Introduction to a Global History of Architecture Midterm

ARCH 10211 01

Ashlar masonry

Hewn blocks of stone cut to even faces and square edges and laid in horizontal bandswith vertical joints (as opposed to rubble or unhewn stone straight from the quarry). In use in Egypt by ca. 3000 BCE.

Mastaba tomb

An underground burial structure in ancient Egypt dug into the earth, covered by a trapezoidal mound or stone structure above. The pyramids developed from this type of structure.

Hierarchy of scale

A style of representation popular in ancient Egyptian art where the central, and often most powerful or important figure in a scene is shown to be physically largest of the group.

Hypostle Hall

A large hall space whose roof is supported by rows of columns like a forest.

Clerestory

A high section of wall which contains above level, which serve to admit light and/or fresh air into a space, or both.

Talud-Tableo style

In Mesoamerican architecture, a style of plaster wall finish made up of vertical element (talud) that sits on a sloped element (tableo).

Amphitheater

A multi-story sporting arena, like the Colosseum, built in an oval plan. They featured gladiatorial battles, not dramatic plays.

Arch

A curved symmetrical structure spanning an opening and typically supporting the weight of a bridge, roof, or wall above it. An arch can support greater weight than a post-and-lintel can, because it displaces its weight downwards to the piers.

Keystone

A wedge-shaped stone that locks voussoirs together to form an arch. Produces a downward thrust.

Voussoir(s)

Wedge-shaped blocks that make up an arch. They spring from an impost block of a pier, and are topped by a key-stone in the center.

Atrium

An open courtyard just inside the entrance of a Roman house, typically outfitted with a sunken pool (impluvium) where rain water would be collected. The main focal point of a Roman house's social and practical function.

Domus

Latin term for "house."

Insula

Latin term meaning "island." Often used to describe multi-story urban dwellings with multiple units for rent. Commercial spaces often occupied the street level floors.

Oculus

Circular opening at the top of a dome. Solidifies the dome structure and allows natural light into the space.

Basilica

In ancient Rome, a large public building with multiple secular functions, similar to a Greek Stoa. They served as courts of law, places of business, and public gathering.

Coffer

Recessed panel in a ceiling. (Dome of the Pantheon, for example).

Exedra(e)

A semicircular space, like a niche, in a building.

Basket capital

A capital with interlaced bands resembling the weave of a basket, found in Byzantine architecture.

Impost block

Architectural element inserted between a capital and what it supports.

Book-matching

In wall decorations, the process of slicing a block of marble and adjoining two or more of these slabs in such a way that their vein patterns mirror each other. A technique to showcase the natural beauty of the stone.

Gallery space

In church architecture, an upper floor above an aisle. Usually allows open views down into the nave area below.

Pendentive

Curved triangle that makes a transition from a square base or bay to a circular dome.

Stupa

A mound-like or hemispherical structure containing relics that is used as a place of meditation.

Stambha

Pillar or column found in India. In the context of Jain and Hindu mythology, it is believed to be a cosmic column which functions as a bond, which joins the heaven and the earth (see Ashoka’s columns).

Pagoda

Tiered tower with multiple eaves common to China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and other parts of Asia. Most pagodas were built to have a religious function, mainly Buddhist.

Dou-gong

A Chinese system of timber construction that utilizes joinery and interlocking brackets. Made up of inter-locking dou-blocks and gong-arms.

Circumambulation

The act of moving around a sacred object or idol. Circumambulation of temples or deity images is an integral part of Hindu and Buddhist devotional practice.

Ang

Sloping arm of a Dou-Gong system, upon which roof rafters rest.

Sahn

Open courtyard in a mosque.

Minaret

Tower, usually of a mosque.

Mihrab

Arched niche in the qibla wall of a mosque that indicates the direction of prayer, toward Mecca.

Qibla

The direction of prayer for Muslims, toward the Ka’ba.

Muquarnas

A type of stucco decoration that is made by stacking small niches, almost like a bee-hive.

Hajj

Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca (Saudi Arabia), the holiest city for Muslims. Hajj is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime if possible.