Classical Architecture Elements

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Questions and Answers

What is a pendentive?

An elemental in construction that allows for the placement of a dome or a square space.

Which of the following is an architectural ornament resembling the leaves of a plant?

Pendentive

Architrave

Acanthus (correct)

Capital

What is the lowest division of an entablature resting on the capital of a column?

Cornice

Architrave (correct)

Capital

Dome

What does the term 'capital' refer to in architecture?

The topmost member of a column or a pilaster. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'colossal order' in classical architecture?

An order whose columns or pilasters span two or more storeys. Signup and view all the answers

Define 'cornice' in architectural terms.

A horizontal decorative molding that tops a building or furniture element. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'entasis' in relation to columns?

A slight convex curve in the shaft of a column. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Ionic order?

One of the three classical orders of architecture characterized by narrow columns with scroll-like capitals. Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'post and lintel' construction system?

A building system where strong horizontal elements are held up by strong vertical elements. Signup and view all the answers

What is terracotta?

A hard, fire clay, brown-reddish in color used for ornaments, pottery, and sculpture. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'in antis' refer to in classical architecture?

Pertaining to a temple where the antae extend to form the sides of a recessed portico. Signup and view all the answers

What is the base in architectural terms?

The lower part of a wall, pier, or column considered as a separate feature. Signup and view all the answers

What is cast iron known for in historic architecture?

A prominent style during the Industrial Revolution era before steel was widely used. Signup and view all the answers

What is a column?

A structural element that transmits the weight of the structure above to the base below. Signup and view all the answers

What is a dome?

Resembles the hollow upper half of a sphere. Signup and view all the answers

What is a facade?

The front or face of a building, which sets the tone for its design. Signup and view all the answers

What is a nave in a Christian church?

The central part of the church extending from the entrance to the transepts. Signup and view all the answers

What does a pilaster do?

Gives the appearance of a supporting column but is only ornamental. Signup and view all the answers

What is a pylon in classical architecture?

A monumental gateway of an Egyptian temple consisting of two tapering towers. Signup and view all the answers

What is a volute?

A spiral, scroll-like ornament found at the capital of the Ionic column. Signup and view all the answers

What is an arcade in architecture?

A succession of arches supported by columns or piers, creating a covered walkway. Signup and view all the answers

What is a bracket in architectural terms?

A structural or decorative member that projects from a wall to carry weight. Signup and view all the answers

What is a clerestory?

A high section of wall that contains windows above eye level. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Classical Elements of Architecture

Pendentive: A construction element facilitating the placement of a dome in a square space.
Acanthus: A genus of Mediterranean plants with spiny leaves and showy flowers, also used as an architectural ornament, particularly in Corinthian capitals.
Architrave: The lowest part of an entablature, resting directly on the column's capital, or the molding around rectangular openings like doors.
Capital: The uppermost part of a column or pilaster, functioning as a transition between the column and the load above, broadening the support surface.
Colossal Order: A grand architectural style where columns or pilasters extend across two or more stories, often incorporating smaller orders in window and door framings.
Cornice: A decorative molding that serves as a ledge, topping either a building or furniture design.
Entasis: A slight curve in a column's shaft designed to create an optical illusion of straightness.
Ionic Order: One of the three classical architectural orders, characterized by slender columns with volutes in the capitals, standing on bases that separate them from the platform.
Post and Lintel: A foundational building system where horizontal elements (lintels) are supported by vertical structures (posts), allowing for large open spaces.
Terracotta: A durable, reddish-brown fire clay used for various purposes, including ornamentation, structural units, and ceramic art.
In Antis: Refers to classical temples with antae that form the sides of a recessed portico supported by columns.
Base: The lower section of a structural element, such as a wall or column, considered distinct in design.
Cast Iron: A prominent building material during the Industrial Revolution, preceding the advent of steel.
Column: Also known as a pillar, it serves as a key structural element, transferring weight from above to the supporting base below.
Dome: A curved roof resembling the upper half of a sphere, commonly seen in various architectural styles.
Facade: The front or face of a building, crucial for establishing design tone and visual impact.
Nave: The central part of a Christian church, extending from the entrance to the transepts.
Pilaster: An ornamental feature that simulates a column's appearance but lacks structural support.
Pylon: A monumental gateway in Egyptian temples consisting of two tapering towers connected by a lower section, framing the entrance.
Volute: A scroll-like ornamentation found on Ionic column capitals, later influencing Corinthian and Composite styles.
Arcade: A series of arches supported by columns or piers, often creating a covered walkway. Blind arcades are characteristic of Romanesque architecture, drawn from Gothic influences.
Bracket: A structural or decorative element projecting from a wall to support weight, with forms like corbels and consoles used for added strength.
Clerestory: A section of wall that contains windows above eye level, allowing light into the interior space.

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Test your knowledge on key elements of classical architecture with these flashcards. Each card features a term and its definition, providing insight into architectural functions and decorations. Perfect for architecture students or enthusiasts!