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Illustrated Glossary

of Classical Architecture

Illustrations from

The American Vignola

by Robert W. Ware

(Fourth Edition, 1905)

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M|N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

Abacus In theDoric Order,the abacus is a squareslab that sits on top of the column's

capital and supports

thearchitraveorarch.The function of an

abacus is to broaden the support provided

by the column.

Arcade A series of columns orpiersspannedbyarches.

Arch A rounded element that spans an openingis called an arch. A basic element of

construction, arches apear in all types of

achitecture. Arches can be decorative or

structural. Early civilizations building

arches include the Mesopotamians (asearly as the 2nd millenium BCE) the

Egyptians and the Greeks. Roman

architecture adopted the arch from the

Estuscans and used it extensively in

building, bridges and their famous

aqueducts.

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hitecture.html#Zhttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#dorichttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#dorichttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#dorichttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#architravehttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#architravehttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#architravehttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#archhttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#archhttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#archhttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#pierhttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#pierhttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#pierhttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#archhttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#archhttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#archhttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#archhttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#pierhttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#archhttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#architravehttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#dorichttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#Zhttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#Yhttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#Xhttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#Whttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#Vhttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#Uhttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#Thttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#Shttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#Rhttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#Qhttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#Phttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#Ohttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#Nhttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#Mhttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#Lhttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#Khttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#Jhttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#Ihttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#Hhttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#Ghttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#Fhttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#Ehttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#Dhttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#Chttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#Bhttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#A

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Architrave The architrave is the lowest element oftheentablature,and rests on top columns.

Astragal A small convexmoulding.

Attic BaseA common base used for columns in

classical architecture, the Attic base is

made up of an upper and lowertorus,

separated by ascotiawithfillets.

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Base In architecture a base is the lowest part orlowest main division of a structure. For

columns, the base is the lowest portion of

three parts, from top to bottom: the base,

the shaft and the captical. Typically,Egyptian columns andGreek

Doriccolumns have no base and are

placed directly on the floor. Ionic columns

may have an elaborate base built up of

groups ofmouldingsandfillets.

Bead A convexmoulding,usually semi-circular.There are a variety of different types of

beads. Examples include: angle bead,

nosing bead, double bead and so forth.

Beak

Moulding

Mouldingshaped into a beak-like form.

Beam A structural member that caries a load.Beams are usually placed horizontally and

care a vertical load where the weight is

transferred to walls, girders or columns.

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Bed-

mould

Themouldingthat appears under the

projectingcornice.It is considered part of

the cornice.

Bell In reference to columns, the bell is a bell-shaped part of thecapitalbetween the

neck moulding and theabacus.It iscommon to columns in

theCorinthinianorder where it is

decorative with acanthus leaves.

Cap In architecture, a cap is the top element ina division or structure.

Capital The uppermost elements of a column. Inclassical architecture capitals are one of

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the most distinctive elements defining the

different orders.

Column A vertical support element. In classical

architecture, columns are visuallydistinctive elements that help define the

order.

Composite

Order

One of the five orders of classical

architecture developed by the Romans. As

the name implies, the Composite order

combines elements from

theCorinthianandIonicorders.

More about Composite columns and theComposite order

Concave A curved surface like the interior of acircle.

Cong A concavemoulding.

Convex A round surface curved outward.

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Corinthian

Order

One of the five orders of classical

architecture. Typically, Corinthian

columns are slender and fluted. Their

capitals are bell-shaped and ornately

decorated with acanthus leaves.

More about Corinthian columns and the

Corinthian order

CorniceThe top element of the entablature

including the following elements:

thecyma,thecoronaand thebed-

moulding.

Corona A component of thecornicethat has avertical face and horizontalsoffit.

Cyma A moulding with a double curvature iscalled a cyma or sometimes, a wave

moulding. Used as the uppermost element

in acornice.

CymaRecta

A cyma moulding having an upper

concave curve and a lower convex curve

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Cyma

Reversa

A cyma moulding having an upper convex

curve and a lower concave curve.

Cymatium A smallcymais called a cymatium. Whena cyma is used as the crown moulding of

anentablature,it is called a cymatium.

Dentils Tooth-like blocks used in a close repeatingpattern. Dentils are used in some Doric

Order buildings in place ofmutules.

Dentils also appear on thebed

mouldingofIonic,CorinthianandCompos

iteorders.

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Die On a pedestal, the die is a rectangularblock that separates cap from the base.

Doric

Order

One of the five orders of classical

architecture, which also

include:Tuscan,Ionic,CorinthianandComposite.The Doric order was developed

in Greece and adopted by the Romans.

Identifying features include columns that

are stouter than the other orders, often 6

to 7 times as tall as the diameter at the

base. In Greece Doric columns rested

directly on the floor without the benefit of

a pedestal or base moulding. Roman Doric

columns tend to be slimmer and sit upon

anAttic base.The Doricentablatureis

characterized by

thetriglyphsandmetopes.

More on Doric columns and the Doric

order

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Eaves The edge of a roof. In most structures theeaves project beyond the surface of the

wall protecting it from rain and snow.

Echinus Decorative moulding. Used on columns inclassical architecture, the echinus sits

below the abacus and above the necking

Entabulat

ure

In classical architecture, the uppermost

elements supported by columns are

referred to as the entablature.

Components of the enblature include:

thearchitrave,thefriezeand thecornice.

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Entasis From the word "bowed," entasis describesthe subtle curve of a column.

ExtradosThe convex curve formed by the outer

edge of an arch. The inner edge is called

theintrados.

Fascia A flat horizontal surface. In classicalarchitecture, fascia are often used in

multiple bands, each projecting beyond

the one below.

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Fillet A narrow band with a vertical face. Filletsare often interposed between curved

mouldings.

Fillet,

Sunk

A fillet that is depressed between two

other architectural elements.

Frieze Sitting below thecorniceand abovethearchitrave,the frieze is the central

element of theentablature.The frieze

may be left plain or decorated in relief.

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Gable The front face or projection created by apitched roof.

Gothic

Style

Gothic architecture developed in Europe

during the medieval period, from about500 CE to 1500 CE. Evolving from

Romanesque architecture it fell from

vogue with the renewed interest in

classical architecture during the

Renaissance, from about 1400 CE to 1500

CE.

Hip An inclined section of the roof connectingtwo sloping roof planes that meet at

theridge.

Ionic

Order

One of five orders of classical

architecture, the others

being:Tuscan

,Doric

,Corinthian

andComposite.The Ionic and Doric styles were

widely used in ancient Greece and later

adopted by the Romans. Ionic columns

are characterized by volutes in the capital.

More about Ionic columns and the Ionic

order

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Intrados The inside curvedsoffitof an arch. Theopposite face is known as theextrados.

JambThe sides of a door or window frame.

Lean-to The lean-to is one of the simplest roofsformed by a single sloping plane.

Lintel A horizontal beam spanning the opening,such as one made by a door or window.

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Modillion Brackets that appear beneath thecorona.Frequently used in

theCorinthianandCompositeorder.

Modillion,

Block

Modillions

Rectangularly shapedmodillions.

Mouldings A variety of decortive strips. Mouldingscome in a variety of shapes and forms.

Mutule A rectangular block that hangs fromthesoffitof thecornicein theDoricorder.

Mutules appear over the triglyphs.

Necking On a Doric column, the necking appears asa plain section beneath the capital and

above the astragal.

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Ovolo A convex moulding, among woodworkersit is referred to as a "quarter round."

Parapet

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Pedestal In classical architecture columns may siton a pedestal, usually having a square die,

a base and cornice.

Pier A square pillar or the part of a wall thatsits between doors or windows.

Plinth The lowest part of the base of a column orpedestal. The plinth helps to distribute

the weight born by the column more

evenly.

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Post A vertical element that may be used tosupport walls or horizontal beams.

Reed Sometimes called reed moulding orreeding, a series of convex mouldings

running parallel.

Ridge Two sloping roofs join to create a ridge.

Romanesqu

e Style

Develed in Italy and western Europe,

Romanesque architecture appeared after

the Roman classical period and prior to

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theGothicperiod.

Sea-shell A decorative element in the shape of asea-shell.

Scotia A concave moulding between two fillets.

A scotia is one of the elements used intheAttic baseof columns.

Shaft The portion of a column between thebase and the capital.

Soffit The underside of a roof formedbyeavesor acornice.

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Spandrel The triangular space formed bytheextradosof anarchand other wall

elements.

StringCourse

Horizontal moulding usually made from a

series of complex profiles.

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Tnia Afilletpositioned directly abovethearchitrave.Part of theentablature.

Three-

quarter

Hollow

Mouldingshaped by a three-

quarterconcaveprofile.

Three-

quarter

Moulding

Mouldingshaped by a three-

quarterconvexprofile.

Thumb

Molding

Thumb-shapedmoulding.

http://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#fillethttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#fillethttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#fillethttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#architravehttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#architravehttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#architravehttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#entablaturehttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#entablaturehttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#entablaturehttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#mouldinghttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#mouldinghttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#concavehttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#concavehttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#concavehttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#mouldinghttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#mouldinghttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#convexhttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#convexhttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#convexhttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#mouldinghttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#mouldinghttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#mouldinghttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#mouldinghttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#convexhttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#mouldinghttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#concavehttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#mouldinghttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#entablaturehttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#architravehttp://www.doric-column.com/glossary_classical_architecture.html#fillet

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Torus A semi-circular, convex moulding. Thetorus is one of the distinctive elements in

theAttic baseused by columns in classical

architecture.

Triglyph A rectangular detail, representative of thebeams used in post and beam

construction. In the Doric order, regularly

spaced triglyphs appear on the frieze. The

spaces between the triglyphs are

calledmetopes.

Tuscan

Order

One of the five orders of classical

architecture. The Tuscan order was

developed in Rome and does not appear

in ancient Greece. Added to the classical

orders by Renaissance architectural

scholars who felt that the Tuscan orderpredates the Greek Doric and Ionic.

Tuscan colums are unfluted with a simple

base and unadorned capital and

entablature.

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Valley The area formed between the ridges oftwo adjoined roofs.

Valley

Horizontal

Valley

The area formed by the parallel ridges of

two roofs.

Vault Vaults are formed by the continuarion ofanarch.

Volutes A spriral form which is a distinctiveelement of thecapitalofIoniccolumns.

Wave

Moulding

Mouldingformed by two round

mouldings.

Update On Your Order & Leather Editions

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Moulding Glossary: Egg and Dart

Moulding Glossary: Fillet

Posted onJune 9, 2011 byChris Schwarz

Dang. I had no idea that facial anglewould evoke such an impassioned response.

Im still sorting out the online and off-line comments and will post a follow-up. In

the meantime, lets do an easy one (famous last words).

http://blog.lostartpress.com/2011/06/10/moulding-definition-egg-and-dart/http://blog.lostartpress.com/2011/06/10/moulding-definition-egg-and-dart/http://blog.lostartpress.com/2011/06/10/moulding-definition-egg-and-dart/http://blog.lostartpress.com/2011/06/09/moulding-glossary-fillet/http://blog.lostartpress.com/2011/06/09/moulding-glossary-fillet/http://blog.lostartpress.com/author/lostartpress/http://lostartpress.wordpress.com/2011/06/08/mouldings-help-us-get-it-right/http://lostartpress.wordpress.com/2011/06/08/mouldings-help-us-get-it-right/http://lostartpress.wordpress.com/2011/06/08/mouldings-help-us-get-it-right/http://lostartpress.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/fillets.jpghttp://lostartpress.wordpress.com/2011/06/08/mouldings-help-us-get-it-right/http://blog.lostartpress.com/author/lostartpress/http://blog.lostartpress.com/2011/06/09/moulding-glossary-fillet/http://blog.lostartpress.com/2011/06/09/moulding-glossary-fillet/http://blog.lostartpress.com/2011/06/10/moulding-definition-egg-and-dart/

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fillet (filit) A small flat area that separates individual mouldings. A narrow flat

band used for the separation of one moulding from another; a fascia.

Christopher Schwarz

http://lostartpress.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/fillet.jpg