Architectural Elements: Masonry, Arches, and Structures
Rigging Irregular Cyclopean Stones
Large Tamna irregular masonry: uncut stones of irregular size. In Classical and early Medieval architecture, ashlar refers to finely worked stones, typically smaller, used in a rough way.
Elements of Architecture
Flat lintels are supported elements, or in parts, architraved. In Classical architecture, the entablature is formed by the architrave (based on the horizontal band of the column), the frieze (horizontal element above the architrave, often with sculptural decoration), and the cornice (a band that encloses the triangular pediment). The pediment is the triangular surface within the cornice, filled with sculpture.
Vaulted Ceilings
Sharp, curved arches are elements formed by voussoirs (the pieces that make up the arch), the skewback (the first two voussoirs at the base of the arch), the keystone (the piece that closes the arch), and the light (the width of the arch). The intrados is the inner curve of the arch.
Vaulted ceilings are generated by the translational movement of an arch. Types include:
- Barrel vault: A succession of semicircular arches.
- Groin vault: The intersection of two semicircular arches.
- Rib vault (or ogival): The intersection of pointed arches.
- Scarfed vault: A semicircular arch over a circular wall.
- Four-centered arch: Half of a pointed arch.
Domed Ceilings
Domed ceilings are generated by the rotational movement of an arch. They take the name of the arch that generates them; the most common is the semicircular dome. Parts include the drum (the horizontal part connecting the building to the dome) and the lantern. Types include:
- Dome on pendentives: The square space transitions to a circle through pendentives.
- Dome on squinches: From a square to an octagon.
Architectural Spaces and Elements
Architecture creates internal spaces. The style is represented through plans. For architecture, plans show details of the building in a horizontal plane. Types include longitudinal axis (Latin cross, common in Medieval and Contemporary eras) and Greek cross (centralized, square, or circular). Facades are divided into bodies (horizontal sections) and streets (vertical sections). Openings include doors and windows, and portals are decorated doorways.
Decorative and Construction Techniques
Traditional construction materials include stone, marble, and clay (brick, opus latericium: baked; adobe: sun-dried). Concrete is made of cement and limestone. Decorative materials include ceramics, plaster, and wood (principally in Islamic architecture). Contemporary construction uses iron, steel, reinforced concrete, and glass.
Supporting Elements
These include a series of openings: spans (elements include the threshold (bottom of the door), the sill (top), jambs, lintels, arches, and tympanums). Columns have circular sections. Types, based on their construction, include: exempt (freestanding), attached, and isolated (as decorative elements). Column elements include the base (underpinning), the shaft (which may have fluting or be smooth), and the capital (the decorative element that gives the column its name). Orders include:
- Doric: The most basic order, without a base (Greek).
- Tuscan: A Roman variety of the Doric order.
- Ionic: Features a base and capitals with volutes (scrolls).
- Corinthian: Decorated with acanthus leaves on the capitals, combining Ionic and Corinthian elements.
Pillars
Pillars have polygonal sections. Types include:
- Square: The most common.
- Cruciform: Used in parking structures and during the Medieval period.
- Baquetonado: Used in Gothic architecture.
- Pilaster: A pillar attached to a wall. (Note: Computer tables do not use pilasters.)
Walls
Regular rigging: Isodomic walls have blocks of the same height and width. A rope and firebrand pattern alternates the stones. Padding uses large blocks of stone with recessed vertices, useful in Renaissance construction.