Architectural Terms

If you’re responsible for a building in any way you’ll need to know  how to refer to it’s components. The terms for doing so are ancient and brand new. Capitals and cornices, friezes and entablatures are elements of the Parthenon and many of the buildings on the New York City skyline. There are no hydrophylic coatings or mineral silicate paint on the Coliseum but if you need these materials on the pilasters in your multiwythe wall you’ll need to know how to refer to the materials and the building components that will receive them.

Brick Masonry Terms

Short glossary of terms related to brick and brick masonry construction at theconstructor.org

CMU (concrete masonry unit) Related Terms

On Angelus Block Company‘s site

Dictionary of Moisture Protection and Restoration

This web publication is more than a dictionary and not much less than an encyclopedia. It was given to Conproco by the author, John F. Maillard.

Glossary of Architectural Elements and Terms

New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission glossary of architectural elements and terms that appear in the LPC’s application instructions and on their website

Doric order components and the Parthenon
Example of the Doric Order: 1. Tympanum, 2. Acroterion, 3. Sima, 4. Cornice, 5. Mutule, 7. Frieze, 8. Triglyph, 9. Metope, 10. Regula, 11. Gutta, 12. Taenia, 13. Architrave, 14. Capital, 15. Abacus, 16. Echinus, 17. Column, 18. Fluting, 19. Stylobate

Window Terminology – Appendix A of the study report

Definitions of the technical terms used in the report “Water Penetration Resistance of Windows— Study of Manufacturing, Building Design, Installation and Maintenance Factors” commissioned by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation