architecture key words

Vanishing Point (VP)

The single point on the horizon line where all parallel lines that recede into the distance appear to meet.

Horizon Line (HL)

Represents the viewer's eye level; the horizontal line where the sky meets the ground.

Orthogonal Lines

Diagonal guidelines that connect points on the object to the vanishing point, creating the illusion of depth.

Transversal Lines (Horizontal/Vertical)

Lines parallel to the picture plane, forming the 'true shape' of front-facing surfaces.

Station Point

The fixed position of the observer.

Picture Plane

The 2D surface on which the 3D scene is projected.

Receding Lines

Parallel lines that move away from the viewer towards the VP.

Convergence

The visual effect of lines meeting at the VP.

Foreshortening

The visual compression of objects closer to the viewer.

Central View/Frontal View

A composition where the subject faces the viewer directly.

Interior Perspective

A one-point view often used for rooms, corridors, and halls.

Volume/Depth

The 3D effect created on a 2D surface.

Villa Savoye

A building designed by Le Corbusier, known for modernist design and open plan architecture.

Fallingwater

A building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, built over a waterfall with a nature-inspired design.

Heydar Aliyev Center

A building designed by Zaha Hadid, known for its curved shape and futuristic style.

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

A building designed by Frank Gehry, notable for its titanium walls and sculptural design.

Church of the Light

A building designed by Tadao Ando, characterized by its concrete walls and cross-shaped light.