STYLES MORGUE
Post -
A verticle feature that supports weight. Can be a column or part of a doorframe.
Lintil -
A horizontal feature that supports weight. Usually found on top of two posts.
Bay -
The space between two posts. Usually found below a lintil.
Span -
The space between two posts along a lintil.
DIC -
Acronymn describing the order of the styles of architecture in the Greek culture. Doric, Ionic, Corinthian.
SCENIC TERMINOLOGY
Entablature -
A lintil that is made up of three parts: Architrave, Frieze, and Cornice. Sits on top of capitals.
Architrave -
Solid block that supports the weight of the rest of the entablature. Usually pretty simply decorated.
Frieze -
Middle section made of Triglyphs and Metopes
Cornice -
Piece of molding that sits on top of the frieze. The roof would than be sitting on top of this.
Triglyphs -
Small decorative columns on a frieze that separates carvings
Metopes -
Section of carvings on the frieze that is separated by triglyphs.
Abacus -
Small rectangular block that sits on top of the column capital and supports the lintil.
Plinth -
Base of a column.
Dentils -
Trim carved from cornice. Looks like blocks that stick out equally spaced.
Mosaic -
Method of decorating that involves using broken pieces of ceramics or glass to create a larger image.
Proskene -
Little raised platform in front of the skene that the actors could use as part of their playing space.
Parodos -
Aisles in between the orchestra and theatron in a greek outdoor theatre.
Skene -
Building that serves as a backdrop in a greek outdoor theatre. Usually has changing rooms for actors and can be multiple stories.
Orchestra -
Playing space in a greek outdoor theatre.
Theatron -
Seating area in a greek outdoor theatre.
Arches -
Architecture created by the Romans where weight was distributed by a Keystone onto piers.
Keystone -
The middle stone at the top of the arch that is shaped like a trapezoid and supports the weight of all the other stones.
Voussoir -
The stones that form the arch surrounding the keystone.
Impost -
The stone that rests on top of the piers that bear the weight of the arch.
Pier -
The vertical posts or columns that the arch is built on.
Portico -
Another term for a dias.
Dias -
The entryway into a building. In many Roman buildings, it appears to be a separate add on.
Occulus -
The center hole in a domed roof that allows sunlight in.
Coffres -
Squares of stone that are cut out of a domed ceiling to make it lighter
Aluem -
A large vellum awning that could be hung over a section of the colosseum to provide shade to the spectators.
Extrados -
The large stones that form the outside of the arch
Introdos -
The small stones that form the inside of the arch
Barrel Vault -
A series of arches that are touching to create a tunnel
Groin Vault -
Four barrel vaults that meet in an x pattern. Think gazebo.
GREEK
EGYPTIAN
ROMAN
MEDIEVAL
Vaulted Ceiling -
Really high ceilngs usually arched made with timber
Buttress -
Stone column or post applied directly to a wall for support allowing the wall to go higher without interior lintels.
Corbel -
Protruding piece of rock that is meant to support a vaulting or buttress. Decoratively carved with creatures that appear to be holding up weight.
Gargoyle -
Stone carving of a devil that was meant to ward off evil spirits or devils. It also directs water from running along the church wall that may cause damage like erosion.
Flying Buttress -
A buttress that touches the wall only where it is weakest. Looks like a half arch attached to the building.
Drawbridge -
Entrance to a castle that could be raised or lowered to shut out or let people in.
Merlon -
Higher part of a crenelation where archers hid behind for protection.
Embrasure -
Lower part of a crenelation where archers can shoot out of.
Crenelation -
Made of embrasures and merlins. Creates the top of the castle wall and is used for defending the castle.
Arrow Slit -
Thin opening in the wall that allows archers to shoot at people outside. It is small enough that attackers outside found it difficult to hit the archers. Usually seen in a cross pattern.
Oirle -
Several circles that come together to form art.
Cupola -
Onion shaped dome at the top of sections of a building. Bulbs out before coming back in. Popular in Russian art.
Hoist Crane -
Pulley system attached to the outside of a house to pull up goods to the second floor. Necessary since most houses were built on the family's business.
RENAISSANCE
Gold Leafing -
Very thin sheets or shavings of gold that you would brush onto a surface.
Chiaroscuro -
Allowing things to fade away or into black.
Aedicule -
Painted or architectural means of framing something. Used around windows, niches, doors, etc
Niche -
A carved opening in a wall to display a sculpture or art piece.
Pilaster -
Squared off column that is applied to a wall. Much more decorative than functional. Cross between a buttress and a column.
Plaza -
Open expanse in front of a building where you can see the entire view of the building.
Palladian Windows-
Two side windows with a center window that has an arched top
Hip Roof-
Roof that slants in on all four sides.
Balustrade -
Balcony on a roof than can be walked on to watch for sailors or returning soldiers.
Quoins -
Blocks on the corners of buildings, many times in a different color than the rest of the brickwork.
NEOCLASSICAL
ROCOCO
Cabriole Leg -
Curved leg of furniture, usually found on chairs made of mahogany.
Queen Anne Style -
Notable for its scroll work on back of chairs with rounded shoulders, cabriole legs, horseshoe shaped seat, and paw feet.
Chippendale Style -
English Rococo style of the Chippendale family.
Cherub -
A winged naked human found in a lot of Rococo artwork. Many cherubs are depicted as infants and this form is referred to as Putti.
Ribbon Window -
Continuous Row of window that is not separated by large sections of masonry or building. (Image not period accurate)
Roof Variation-
Styles of roofs were becoming varied and important to the architectural style during the Romantic period
ROMANTIC
REALISM
Jam Tart Window-
Window with lattie work applied over the glass for decoration
Clapboard-
Wooden planks adhered to the outside of a building
Shake-
Overlapping shingles applied to the outside of a building to create a decorative texture.
This page is intended to be used as a resource for definitons of scenic terms throughout history. The information found below is soley to define the terms and is not fully representative of all architectural elements found in each period. For information on architectural style and techniques, please look at each page regarding the different periods.