Classical Roman Architecture Terms

Architectural Elements

• Composite Capital: Features a blend of Ionic volutes and Corinthian acanthus leaves, popular in Roman architecture.
• Aisle: The area beside the nave in a church, separated by columns or piers, enhancing space and movement.
• Amphitheater: A Roman structure resembling two Greek theaters merged, featuring an elliptical cavea surrounding a central arena.
• Apse: A semi-circular recess in basilicas or Christian churches, typically located at the east end.
• Arch: A curved structure spanning openings, made of wedge-shaped blocks (voussoirs), also used for firebreaks as in diaphragm arches.

Key Structures and Spaces

• Arena: The central part of a Roman amphitheater where gladiatorial games and events occurred.
• Atrium: An open, sky-lit court in Roman homes or in front of Christian basilicas, serving as a gathering space.
• Basilica: Rectangular assembly buildings in Rome, later adapted for Christian worship, with distinct entry and apse features.
• Concrete: An innovative building material of the Romans, composed of lime, volcanic sand, and small stones, contributing to architectural durability.
• Drum: The supporting circular wall for domes, also refers to cylindrical stones in non-monolithic columns.

Design Aspects

• Fenestration: The arrangement and design of windows in a building, influencing natural light and aesthetics.
• Forum: The central public square in ancient Roman cities, a hub for commerce and social interaction.
• Groin Vault: Formed by intersecting two barrel vaults, reducing the need for buttressing while appearing lighter.
• Nave: The central part of a church, extending from the entrance to the choir, divided from aisles by piers or columns.

Visual Features

• Oculus: A round opening at the dome's center, allowing light and air circulation; found in both Roman and Gothic architecture.
• Porphyry: A valued purple marble used in Roman architecture, symbolizing luxury and status.
• Pseudoperipteral: This architectural style features engaged columns around a temple's cella, emulating a peripteral colonnade.
• Skenographia: Greek term meaning "scene painting," employing linear perspective for depth in artistic representations.

Decorative and Structural Functions

• Spandrel: The triangular space between arches and horizontal connections, adding to structural integrity and decoration.
• Coffered Ceiling: Ceilings featuring sunken panels, adding aesthetic appeal and reducing weight in architectural designs.
• Attached/Engaged Column: A column fixed to a wall, providing structural support while appearing decorative.
• Niche: A wall recess designed to hold statues, enhancing the visual interest within the space.
• Stringcourse: A horizontal decorative band running across a wall, adding rhythm to the architectural facade.
• Aedicule: A decorative framework around openings, consisting of an entablature and pediment supported by columns or pilasters.
• Pilaster: A flattened column attached to a wall, serving both structural and ornamental purposes in architecture.