History of Design Vocab

Masonry

The use of stone and sometimes with mortar, for construction

Ashlar

the basic building block within masonry, cubic or rectangular blocks of stone

Quoin

Essentially, an ashlar on the edge or corner of a building

Masonry course

One layer of stones

Mortar

The paste between stones holding them together, typically made of lime, water, and sand

Opus isodomum

Regularly cut ashlars of equal height and length used in wall construction

Architrave

the lintel that rests atop the column capitals

Caryatid

a human formed column often used in Greek architecture

Cornice

Ornamental moulding just below the edge of the roof

Frieze

Section just above the architrave, typically decorated wit hbas reliefs

Portico

A porch leading into a building, typically colonnaded

Apsis

Altar niche in the form of a semi-circle, vaulted with a half-dome forming the end of a sacred space

Basilica (Basilicae)

Originally a roman building type, typically orientated towards the east, with anywhere from 3-5 aisles (including a central, higher nave)

Lombard band

Semi-circular arches stretching along the outline or separation of two surfaces

Colonettes

Small, decorative columns

Cathedral

An episcopal seat

Relief

An artistic depiction upon a walled surface. A type of architectural plastic

Monastery

A closed community for monks or nuns