Floor plans
a scale diagram of the arrangement of rooms in one story of a building
sections
a type of architectural drawing that shows a vertical cut through a building or an object, perpendicular to the horizon line
elevations
a drawing of a vertical surface or plane of a building, either a facade of the exterior or a wall in the interior
axonometrics (“axons”)
also known as parallel projection or axonometry, is a two-dimensional representation of three-dimensional objects
perspectives
a drawing is the representation of three-dimensional objects on a two-dimensional
poché
a French architectural term for the solid elements that are cut by a plane
program
a detailed breakdown of the spaces within a building or site, based on client requirements, user activities and needs, and spaces required for the building to operate
typology
the study and classification of buildings and urban spaces according to their common characteristics
firmness
the physical strength that secures the building's structural integrity
commodity
refers to spatial functionality or fulfilling the function for which the building was constructed
Live loads
a term used in architecture to refer to all load other than the permanent weight of a structure
dead loads
a term used in architecture to describe permanent or stationary loads which are transferred to structure throughout the life span
lateral loads
are horizontal forces acting on a structure
Post and lintel
a building system where vertical elements support horizontal elements
corbel and cantilever
.Corbel is a structural member that juts out of a wall to carry a superincumbent weight1 2. It refers to a projection from a wall that supports weight, often in the form of a bracket or block2.Cantilever is a beam or slab that is supported at one end and projects horizontally, creating an overhang1 2 3. It is a rigid structural element that extends horizontally and is supported at only one end
arch and vault
An arch is a curved structure that spans an opening, such as a doorway or window1 2. A vault is a ceiling or roof that is curved or arched, typically made of stone or brick
truss and space frame
a truss is a structure with pinned connections while a frame has rigid joints1. A space frame is a rigid, lightweight, truss-like structure constructed from interlocking struts in a geometric pattern
compression
a force within a structural system that squeezes down, across or even up, on another structural member or immobile component
tension
the use of forces that resist pulling apart to create structural systems
Solstices
the time or date (twice each year) at which the sun reaches its maximum or minimum declination, marked by the longest and shortest days
equinoxes
the start of spring and autumn
In situ
construction which is carried out at the building site using raw materials
corbel
a structural piece of stone, wood or metal jutting from a wall to carry a superincumbent weight
ashlar
finely dressed (cut, worked) stone
relieving arch
arch built over a lintel or architrave to relieve or distribute the weight of the wall above
propylea
a monumental gateway
megaron
Architecturally, it was a rectangular hall that was surrounded by four columns
gable
the generally triangular portion of a wall between the edges of intersecting roof pitches
intercolumniation
the spacing between columns in a colonnade
engaged column
column embedded in a wall and partly projecting from the surface of the wall
stoa
a covered walkway or portico
voussoir
a wedge-shaped element
Land use planning
a process that brings together consideration for both the physical development as well as the social characteristics of an area
orthogonal urban grid
a type of city plan in which streets run at right angles to each other, forming a grid.
metropole/colony
is the homeland, central territory or the state exercising power over a colonial empire
cardo/decamanus
hinge or axis of the city
Doric
simple circular capitals at the top of columns
Ionic
has a small base, a thin elegant shaft, and a capital composed of volutes
Corinthean
the last developed and most ornate of the three principal classical orders of Ancient Greek architecture and Roman architecture
Capital
the topmost part of a column in architecture
frieze
wide central section of an entablature and may be plain or decorated with bas-reliefs
entablature
horizontal structure that rests on columns and consists of moldings and bands
cornice
decorative and protective projection at the top of a wall, a roof, or another architectural element
Double barrel vault
produced by the intersection at right angles of two barrel vaults
oculus
a circular or oval-shaped structural element resembling an eye
coffer
a sunken panel in the shape of a square, rectangle, or octagon that serves as a decorative device, usually in a ceiling or vault
dome
hemispherical structure evolved from the arch
concrete
permanently exposed to view and therefore requires special care in selection of the concrete materials
opus
a latin term that generically indicates various techniques of constructing buildings
veneer
a thin decorative finish typically made of brick, stone or stucco
sequence/procession
path one takes while entering or passing through a work
axis/symmetry
refers to similar forms, shapes, or angles along a central axis or point
rhythm
patterns, elements or motifs at irregular or regular intervals
hierarchy
a design principle that articulates significance to any space or form