Architecture Dictionary


reinforced concrete
Term
concrete that has been made stronger by embedding steel rods within, before the concrete cures
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shaft
Term
the middle portion of a Classical column
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skeleton frame construction
Term
a method of construction done by creating a frame of thin pieces of wood, steel, or concrete and hanging…
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Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
Architect/Firm
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) was founded in 1936 by Louis Skidmore and Nathaniel Owings. Partner…
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spandrel
Term
a horizontal piece on the exterior of a building that indicates the floor level
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stainless steel
Term
a type of steel, often very shiny, that does not easily rust
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steel
Term
a type of metal that is strong, hard, and somewhat elastic
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Studio Gang Architects
Architect/Firm
Based in Chicago and now with an office in New York City, Studio Gang Architects was founded by Jeanne…
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Louis Sullivan
Architect/Firm
As an architect, critic and mentor, Louis H. Sullivan had an impact on architecture that extends well…
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terra cotta
Term
Latin words for "cooked earth"; a building material such as a tile piece; terra cotta is made from moist…
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tracery
Term
the open ornamental, branches or lines of stone in a Gothic window
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tripartite division
Term
a method of visually organizing the facade of the building by dividing it up into three sections, similar…
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trunnion bascule bridge
Term
trunnion is a French word for "stump" or pivot point; bascule is a French word for "see-saw"; a trunnion…
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truss
Term
a structural member that is a rigid frame; it is typically made up of many triangles
Term Details