History of Architecture - Exam 3 Vocab

Spolia

Conspicuous reuse of building materials, rightful heir of a past legacy, reused parts from other buildings

Atrium

An open, central, multi-story indoor court within a building that provides natural light and a sense of openness

Apse

A vaulted, semicircular or semipolygonal space usually at the sanctuary end of a Christian church

Nave

The central and longest part of a church

Transept

Transverse arm crossing the main body of a Christian building

Ambulatory

A circular aisle in a church, a place for walking

Pendentive

A curved triangle of vaulting formed by the intersection of a dome with its supporting arches

Stilted arch

Playing with intuitive understanding of load and support

Basket capital

The top part of an arch that is decorated with a carved pattern resembling a woven basket

Qibla

The direction of muslim prayer, direction towards the Kaaba

Mihrab

A niche in the wall of a mosque, at the point nearest to Mecca, towards which the congregation faces to pray

Minaret

Tower to call Muslims to prayer

Squinch

Tribune Gallery

Above aisles, place to sleep, no sex

Radiating Chapel

On radius of circle, needed as place for alter and relics

Archivolt

Ornamental moldings/ bands

Compound Pier

Transformed into a multiform vertical support by means of attached engaged columns, shafts, and/or colonettes

Crypt

Burial place under floor of church for kings (royal pantheon)

Cloister

A covered walk, open gallery, or open arcade running along the walls of buildings

Rib Vault

An arched ceiling or roof structure characterized by a framework of arched ribs that support thin masonry panels, called cells

Tracery

Ornamental intersecting stonework in Gothic windows, panels, and screens

Triforium

An arcaded wall passage between the nave arcade and the clerestory

Flying Buttress

Lierne

A small decorative rib connecting one rib to another or to a central boss, but not stemming from the vault springing

Tierceron

A decorative rib extending from the springing of a vault to one of its ridges

Ogee Arch

Imported from the East by English travelers and crusaders, it became typical of the English Decorated style of Gothic. 3-point curve, flowing tracery, not strong, decorative

Muqarnas

Composed of small curved or geometric units in any material, giving the illusion of ascending to support something or the sense of an overhanging mass or canopy. Small pieces fit together, material doesn’t matter

Crenellation

The up and down battlements of a tower (top of Gibson)

Machicolation

A projected gallery at the top of a wall from which missiles can be dropped down against an invading enemy. Also dropped hot oils, and diseased things

Keep

The tallest tower in medieval castles, the lord’s residencece, allows them to watch over the land