920s, characterized by glamorous detailing and geometric façades.

This style was short-lived, but its iconic and recognizable aesthetic remains to this day.

These works were often very cohesive in their design style and intricately detailed. Art Nouveau architecture is recognizable for its romantic detailing.

You can spot Art Nouveau architecture for its metalwork and integration of sculpture.

Byzantine architecture celebrated advancing technology and glamorous detailing. It became popular under Emperor Justinian in the 6th century.

One of the most famous examples of Byzantine architecture is Hagia Sophia. Hagia Sophia features a higher than usual dome and dramatic ornamentation.

The Renaissance period was a time of great revival in Europe, where architects drew inspiration from Classical architecture. This is evident in the fact that much of the style was inspired by Classical architecture.

One of the key characteristics of Renaissance architecture was a focus on proportions in the search for perfect beauty. This was influenced by the study of the human body in comparison to buildings.

The Classical orders, such as the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian, were also studied and incorporated into Renaissance architecture. The simplest of the three orders, the Doric, was often used in Renaissance buildings.

The Renaissance architects attempted to create a perfect work through the integration of architecture, art, and sculpture. This is a key aspect of the neoclassical architecture, which imitates the original classical works of Ancient Greek and Rome.

The focus on proportions and the use of Classical orders resulted in buildings that were both beautiful and harmonious. This is a testament to the enduring influence of Classical architecture on later styles.

Colonial architecture is a result of a country being colonized and adopting design styles from the colonizing nation.

The resulting design style can be a replica of ideas from the mother country, often with minimal adaptation to the local environment.

Colonial architecture can also be an interesting combination of both countries' aesthetics, reflecting the cultural exchange that occurs during colonization.

This style is often seen in buildings that blend European and Asian or African elements, creating a unique and eclectic look.

Contemporary architecture is one of the hardest styles of architecture to define, unlike other movements like modernism that have a consistent style.

The 21st century does not have one particular style that is consistent with most new projects, making it a unique and diverse field.

Some examples of contemporary architecture are postmodern, which often incorporates elements of historical styles in a playful and ironic way.

Others are futurist, with sleek and high-tech designs that seem to be straight out of a science fiction movie.

Many contemporary buildings are a combination of different styles, blending traditional and modern elements to create something truly unique.

Gothic architecture is a popular style mainly found in Europe in the 12th and 16th centuries. It's characterized by rib vaults, ornate tracery, and flying buttresses. These architectural features are what set Gothic style apart from others.

Rib vaults, often seen in Gothic architecture, are a type of vaulted ceiling that adds structural support and visual interest to buildings. They're a staple of the Gothic style.

Modern architecture is a specific architectural movement that aimed to create a universal language of design. It's not just a style of today, but a distinct movement that emerged in the past.

The idea behind modern architecture is to use function as the defining element of design. This means that the focus is on creating buildings that serve a purpose, rather than just looking pretty.

Modernist architecture is characterized by several different styles, but they all share the same basic principles. If you're interested in learning more, you can check out our guide on modernist architecture, which covers 8 styles that define the movement.

Le Corbusier, a famous architect, is often associated with the modernist style. His work was based on the idea of functionalism, and is sometimes referred to as Corbusian.

Picturesque architecture emerged in the late-18th and early-19th centuries.

It's a style that combines architecture with landscape to create a single, harmonious scene. This style was inspired by the related artistic style of picturesque.

The picturesque style considered architecture as part of a larger, composed scene.

Romanesque architecture is a historic style that was popular in medieval Europe.

This style is similar to Roman architecture, which is no surprise given its name.

Romanesque buildings often feature round arches, a characteristic that's also found in Byzantine architecture.

Groin vaults are another common feature of Romanesque architecture.

Victorian architecture is a style popular during the end of the 19th century. The name Victorian comes from Queen Victoria, since she was in power at the height of the style's popularity.

Pitched roofs are a defining feature of Victorian architecture, adding to the style's charm and character. Ornate gables are also a hallmark of this style, often decorated with intricate details and patterns.

Tall, iconic turrets are another distinctive element of Victorian architecture, adding a touch of whimsy and drama to buildings. Colorful brick is often used in Victorian architecture, creating a vibrant and visually appealing exterior.

The intricate details and ornate decorations of Victorian architecture require careful craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Brutalism is a famous architectural style that first became popular in the 1950s. It's a style that mainly features unfinished concrete in monumental or geometric blocks. This style is a direct result of the aesthetic of béton brut.

The name for Brutalism comes from another term on this list, béton brut. This is an important connection to make, as béton brut was a major pinnacle of modernism.

Brutalism is a controversial style, but its unique appearance has made it a notable part of architectural history.

Curvilinear architecture is a style that features curved lines, which is often seen as the opposite of rectilinear architecture.

This style is all about embracing the beauty of curves and non-straight lines, creating a unique and visually appealing aesthetic.

Curvilinear architecture is often used to create a sense of fluidity and movement, which can be particularly effective in spaces where a more dynamic feel is desired.

It's worth noting that curvilinear architecture can be used in a variety of contexts, from residential buildings to public spaces and even product design.

Deconstructivism is a form of Postmodern architecture characterized by fragmented and distorted architectural elements. This style is often associated with the work of starchitect Frank Gehry.

Frank Gehry is one of the most famous examples of deconstructivism, and his buildings are often cited as the epitome of this style.

Postmodern architecture emerged in the '60s as a response to modernism, characterized by playful and quirky designs that rejected the focus on function.

It believed modernists were too boring, so postmodern architecture was all about having fun with colors and geometries.

One of the most famous postmodern architects is Frank Gehry, known for his deconstructivist style, which is a form of postmodern architecture.

Deconstructivism is defined by fragmented and distorted architectural elements, and Frank Gehry is a master of this style.

If you want to learn more about postmodern architecture, be sure to check out the 5 Postmodernist Buildings That Capture the Movement’s Playful Side.

These buildings showcase the playful and quirky side of postmodern architecture, and are a great example of how this style can add some fun to the built environment.

Vernacular architecture is any style that is native to a specific area and time.

Vernacular architecture often relies on materials and knowledge from the area it is built in.

It's the opposite of the International style, which sought to find common design ideas that worked anywhere in the world.

Vernacular architecture is based on tradition, which gives it a unique and authentic feel.

Structural Elements are the backbone of any building, providing the necessary support and stability. They can be categorized into two main types: load-bearing and non-load-bearing.

Load-bearing elements, such as columns and beams, transfer loads from one point to another, while non-load-bearing elements, like partitions and shelves, do not carry loads but provide separation and organization.

Towers can be a striking feature of homes, adding visual interest and sometimes even serving a practical purpose. A campanile, for example, is a church bell tower that typically rises up from the ground level, making it a prominent feature of a building.

Campaniles are often found in Italianate, Octagon, and Queen Anne homes. Cupolas, on the other hand, are towers that rise from the roof level, sometimes referred to as a belvedere, which literally means a good view. Cupolas are typically placed above a central staircase to afford light and ventilation to the center of the house.

Turrets, a smaller type of tower, are often found at the corner of a building. They can add a touch of elegance and whimsy to a home's design. Turrets were originally used in castles to allow guards to look out in defense of the building, but they're now often used purely for aesthetics.

Roofs are a crucial part of any structure, and their shape can often give away a home's style. A gable roof creates a triangular area on the short side of a rectangular structure, and it's particularly common in Greek Revival homes, which often have low-pitch front gables that resemble Greek or Roman temples.

Gable roofs are efficient because they allow for water to drain easily and for better interior ventilation. The steep slope of gable roofs also makes them a popular choice for homes in areas with heavy rainfall.

The shape of a structure's roof can sometimes be a dead giveaway of its style. For example, a hipped roof has four uniformly pitched sides, making it look like a pyramid on a square home.

Here are some common types of roofs and the styles they're often associated with:

A gable is the triangular portion between intersecting roof pitches, and it's a key element of many roof styles.

Columns are a fundamental element in architecture, serving as supporting pillars that elevate buildings off the ground.

A column consists of a base, a cylindrical shaft, and a capital, which is the head or top of the column. Most traditional column styles originated in ancient Greece.

The Corinthian order, named after the Greek city of Corinth, features an elaborate capital decorated with stylized representations of acanthus leaves. This style was a favorite of the ancient Romans.

Colossal columns stand more than one story high and are closely associated with Renaissance-revival and Classical Revival style architecture. They're quite impressive in person!

The Doric order, the oldest and plainest of the three well-known Greek styles, features a plain, saucer-like capital and traditionally has no base. It's a simple yet elegant design.

An engaged column is a decorative half column attached to a wall as decoration. Pilasters are square engaged columns, often found in Craftsman and Bungalow homes.

Romanesque columns don't follow a set order, but many feature stylized acanthus leaves. It's interesting to see how different styles can blend together in unique ways.

The Tuscan order, named after the Tuscany region of Italy, is a simplified Doric order with an added base and plain, un-fluted, column shaft. It's a great example of how architectural styles can evolve over time.

Pilotis, or small columns, elevate buildings off the ground like stilts and are popular in many traditional and indigenous styles, as well as modernist architecture.

Foundations are a crucial structural element that can reveal a home's age and style.

Brick and stone foundations are typically a sign that a home was built before the twentieth century.

Concrete block foundations became popular after 1900, when Harmon Palmer patented the first cast-iron hollow block machine.

This invention allowed two men to produce eighty to one hundred fire-resistant, low-maintenance, low-cost blocks in a day.

A battered wall, which is a sloping wall wider at the bottom than at the top, is often found on the foundations of Romanesque and Craftsman style structures.

The most popular face designs for concrete blocks until the 1930s were rock face and panel face.

A barrel vault is a simple form of a vault—or extruded arch.

It's a continuous extrusion, which means it's a single, unbroken arch shape.

You might see some ornamentation along the surface, but that's not a requirement – it can be a plain extrusion.

In fact, many barrel vaults are plain and unadorned, relying on their structural integrity to hold their shape.

A barrel vault can be found in many architectural styles, from ancient buildings to modern constructions.

It's a versatile structural element that can be used in a variety of settings, from churches to museums.

Bracing is a crucial aspect of structural reinforcement. It's essentially a safety net for buildings and bridges, helping them withstand extreme forces like wind and earthquakes.

One common form of bracing is cross bracing, which features two members organized in an X-shape. This clever design allows one member to handle tension while the other deals with compression.

Bracing can take many forms, but its primary goal is always the same: to provide additional support to a structural system. This is especially important in areas prone to natural disasters.

A cantilever is the portion of a building that protrudes out.

Some cantilevers are simple, like when a deck pushes out just a bit past the last beam.

The common rule for cantilevers is 1/3 of a section can overhang and 2/3 of a section is supported.

Extreme cantilevers can seem to defy gravity with no support where it cantilevers.

The flying buttress is a type of structural element that's built on a separate pier. This pier is what allows the flying buttress to appear as if it's "flying" from the wall it supports.

A flying buttress is connected to the wall it supports using an arch, which gives it a unique and distinctive look. This arch is what allows the flying buttress to distribute its weight evenly, making it a crucial structural element in many buildings.

The term "flying" in flying buttress refers to the fact that it's not built directly against the wall it supports, unlike a traditional buttress. This design allows the flying buttress to provide additional support to the wall without taking up valuable space.

The keystone is a crucial structural element in many architectural designs, particularly in arches. It's the center wedge-shaped piece of masonry that keeps all the other pieces in place.

Without the keystone, the entire arch structure would collapse. The keystone plays a vital role in distributing the weight of the arch evenly.

In an arch, the keystone is usually the smallest piece of masonry, but it's the most critical one. It helps to keep the arch structurally sound.

A lintel is a horizontal block that spans an opening. It's often found over doors or windows.

The purpose of a lintel is to distribute the weight of the structure evenly and provide support above openings. This is crucial to maintain the structural integrity of a building.

Lintels can be made from various materials, including stone, brick, or wood.

Mullions are the vertical members that separate portions of a window, screen, or curtain wall.

They support the structure of the window, allowing for smaller portions of glass.

Mullions are a crucial element in window design, enabling architects to create larger windows with multiple panes of glass.

By dividing a window into smaller sections, mullions also provide additional structural support, which is especially important for larger windows or those subjected to heavy winds or weather conditions.