terms library

Arabesque

Arabesque, ar uh BEHSK, is a term used to describe the lacy surface decoration common in Islamic art.

Arch

Arch is a curved structure that supports or strengthens a building.

Atrium

Atrium, AY tree uhm, was the central room of early Roman houses.

Campanile

Campanile, kam puh NEE lay, is a bell tower.

Cantilever

Cantilever, KAN tuh lee vuhr, is a structure that is supported at one end by a downward force.

Cartouche

Cartouche, kahr TOOSH, in architecture, is an ornament shaped like a scroll with rolled-up ends.

Caryatid

Caryatid, kar ee AT ihd, is a column in the form of a female figure found in ancient Greek architecture.

Cathedral

Cathedral is the church of a bishop of some Christian denominations.

Clerestory

Clerestory, KLIHR stawr ee, is an architectural term for the row of windows in a wall that rises above adjacent roofs.

Cloister

Cloister, kloys tuhr, in architecture, refers to a covered walk that encloses the courtyard of a monastery, convent, church, or college.

Column

Column is a freestanding vertical architectural element.

Cupola

Cupola is a small dome that crowns a roof or tower.

Dome

Dome is a curved roof erected on a circular base, much like a bowl turned upside down.

Fountain

Fountain is a jet or stream of water that rises naturally or artificially as a result of pressure.

Gargoyle

Gargoyle, GAHR goyl, is a decorated waterspout that projects from the upper part of a building or tower.

Landscape architecture

Landscape architecture is a profession that involves the design and development of land for human use and enjoyment.

Memorial

Minaret

Minaret, mihn uh REHT or MIHN uh reht, is a tall, usually slender, tower attached to the Muslim house of worship, called a mosque.

Monument

Monument is a structure, usually a building or statue, built in memory of a person or an event.

Obelisk

Obelisk, OB uh lihsk, is a great, upright, four-sided stone pillar.