A-Z Word Guide for Architecture Term
Architectural vocabulary/Jargon
Explore the Architectural language by each alphabet:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Over the course of centuries, architects and builders have developed specialized terms to describe their buildings. As beginners in the field, we often tend to get confused over these terms with their architecturally modified meanings. Sweat not!
We have compiled a list of important architectural terminology that professionals use every day on-off field. This list will surely help you in learning the architectural lingo and give you a basic understanding of the field. You have probably heard these terms in your primary studies, but here you will find their architectural interpretations. So why wait, Dive in!
Aesthetics - It is the core design philosophy that defines a structure's qualities pleasing to the eye. In visual terms, it includes factors such as shape, size, texture, colour, balance, proportion, contrast, culture, and context. It refers to the sensory perceptions, expression of beauty, and appearance of buildings.
Asymmetry - It is the lack of proportion or equality between two parts of the design. It occurs when design elements are distributed unevenly around a central point or axis to draw interest to the dynamic and modern outlook of the design.
Anthropology - It is the study of human beings and their interaction with the built environment. The term seeks to understand what it means to be a human, and how they respond and experience any space and its equipment. It is the most fundamental aspect of architecture, as it provides knowledge on the way a human perceives a space and how elements of design make it more comfortable for them.
Balance - It is the distribution of the visual weight of massing in architecture. It provides stability to any structure in terms of objects, colors, textures, and space. It could be symmetric (Similar elements on both sides of the axis), asymmetric (Different sides, but visually balanced), and radial (elements arranged around a central point).
Biophilic Design - It is an approach to architecture to increase human connectivity to nature through design. Buildings designed on this principle incorporate natural light, ventilation, and landscape to harness nature into the built environment for the well-being of its users.
Biomimicry - It is a practice that learns and mimics the elements of nature to solve human design challenges. Structures designed on this principle allow human productions to be more efficient, resilient, and sustainable.
Building Envelope - It is a term used for the exterior building system (foundation, walls, roof, doors and windows) that separates the indoors from the outdoors. It protects interior spaces from climatic factors and internal/external loads.
Contemporary - Contemporary architecture refers to the current style of architecture. It is an innovative style that breaks away from the standard thinking process that uses the latest technologies and materials. It includes eco-friendly features and embraces all kinds of creativity.
Concept - A concept is an idea or notion that forms the foundation of a design. It is generally an abstract idea or an inspiration that becomes the approach to a design. It could be based on materiality, culture, context, or the understanding of design principles (i.e. symmetry, rhythm, balance, etc.).
Climate - Climate plays an important role in building forms, influencing the planning, structure, and external treatments. Analysis of the climate of a particular region helps in assessing comfortable/uncomfortable conditions for human beings. The built form, its materiality, and openings are derived from this analysis.
Context - In the built environment, context refers to the conditions or the existing fabric that surrounds and affects a building. The structures are not designed in isolation, but respond, support, and enhance the surroundings. It includes physical (existing built forms), natural (topography, climate, and adjacent elements of nature), and socio-cultural (purpose of the project) factors.
Dynamic - Buildings that showcase movement and break the monotony of solid structures are referred to by dynamic designs. The design turns the building into an active building that interacts with the outside and inside. Such structures are usually made of prefabricated units with the ability to produce their own energy.
Deconstructivism - It is an architectural style characterized by the idea of fragmentation and disconnected components. This style is opposed to the idea of consistent and organized building. Such structures challenge traditional building ideas and harmony in any built form. The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao is an accurate example of this style.
Drafting - Drafting is the most basic requirement of architecture. It is the skill of creating technical drawings whether in 2D or 3D. These drawings convey a design idea and assist in the construction of any structure.
Dimension - It is a numerical value used to measure things. In architecture, dimensions are critical to execute any project and to make the required working set for any project.
Elevation - Elevation is termed as the projection of any vertical exterior facade/surface of a building (front, back, and sides) or its drawing. It is a two-dimensional drawing drawn on a vertical plane.
Environment/Ecology - It refers to our surroundings that affect our comfort, wellbeing, performance and behavior. Architecture and environment are linked as buildings that are environment-friendly and green can adapt to the surroundings better and are energy efficient.
Edifice - It is designed as any structure permanent to one place and associated with impressive features. His term is generally used for elaborate and historical buildings that serve societal needs.
Element - Architectural elements are the unique details and components that form the architectural style of any built structure. The 4 primary elements of architecture include the point, line, plane, and volume.
Function - Function refers to the purpose of the building, its intended use or program. It pertains to the activity that will be held inside a space or building. The design of any building is based on its purpose or requirements. For example, the design of an office is very different from a hospital due to the distinct needs of users they cater to.
Form - The form is the outward semblance or the shape of the structure. It is the final output that attracts the eye and gives the building a unique character.
Facade - Facade is the external vertical face/wall of the building envelope that includes design elements like windows and doors. It is derived from the Latin word 'facia', which means frontage.
Floor plan - It is an architectural drawing that shows the relationship and arrangement of spaces viewed from above. It helps in visualizing movement and getting an idea about the project’s purpose and potential improvements in design.
Genius Loci - This term is roman mythology associated with the spirit of the place or distinctive atmosphere that goes beyond the environment. It’s indefinable. Some places feel welcoming and comforting, while others leave you feeling slightly on edge. It’s a reaction at a purely intuitive level.
Groundline - It is the line drawn in architectural drafts to signify the surface of the ground in vertical face drawings. It is used as an intersection of horizontal and vertical planes of architecture.
Geodesic - Geodesic dome is a spherical space-frame structure composed of a complex network of triangles. The light structural framework forms a shell and is covered with sheeting made of plastic, plywood, metal, etc. It was developed by Buckminster Fuller.
Green - Green architecture or green building is a philosophy that works with the key concepts of creating an energy-efficient, environmentally friendly house. It is an approach to a building that minimizes the harmful effects of construction projects on human health and the environment by choosing eco-friendly building materials and construction practices.
Hierarchy - It is a design principle created when an element appears more important in comparison to other elements of design. It influences the order in which the human eye moves around a project. It can be expressed in many visual ways such as in a scale, color, contrast, space, alignment, shape, and form.
Humane - Humane design approach is based on emphasizing and understanding human life. It aims towards providing a comfortable life for everyone (men, women, young, old, and disabled). It manipulates the inherent qualities, becomes an emotional feature of the design, and provokes a stimulating and rewarding relationship between buildings and people.
Holistic - The term is primarily associated with treating a person through the built environment. It embraces the multi-faceted complexities of the built environment through sustainability, green design, ecologically positive materials, and alternative modalities. Incorporating these principles into a healthcare environment promotes healing through natural elements.
Harmony - A principle of design that creates a visually satisfying effect with a combination of design elements. It involves design elements that share a common trait like similar shapes, colors, or textures. It develops a sense of unity and balance in any design.
Iconic - In architecture, iconic means a design that is “ground breaking” and that sets new standards in its field. Such design also stands up to the test of time, and can be admired as a good design despite the passing of years, decades and even centuries. Such projects become a benchmark for its place. Eiffel Tower in Paris and Burj Khalifa in Dubai are some examples of iconic projects.
Illusion - It is an architectural style that impacts the occupant and the viewer’s perception of design. It dematerialize planes, change symmetry and make an element appear weightless. The Dancing House in Prague or the Yellow Cubes in Rotterdam are some examples of the same.
Juxtaposition - It is defined as two objects, combined or placed together to create a striking contrast. It is used to create a dramatic and awe-inspiring effect in buildings through the balance between the shared elements. The Louvre in Paris juxtaposes the materials of its historic facade with the modern glass pyramid.
Joinery - Joinery is the method of connection between two or more pieces of wood. It is an important part of most woodworking and it is found in furniture, cabinetry, windows and doors, flooring, and much more. (Here we can provide a link to the joinery listicle)
Jettying - It is a technique used in medieval timber-framed buildings in which an upper floor projects beyond the dimensions of the floor below. It is used to increase the available space in the building without obstructing the street.
Joist - It is a horizontal structural member made up of metal, wood, or concrete that forms part of the structure of a building, usually to support a floor or ceiling. They are used in framing to span an open space, often between beams that subsequently transfer loads to vertical members.
Keystone - In a curved stone archway, the keystone is the final one at the very center of the top. It is the wedge-shaped stone at the apex that locks the other pieces in place and is often enlarged beyond the structural requirements and decorated.
King post - It is a central vertical post used in architectural or bridge designs, working in tension to support a beam below from a truss apex above. The post can be replaced with an iron rod called a king rod (or kingbolt) and thus a king rod truss.
Landing - Landing is level platforms found at the top, between, or bottom of flights of stairs. They are often used when stairs change direction or when there is a long flight of stairs. It is provided to change directions or allow occupants to rest.
Lintel - It is a structural horizontal block that spans the space or opening between two vertical supports. It is generally used for load-bearing purposes, over windows and doors, both of which represent vulnerable points in a building's structure.
Landmark - It refers to any natural or man-made structures that are recognized by the public of a particular place or city. They are considered to be as important as the orientation and planning of a city. It can be any character of the building/element that makes it a Landmark. Taj Mahal in India and Eiffel Tower in Paris are some common examples.
Minimalism - It involves the use of simple design elements, without ornamentation or decoration. “Less is more”, the goal of minimalistic architecture is to make something great out of only what is necessary. Pure geometric forms, simple materials, and clean lines are common characteristics of minimalist architecture. Barcelona Pavilion by Mies van der Rohe is an example of the same.
Massing - It is the three-dimensional form of the arrangement, volume, and shape of a building or group of buildings. It influences the sense of space that the building encloses, and helps to define both the interior space and the exterior shape of the building.
Materiality - Materiality in architecture is a concept or application of various materials or substances in the design of a building. These materials serve as the language that articulates architectural vision or serves to make architectural ideas tangible.
Masonry - Masonry is generally used for the construction of walls and other solid elements of buildings and structures, which are often laid in and bound together by mortar. The common materials of masonry construction are brick, building stone such as marble, granite, and limestone, etc., and adobe.
Node - Nodes are central or connecting points in a neighborhood that have a mix of residential, commercial, and institutional buildings, such as shopping areas, community centers, libraries, and medium to high-density housing.
Niche - They are decorative recesses set into a wall for the purpose of displaying a statue, vase, font, or other objects. They can be created in any type of building and can also be used as storage boxes.
Order - An order, in architecture, is the technical term for a column and its related elements - in particular its top. The three orders which feature most frequently in classical buildings are the Doric, the Ionic, and the Corinthian.
Organic - It is a philosophy of architecture that promotes harmony between human habitation and the natural world. This is achieved through design approaches that aim to be sympathetic and well-integrated with a site, so buildings, furnishings, and surroundings become part of a unified, interrelated composition.
Orientation - Orientation is the positioning of a building in relation to seasonal variations in the sun’s path as well as prevailing wind patterns. Good orientation can increase the energy efficiency of your home, making it more comfortable to live in and cheaper to run.
Parametric - Parametricism centers on free-form architectural concepts. Sweeping lines, curves, and irregular shapes give each building character. Such designs might look futuristic or even otherworldly.
Public Realm - The term ‘public realm’ is often used interchangeably with ‘public domain’, to refer to external urban spaces that are publicly accessible. It consists of typical urban elements of streets, lanes, plazas, parks and environmental areas of different scales and purposes.
Plinth - A plinth is a base or platform that's used to support something else above the ground. It is a wall between the ground level and the ground floor level. It serves the purpose of raising the base of the column it supports above the ground, thus protecting it from dampness and mold.
Parapet - A parapet wall is a low or dwarf wall built along the edge of the roof, terrace, walkway, balcony etc. Parapet walls can be constructed using different materials like reinforced cement concrete, steel, aluminium, glass etc. It provides a degree of protection from a sudden and potentially fatal fall.
Quoin - Quoins are large rectangular blocks of masonry or brick that are built into the corners of a wall. They can be used as a load-bearing feature to provide strength and weather protection, but also for aesthetic purposes to add detail and accentuate the outside corners of a building.
Quadriporticus - It is a nearly square courtyard surrounded by colonnaded porticoes. It generally supports the roofs of the structures surrounding the atrium.
Radial - Radial design is a visual arrangement around a central point, taking a roughly circular form. A radial city plan is formed by streets that extend outward from a defined center and reach the outer edge of the city, together with concentrically arranged roads that connect the radial streets to the lots.
Regenerative - Regenerative design is based on the idea of creating a building that mimics the restorative aspects found in nature to bring about a positive impact on the overall environment. It is embodied in material selection, reduced energy consumption, and intelligent design.
Rafter - A rafter is a structural component that is used as part of roof construction. Typically, it runs from the ridge or hip of the roof to the wall plate of the external wall. They are typically made of timber or steel and can be concealed within the roof structure, or can be left exposed to the spaces below.
Render - Architectural rendering is the process of creating two-dimensional and three-dimensional images of a proposed architectural design to illustrate lifelike experiences of how space or building will look before they have been built.
Symmetry - In architecture, symmetry is the reflection (mirror) and balanced distribution of components, forms, shapes, or angles across a central axis. It is commonly used to create a sense of order, calm, and uniformity. This style is present on many scales, from single details to the complete structure, and also a lot of urban centers are built on a symmetrical grid pattern.
Sustainability - Sustainable Architecture refers to buildings designed to limit humanity's impact on the environment. It is termed as the development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It is achievable through the choice of a building’s materials, construction methods, resource use, and design in general.
Section - Sections are used to describe the relationship between different levels of a building. It shows a view of a structure as though it had been sliced in half or cut along another imaginary plane.
Setback - Setback can be explained as the minimum open space required around any building or structure. They are required at the front, rear, and sides of buildings and the specifications vary from one area to another.
Threshold - It is a zone of passage or pause between two spaces, areas, or rooms. It is based on mediating movement from one type of spatial status to another – a very public to a very private space.
Typology - It is the classification of (usually physical) characteristics commonly found in buildings and urban places, according to their association with different categories, such as intensity of development (from natural or rural to highly urban), degrees of formality, and school of thought (for example, modernist or traditional).
Thermal Insulation - It is an important technology to reduce energy consumption in buildings by preventing heat gain/loss through the building envelope. Insulation products vary in terms of color, surface finish and texture, core composition, and, importantly, performance.
Truss - A truss is a structure that consists of members organized into connected triangles so that the overall assembly behaves as a single object. Trusses are most commonly used in bridges, roofs, and towers.
Urban fabric - Urban fabric is the physical form of towns and cities. This includes the streetscapes, buildings, soft and hard landscaping, signage, lighting, roads, and other infrastructure.
Vista - A vista is a long view through a narrow line of trees or down a street between buildings. In architecture, vista means the link of background with the foreground through elements like landscape, water bodies, or pathways, enclosed by a mass of buildings to produce a sense of power.
Ventilation - It is the intentional introduction of outdoor air into space. It is used to control indoor air quality, control indoor temperature, humidity, and air motion to produce thermal comfort and satisfaction.
Vernacular - Vernacular architecture is an architectural style that is designed based on local needs, availability of construction materials, and reflecting local traditions. This typology is related to context, specific geographic features, and cultural aspects of its surroundings, and are strongly influenced by them.
Void - Voids are described as completely empty space. In architecture, voids are areas that are fully enclosed or trapped between other services, rooms, or walls within a building and occupy floor space. These areas may be included as usable or apportioned as common areas depending on their location and proximity to the area they adjoin on the floor.
Walkability - Walkability is a measure of how friendly an area is to walking. Factors influencing walkability include the presence or absence and quality of footpaths, sidewalks, or other pedestrian rights-of-way, traffic and road conditions, land use patterns, building accessibility, and safety.
Working Drawings - They are a set of drawings including all of the details and structural information required to both get a building permit and to build any structure. They provide dimensioned, graphical information that can be used by a contractor and other professionals to assemble and construct components.
Xeriscaping - It is the process of landscaping, or gardening, that reduces or eliminates the need for irrigation. It is promoted in regions that do not have an accessible or reliable supply of fresh water and is gaining acceptance in other regions as irrigation water is becoming scarce.
Yard - It is an area of land immediately adjacent to a building or a group of buildings. It may be either enclosed or open.
Yardage - It is a measurement of the length or distance, expressed in yards.
Yurt - A yurt is a portable, circular dwelling made of a lattice of flexible wood and covered in felt or other fabric.
Z
Zone/Zoning - It is a method of urban planning in which the government divides land into areas called zones, each of which has a set of regulations for new development. Zones may be defined for a single-use (e.g. residential, industrial), they may combine several compatible activities by use, or in the case of form-based zoning, the differing regulations may govern the density, size, and shape of allowed buildings whatever their use.
We hope these terms help you in the kick-ass start of your architectural journey. Do let us know if you have come across any more such terms in the comments section below.
Happy Reading!
Author: Ar. Shriya Goyal
Notes:
*The images used are from different public platforms. The intention of using those is only by knowledge sharing.
*credits to all the artists and photographers respectively.