Classical Architecture Vocabulary Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is an arch?

A curved structure made of wedge-shaped stones (correct)

A decorative panel on a ceiling

A type of column

A flat structure made of wood

What is the base of a column?

The lowest supporting part of a column.

Define a bay in architectural terms.

A regularly repeated spatial unit of a building.

What does the capital of a column refer to?

The topmost part of a column. Signup and view all the answers

Classical architecture refers only to the architecture of ancient Greece.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is classicism?

Ancient Greek and Roman architectural forms and principles. Signup and view all the answers

What is a coffer?

A sunken square or polygonal decorative panel in a ceiling. Signup and view all the answers

What is a colonnade?

A row of columns supporting a beam or entablature. Signup and view all the answers

Describe a column in classical architecture.

A cylindrical, vertical support, usually tapering upward. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the Corinthian order?

It has acanthus leaves emerging from its capital and is topped by small volutes. Signup and view all the answers

What is a cornice?

The projecting ornamental molding along the top of a building or wall. Signup and view all the answers

What is a dome?

A convex roof or even curvature on a circular or polygonal base. Signup and view all the answers

What defines Doric columns?

The most massive of the three orders with a plain capital and fluted shaft. Signup and view all the answers

What is an entablature?

The topmost part of a classical order that a column supports. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'facade' refer to?

The front of a building. Signup and view all the answers

Define a flute in architecture.

A shallow, vertical, concave groove on a column shaft. Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of Ionic columns?

They have prominent scrolls, or volutes, on their capital. Signup and view all the answers

What does Neoclassicism refer to?

An aesthetic movement that originated in Europe in the second half of the 18th century. Signup and view all the answers

What is an order in classical architecture?

A classic column and entablature proportioned and decorated according to accepted modes. Signup and view all the answers

What is a pediment?

The triangular gable end of an ancient Greek or Roman temple. Signup and view all the answers

What is a portico?

A covered entranceway or porch with columns on one or more sides. Signup and view all the answers

What does revival mean in architectural terms?

The use of order styles of forms in new architecture. Signup and view all the answers

Define a rotunda.

A round hall or building, usually topped with a dome. Signup and view all the answers

What is a shaft in the context of a column?

The main part of a column between the base and capital. Signup and view all the answers

What is a vault?

An arched ceiling or roof, usually built out of masonry. Signup and view all the answers

What is a volute?

A spiral or scroll. Signup and view all the answers

What does asymmetry mean in architecture?

A dynamic balance achieved by the irregular distribution of weights and forces. Signup and view all the answers

Define eclecticism in architecture.

The method of design which selects and combines elements from a variety of stylistic sources. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Classical Architecture Vocabulary

Arch: A curved structure made of wedge-shaped stones (voussoirs) that spans an opening, often used for structural support.
Base: The lowest supporting part of a column that stabilizes it.
Bay: A spatial unit in a building, defined by columns, walls, or windows, often repeated regularly.
Capital: The uppermost part of a column, which transitions between the column and horizontal elements, providing additional support. Notable example includes the Corinthian capital with acanthus leaves.
Classical: Refers to the architecture styles originating from ancient Greece and Rome.
Classicism: Ancient architectural forms and principles derived from Greek and Roman influences.
Coffer: A decorative panel that is sunken square or polygonal, commonly found in ceilings.
Colonnade: A series of columns arranged in a row that supports a beam or entablature; seen in structures like The Vatican.
Column: A cylindrical support featuring a base, shaft, and capital, either monolithic or composed of cylindrical pieces (drums).
Corinthian: The most ornate of the three classical orders, characterized by capitals adorned with acanthus leaves and scrolls.
Cornice: A decorative molding at the top of a building that overhangs to protect the structure below.
Cupola: A small dome, frequently positioned atop a roof or minor tower.
Dome: A rounded, convex ceiling or roof structure supported by a circular or polygonal base.
Drum: Refers to a circular wall supporting a dome or a cylindrical block that forms a column.
Doric: The most robust of the classical orders featuring a plain capital, fluted shaft, and lacking a base.
Entablature: The upper section of a classical order, composed of three parts and supported by columns.
Facade: The principal exterior face of a building, often the front.
Flute: A concave vertical groove running along the shaft of a column.
Ionic: A slender architectural order distinguished by its volute (scroll-like) capital.
Neoclassicism: An artistic movement that emerged in late 18th-century Europe, characterized by a revival of classical styles.
Order: A style of classical column and entablature, of which the Greeks developed three types: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian.
Pediment: A triangular gable typically found at the end of a Greek or Roman temple, also used above doors and windows as an ornamental feature.
Portico: An entranceway or porch supported by columns on one or more sides, a hallmark of classical architecture.
Revival: The act of reusing architectural styles from previous eras in new designs.
Rotunda: A round building or hall, generally topped with a dome.
Shaft: The vertical portion of a column located between the base and capital.
Vault: An arched construction that forms a ceiling or roof, typically made from masonry.
Volute: A spiral or scroll-shaped design element, often found in Ionian capitals.
Asymmetry: A design principle where balance is achieved through uneven distribution of elements around a fulcrum.
Eclecticism: An architectural approach that combines styles and elements from various sources to create a unique design.

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Description

Test your knowledge of key terms related to Classical Architecture. This quiz covers essential vocabulary such as arch, base, capital, and more, that define the styles from ancient Greece and Rome. Perfect for students or enthusiasts of architecture.