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