Architectural Terms Beginning With "A"

Below are definitions and photographic illustrations of architectural term beginning with the letter "A".

# A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Abutment - The part of a structure that receives the load of an arch. (In other words, the abutment supports the weight of the arch as well as the weight of any structural elements the arch itself supports.)

Accouplement - Two columns or pilasters placed next to each other.

Acoustical Ceiling - A ceiling constructed of acoustical tile.

Acoustical Tile - Ceiling tile made from a sound-absorbing substance, such as fiberglass or cork.

Adobe - A brick-like building material made of a sun-dried clay and straw mixture.

Aggregate - Any mineral substance (usually sand or gravel) added to cement to make concrete or mortar. Most concrete is around 60%-70% aggregate, so the mineral used heavily impacts the strength, weight, and appearance of the concrete.

Alcove - A recess or small room attached to a much larger room.

Allee - A broad walk planted with trees on either side.

Anaglyph - An ornament carved in bas-relief.

Anteroom - A smaller, outer room used as a waiting area that opens onto a larger and more important room.

Applique - A decoration cut from a piece of material and attached to a larger piece of material.

Architrave - The lowermost section of an entablature, which sits directly on the capitals of columns and supports the frieze.

Archivolt - The decorative band on the face of an arch.

Arris Gutter - A gutter with a V-shaped cross section.

Atrium - A large, central court in a building usually lit through a large glass ceiling that's several stories high.